I think the writing is not as sharp sans-Ianucci, but it's still watchable. They do default to piling on shockingness rather than wit.

IDK, found some of Kalinda's relationships compelling.

Also, "my new friends are pretty." What a dick.

Also she broke the heart of John Ritter's son! Not to mention, Ray. And that cute co-worker of hers in Japan. Nice people break up with others in a normal way; don't go on rants to their friends about why they don't like them anymore.

Shosh isn't that great. Naive isn't the same as interesting. She's vulnerable in a A VERY OBVIOUS WAY which does it for some viewers, I guess. She's my least favorite Girl though.

If my partner didn't stand up for me in that situation, instead sucking up, I would consider dumping him.

But she told him she had a mental health problem.

"Complete SLUT"? "Giant dildo"? You seem . . . sheltered.

I'm sure Paul Rust has always done fine with women. The character of GUS does not have much going for him. He's not funny, smart, confident, charming or interesting. That's the difference.

1. Doesn't stand up for the kid he tutors when she wants his help convincing her parents to stop treating her like a meal ticket.

Gus is an asshole because he refuses to understand reality. He gets offered amazing opportunities all the time - getting to help write an episode of a network TV show, an offer to bone his powerful boss (and maybe advance his career), the offer to go to New York to write a movie with a powerful director - and he fucks…

Some people like character studies. This is a character study. Maybe this show is not for you!

Am I the only person secretly rooting for Mickey + Harry Crane? Just seem like a better-balanced couple than her and Gus.

Gus is addicted to blowing awesome opportunities.

I don't think she wanted validation . . . I think she and Dustin are actually a better potential couple than her and Gus and when Gus was away, she got healthier, and was attracted to a better match for her.

He could have told Marty he was acting like a jerk.
He could have suggested that he and Mickey leave the bar as soon as they walked in.
He could have not questioned Mickey when she told him the awful story about her father abandoning her.
He could have believed her when she said her father was an alcoholic.
He could have…

Responding to a criticism by blowing it out of proportion? Cool story, bro.

"Jewish features"? Pretty racist thing to say.

How does she keep it so clean? Seems kind of out-of-character.

HER SKIN IS LIKE MOONLIGHT!