Last Man Standing: Episode 3

Writer: Marieke Hardy
Director: Adrian Holmes

Plot Synopsis: This weeks episode is very much centered on notions of self-improvement. Adam is concerned that he has put on weight, having been complacent while in a relationship and so decides to lose some weight at the gym. Adam awkwardly develops too close a relationship with his personal trainer.

Cameron, having cock-blocked Bruno and engaged in a threesome with two ladies on Bruno’s bed (leaving him outside to listen from the couch), has come to the realization that he’s really a bit of a bastard. Cameron decides to clean up his act somewhat and try to seek a relationship of meaning.

Bruno, hurt from the experience with Cameron, takes a further blow by discovering the strong sexual appetitie of his parents after walking in on his very naked father. The experience rattles him so much that he seemingly sabotages a threesome set up for him by Cameron.

Thoughts: The wit and charm of the characters is in full force with this episode. One of the strengths of LMS is watching the characters interact outside of a loose plot. And this was just loose enough. The finest moments came from some of the physical gags, such as seeing a red-haired kid hit in the head with a football, and Bruno encountering his very naked father mixing drinks in his kitchen.

In terms of character development, the Cameron/Adam storylines juxtaposition was well-done, if perhaps poorly timed. Adam’s desire to get in shape was a plot that worked perfectly in the timeframe of the show. It was the first thing he really concentrated on while getting out of the funk of his relationship, yet was still early enough in the series for it to resonate strongly as a direct evolution from the events of the first two episodes of the show. Cameron’s storyline simply felt too early in the series. I’d have much rather seen more of Cameron the complete cad prior to any notions of self-awareness on his behalf.

Recurring: We see the brief return of Bret and Chich. Also, Zoe makes a brief appearance in a couple of scenes. The character of Zoe is potentially problematic at this point. As a regular character, there is a need to beef up her character as to give her something to do, yet to do so takes away from the shows focus and general conceit, being the lives and development of the three lads. It will be interesting to see the next couple of episodes in how they write her into the episodes.