‘Dave’ S2, Ep8 – ‘The Burds’ Review: “Slow Songs and Parents”

Being consistent and productive is the name of the game. Rappers like Drake, Travis Scott, and the absolute most consistent rapper ever Curren$y are just a few I can think of. These artists consistently release music or features. Travis even does it marketing-wise thanks to his McDonald’s meal, PS5, and Jordan releases. The name of the game is visibility and consistency. Unfortunately, these are things that Dave (Dave Burd) or Lil Dicky does not have.

This season has been all about Dave working on his non-existent album. The label helping him at every whim finally inquires about his album, which leads to the firing of him and Mike. Dave moves into the Airbnb his parents, Don (David Paymer) and Carol (Gina Hecht), have been living in since they moved to LA. Dave discovers some things about his parents that make him sad and uncomfortable. He learns that his music where he actually uses his emotions is the best kind he makes after a conversation with Mike (Andrew Santino), and he tries to speak with Ally (Taylor Misiak) but their friendship hits a snag.

Tony Yacenda is back to back as he returns for his second episode. Vanessa McGee, who wrote the season one episode “Ally’s Toast”, makes her first appearance as screenwriter this season. McGee seems to understand Ally as a character and what makes her tick, also knows how Ally and Dave’s relationship works and doesn’t work. She’s honestly given us the best situational instances when everything collapses for the two. Yacenda understands Dave the character and his development. He doesn’t miss an opportunity to grow Dave and help make him better. This team works very well together and made a unique episode. Burd, Misiak, Hecht, and Paymer give some really great performances in this episode. The chemistry is incredible, and it’s all-around amazing acting from some core cast members.

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This episode tackles things like mental health and the fact that mental health is hereditary. Dave learns of his father’s mental illness, realizes he doesn’t know his mother’s favorite meal, and realizes he’s been selfish. As I’ve stated in previous reviews, Dave has done a wonderful job approaching the mental health conversation. In the wake of things like Simone Biles bowing out the Olympics, Naomi Osaka taking a break from tennis, and Kyrie Irving focusing on his mental health, it’s beyond time to focus on mental health. A lot of people are still ignorant to how it affects people. These days, it’s really becoming an important conversation.

Overall, this was a decent episode of Dave. They’ve been having important conversations for two seasons and highlighting things we need to be speaking about in the hip-hop community. Dave is a show that doesn’t have to rely on cameos, it relies on being grounded in the reality. No matter how much money, a lot of famous people are still normal and want to lead normal lives. We as humans are conflicted and have been since the dawn of man, and Dave spotlights that conflict as beautifully as the best shows. It makes you feel awkward and look in the mirror at times. It is not always a thought-provoking show, but when it is, it does it well. – Rascal F. Kennedy

Rating: 8/10

Dave premieres on FXX at 10/9c and Hulu the next day.