Though it’s now past airtime, I decided to jump on reviewing Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: an Almost History of America, and I’m so glad I did. I’m not hugely familiar with Larry David’s work. I know of Curb Your Enthusiasm and have seen bits and pieces over the years, but I wasn’t entirely sure of what to expect in this one. The most underlying theme to mention first is Larry’s desire to make himself the main subject, and throwing himself into moments in history certainly proved mildly amusing. The Obamas, both Michelle and Barack, were included in the inception and making of the show, and it was fun seeing Barack appear on screen. Each episode takes a few snippets of history, varying across the 250 years of America’s existence, and provides a background look at what was and what could have been. I adore that it was narrated by Samuel L Jackson, because I’m not sure what other narration projects he’s done besides The Farce of the Penguins, but that was one of my favorite films for a while. Now let us dig into the telling and un-telling of some pivotal moments of our nation, courtesy of Larry David and HBO.
1: Livingston
Jurnee Smollett as Rosa Parks & Larry David as Lawrence
We open with Barack giving us some background and reminding us that America’s always been a work in progress. Some days it feels like we slide farther back than we should, but I digress. We get a sneak peek at the Continental Congress and the first very rough draft of the Declaration. Not having to share your umbrella would have been a very odd thing to include. Next, it’s introducing the creation of the telephone and people demanding different ringtones right away, as well as the awkwardness of being on the phone for too long. We pivot over to the WWI trenches and how to fake a bullet injury to get out of combat, as well as having to admit your homie’s lady isn’t as attractive as he thinks. “We all have types.” And we finish with Rosa Parks giving up, or rather escaping her seat because of an incredibly annoying man next to her. Valid, Rosa. Valid.
2: Farewell
Jerry Seinfeld as Clark & Larry David as Lewis
This episode starts with the highlighting of the Louisiana Purchase and the land Lewis and Clark would need to explore. If only their pesky wives cared to support the journey. And should it be Lewis and Clark or Clark and Lewis? Admittedly, Lewis and Clark does roll off the tongue better despite not being alphabetical. We pivot over to learn more about the Electoral College and how winning the popular vote doesn’t mean you’ll win the presidency. “Why do we even have an electoral college?” “Because the Republicans won’t pass a constitutional amendment because they know they’ll lose every election, those cocksuckers.” Way to drop some piping hot tea, Larry! Next up is the stock market crash and line etiquette for soup and bread handouts. No chat and cuts! The episode finishes up with Washington stepping down, warning about party loyalty vs common interests. The digs at Trump, Congress, and the Supreme Court were brilliant, as well as slighting Epstein. “We’re fucked.” Indeed we are, President Washington. Indeed, we are. We also get a lovely tribute to Rob Reiner in his final acting role as Washington.
3: McCarthy
Lin-Manuel Miranda as Michael Finney & Larry David as Lawrence
This episode opens with the Boston Tea Party and how sometimes people’s feelings might get hurt if they’re not invited to participate. “I didn’t know you were down for the cause.” Next is the Underground Railroad, which assisted many slaves in escaping to the North. But what happens when a visitor decides to linger and make themselves comfortable? “I’m not your slave, man.” We briefly stop and see the Wright brothers, their new flying invention, and the awkwardness of having a third brother. The bickering was hilarious. The episode ends by highlighting the Red Scare and the ways the witch hunts reached absolute absurdity. “No one’s gonna chant with you.” Thinking about the commonalities of today is giving me whiplash.
4: Deepthroat
Larry David as Dora Salk & Adam Lustick as Jonas Salk
Watergate was a massive scandal, and assisting in breaking that news was confidential informant Deepthroat. But what if he was a little bit unhinged and unwell? We then pivot to Henry Ford and his creation of the automobile, but also his rampant antisemitism. What a schmuck. Next is the unmarried president, James Buchanan, and his desire to hit it off with the ladies, which he fails at miserably, but he does start a fight with Jefferson Davis, leading to secession and the beginning of the Civil War. No, Buchanan, you can’t just do passed apps. That’s a terrible idea. Finally, we highlight the creation of the polio vaccine and how successful it was at eradicating polio. “Thanks to widespread vaccinations.” Jonas Salk’s mother was very proud, and I really appreciated the digs at RFK and the anti-vax neighbor.
5: Lincoln
Larry David as Lawrence Butterfield, Bill Hader as Abraham Lincoln, & Kathryn Hahn as Mary Todd Lincoln
We open with the OK Corral shoot-out, but what really caused it? “I lack knot confidence.” But also, is it at the corral or next to it? How exactly does one determine shoot-out logistics? The main story for the rest of this episode was Lincoln, his assassination, and his horrible relationship with his wife. Bill Hader and Kathryn Hahn utterly shine as Lincoln and Mary Todd despite spending the whole time bitching at each other. Mary won’t leave the White House once her husband is gone, and a friend begging only results in a tussle over a yellow scarf.
6: Buzz
Paul Rudd as Neil Armstrong & Larry David as Buzz Aldrin
Paul Revere is on the move, letting everyone know the British are coming. Only not this way; sorry to upend everyone’s night and possibly destroy marriages. Would the Texas rebellion and Alamo have gone differently if everyone really knew what was under Davy Crockett’s hat? Is he bald? Would they willingly follow a bald man? Susan B. Anthony hosts a dinner discussing her soon-to-pass amendment giving women the right to vote. But how to handle a rude dinner guest who ate beforehand? “It’s a salad fork, Lawrence.” And finally, we end with understanding why Neil got to walk on the moon first instead of Buzz. And yes, Buzz, gifts for the team sending you into space would have been a nice touch. Neil gets it.
7: Lawrence
Larry David as Lawrence & Barack Obama as himself
WWII is over, but that doesn’t mean you can just go around kissing random nurses, Larry. Someone might just want to fight you. William Henry Harrison chose not to wear a coat, and now he’s got a fever. But what’s the quote? Starve a fever, feed a cold? Or the other way around? And talk about eating too much, it’s an awkward conversation when the Donner Party finally got saved. “I didn’t say anything about eating people.” There’s a whole lot of questions that will be difficult to answer… And finally, we end on one of the biggest political scandals of all: who told Barack to wear a tan suit?! “People are gonna be talking about this for a long, long time.” Oh boy, did they.
The show wraps up with some lovely parting words from Barack. A reminder to have hope and keep helping in this Great Experiment of America. For having the weird and hilarious overall attitude, it was a nice parting note. Every snippet had notable actors involved, so it’s hard to highlight everyone, but it was absolutely amazing casting across the board. While you certainly get the sense that Larry is fond of himself and likes to be the lead character, he inserted himself pretty funnily across the historical moments. Overall, the show was a nice reminder of where we’ve been and how much the country has grown, but also how much farther we still can go. We can’t give up on this Great Experiment just yet, even if the current backsliding will take a while to undo.
