Season two of “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” lacks an engaging plot; however, that is more than made up for in the hilarity of its actors’ performances. A rather boring season of stories is kept afloat by the magnificent work of the show’s cast members, who exude a real passion for their roles.
The overall plot does not feature much. Every episode stands alone, with the main running threads being romances for Kimmy and Titus and a rivalry for Jacqueline. The plots are somewhat listless and few are memorable, but there is enough humor littered in the episodes that it is easy to look beyond this weakness.
Ellie Kemper as the titular character is adorable, and she manages to make jokes that could be wearing thin by now but still work. Every time Kimmy makes an outdated reference or is out of touch with modernity, it is still worth a laugh, despite the joke’s predictability.
Tituss Burgess as Titus Andromedon continues to be the most consistently funny character on the show. The show manages to create an interesting love story for Titus. A minor character from season 1, Mikey, portrayed by Mike Carlsen is brought into the spotlight as Titus’s boyfriend. Not only is their plotline funny and sweet, but it is handled well compared to other same-sex relationships portrayed on television.
Carol Kane and Jane Krakowski round out the main cast but are definitely the weaker parts. Krakowski as Jacqueline White’s story arc is mostly obnoxious and would probably be insufferable if it weren’t for a new, recurring character. Kimmy’s landlord, Lillian, played by Kane, is never quite given enough to do. Many episodes just throw her into the plot with inept explanation.
The best character of the second season is Deirdre Robespierre, a wealthy socialite rival of Jacqueline’s who is portrayed gleefully by Anna Camp.
Deirdre is an overeducated woman who has entered the one percenter housewife lifestyle and has no outlet for her intelligence until she meets Jacqueline. From here she makes it her quest to destroy the newly divorced Jacqueline, and this provides some of the season’s funniest moments.
Camp is not the only fun guest star this season. David Cross appears as a strange attorney that gets involved with Jacqueline. Portlandia star Fred Armisen also appears as a former lover of Lillian’s, who is very likely the alleged serial killer Robert Durst.
One of the most interesting features of the season is its goal of showing off the talent of the cast, especially Burgess. Many episodes feature musical numbers, and one of the funniest moments of the season is a glorious dance routine between Titus and his ex-fiancé Vonda, played by Pernell Walker. In fact, the plots are often obvious fronts for just showing off his talent. One episode has a piano appear outside the main character’s apartment just so Titus can sing show tunes the entire episode.
If you liked season one of the show or liked “30 Rock,” then this will come highly recommended. While it does not quite capture the sheer hilarity of the first season, it is still a fantastic effort and will leave you waiting for the inevitable third season.
