Well, f**k. If that wasn't on of the best episode of Veep, then I have no damn clue what I'm talking about. Episode 3 of Veep's already brilliant 3rd season, titled “Alicia”, reminds us why Veep is one of the best comedies currently on air. The episode followed Selina and her Veeple as they prepared for the announcement that she will be running for president. An announcement aptly titled, “Operation Lady POTUS”.
This episode found Selina at her absolute worst, which is the absolute best for us. However, instead of telling the episode from the Veep's perspective, we watched the events unfold from the perspective of Alice Brice, wonderfully played by the incredibly talented Tracie Thoms. Alicia is an activist rooted in universal child care, who was drawn to be “next to the Veep” during her announcement as a VIP. Little did she know, other VIPs included an injured fireman, cancer survivor, and disabled farmer.
She first had to deal with Amy who according to Sue sounded “uncomfortable, like she's dealing with a member of the public,” when she first met Alicia and her daughter. SIDE NOTE: Amy dealing with children is one of the most hilarious running gags on the show. Amy has the pressure of constantly dealing with Alicia and her daughter to keep them happy, including a fun trip to the bathroom.
Dan, who felt it was necessary to remind Alicia that she was an inspiration every time he passed her, had to deal with an SNL sketch that poked fun at Selina and her pony to which she responds: So what, I had a horse as a kid. Who didn't? I mean, have a pet, is what I meant.”
However, best B-storyline has to go to Mike who accidentally calls Alicia a cow after being tasked with disinviting her from the announcement after the party tells Selina to drop universal child care. Mike then has to deal with Jonah who threatens to release the story and ruin Mike's career. Mike decides to give into Jonah and begs him, on his knees, to not run the story. Jonah, like the ass he is, makes Mike sing “Goober Peas” with a little twang. However, Jonah, like the ass he is, still threatens to run the story.
Selina must also deal with some… difficulties. First of all, she has to deal with everyone's opinions on what to include in her speech. Space? Universal childcare? Seniors? Well, the party prefers the latter. When she refuses, some party members “hit some traffic” and are unable to make the announcement. After a small blow up, with some balloon casualties, Selina gives in and drops universal childcare.
Then falls into a fugue state, that Catherine has to snap her our of. Also, did I mention that she had to deal with Catherine wearing the same outfit as her?
In the end things work out for Mike and Selina when, using Alicia's daughter, Selina is able to convince the party to allow universal childcare. Alicia is back on the Veep's side, which puts her against Jonah when she denies to him that Mike ever said anything.
This episode brought the characters of Veep to hell and back, but that's what makes great television. It also continued the incredible build of this campaign that is going to end either spectacularly and disastrously, which is great for us either way.
LAST NOTE: Best Jonah insult of the night goes to Leon with, “Amy, what is this bushel of f**k talking about?”
Hey, I'm Karl, founder and film critic at Smash Cut. I started Smash Cut in 2014 to share my love of movies and give a perspective I haven't yet seen represented. I'm also an editor at The New York Times, a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, and a member of the Online Film Critics Society.