Another Period
“Masquerade”
Season 3, Episode 5
Comedy Central
Team Garfield.
For Another Period’s short history, the show sure has had a lot of two part episodes. Season three is no different with “Masquerade” continuing threads from “The Love Boat.” Peepers is actually gone from the house and Garfield is left in control. But while Garfield is given the lead, butler duties fall on a more capable Flobelle.
The sisters Bellacourt are getting ready for a masquerade ball that is to be thrown by Frederick’s wife Celery, who cordially dis-invites the ladies early on. She thinks this is the best chance for the hapless Vice President to get in good with National Restroom Association (NRA) – that joke is glossed over in terrific fashion – head Colonel Beauregard Trimbald (played by the loveable Steve Little). The guy is a big proponent of segregation because it’s great for business: "Double the toilets and the black ones don't even need to work." These guest characters make up some of the best parts of Another Period so it’s good to see this trend nearly doubled this season. Little’s performance here is whimsical and perverted as the Colonel picks through his prospects for a young, pre-pubescent lover. Stomachs should remain in an uneasy state when he goes through the selection process, each girl bragging about how they haven’t reached womanhood. It’s Lillian who wins, though, after sneaking into the party and being mistaken as one of the offerings. Her baby voiced “I haven’t gotten my peeweod” is a hilarious nightmare turned into reality.
Elsewhere, Beatrice and Frederick are unable to recognize one another in their frilly masks (that are later revealed to be glued on for some reason). The two fall back in love; both thinking the other is a stranger. Before anything serious goes down (again), Beatrice is called to her sister’s aid. It’s fun to see the circumstances in which the scenes occurred but this particular storyline is tiring. Although Celery’s attempts at getting Frederick elected are less built out but promising.
Then there’s Garfield. Sadly, the one character who should be getting more of the focus in “Masquerade” is given the back seat. Yes, it’s an episode that’s clearly about the party but we know how that’s going to turn out. If the final scene is any indication, the writers clearly didn’t have much for Garfield to do. He convinces Peepers by telling him that a woman has taken over as Head Butler and Peepers ditches his wife and kids in a heartbeat.
Should you watch “Masquerade?”
Like most episodes of Another Period, this one is light on story, decent on continuity and heavy on jokes. All of that makes it good enough.