This episode jumped from one of the funniest scenes so far to one of those scenes that dive into the realism this show wants to aim for. I feel like this episode is a good example of what lies between the fantastic and raw writing of this show. Props to Bill Hader for his accurate performance of a socially awkward guy without enough energy to transform into someone else... yet.
10 Reviews
Barry - Use It
Scarecrow-882 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Hader trying to figure out how to circumvent his reasons for being called to LA and his desire to stay put so he can pursue an acting career are the crux of the second episode of Barry, Use It, as he attends the funeral of his mark, Ryan (the gym trainer who was having an affair with the wife of Chechen mobster, Goran Pazar (Glenn Fleshler)), urged by fellow actress, Sally Reed (Sarah Goldberg, who continues to be a great find for this HBO first season series), to help her participate in a scene from the Meryl Streep/Philip Seymore Hoffman drama, Doubt (the scene where he's trying to keep her from telling others about child molestation) as a tribute to their dead colleague. Goran wants Barry to kill a Bolivian rival so he could save Fuches (Stephen Root) from assassination-to prove their seriousness, Goran has one of his thugs "file" Fuches' teeth!-but it isn't without resistance.
But the threat of Fuches' death is enough to convince Barry to commit to the job. Meanwhile, Barry tries to ply his craft with help from Sally as Ryan's "funeral"-at a favorite drinking hole, while acting coach, Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler) inspires the troupe to give it their all...even postponing a session, but maintaining the fee they pay him, of course. Fans of Hader know that he is often over the top on Saturday Night Live, but this role as Barry has really brought out a side of him (subtlety and measured reactions) quite impressive. Like when he is feeling emotional response other than apathy and misery (obvious enduring angst due to killing people as a profession without much else), particularly when in the presence of Sally.
My favorite scene has Sally coming to grips, in shock, that after Ryan's "wake", as Barry walks her to her door he doesn't make an effort to sleep with her. He just pleasantly accommodates her when approached with being her partner for the Doubt "rehearsals", not comfortable with the subject matter, (considering the scene inappropriate for a wake, although Sally felt because it was her last with Ryan, it was) but nonetheless agreeable, despite a walkout after Ryan's dad offers a warm tribute to those who lovingly portrayed film scenes for their fallen friend. Hader's direction includes Barry outside a hotel room while Fuches is trying to ward off Goran's men, including his right hand, NoHo (Anthony Carrigan) inside the room, the camera catching both simultaneously in a framed shot. Hader is skilled at capturing ordinary lives in LA without the glamorous side, as fresh faces, enthusiastic about their craft, use films of the past in order to reach within (Sally even recommends Barry to add his emerging overwhelming reaction to Ryan's dad's weeping, and the loss of a father for his son, as "paint for his toolbox" to use for acting roles when needed) in the hopes of evolving as actors. Barry does seem committed to this, trying (and failing) to shoo away Fuches so he can stay behind, the betrayal of a hit done incorrectly his reason for doing so (when it was actually Barry wanting to satiate this acting bug he now has) as explained to his handler.
Then Fuches is held hostage while Barry goes ahead and returns to acting with Sally until the details for his next hit are sent to him. Paula Newsome is introduced as Detective Moss, working on the Ryan murder case, which included the executions of Goran's men who had attempted to kill Barry. NoHo leaves behind a camera accidentally which provides details of the evening to Moss! The investigation at the police station (which includes Moss betting on a detective's badly ending marriage resulting in a nice payday and two tech guys wasting time getting to evidence needed to hopefully resolve her case by watching YouTube videos!) is where the show yucks it up the most with its comedy as the officers are presented as quirky and peculiar. Moss tries to crack a code needing to access evidence, setting off a virus the FBI will need to be notified about! Meanwhile, Barry seems to have something with potential as Sally appears to have interest in him, confused when he won't come in (even startled that he doesn't make a pass at her as is typical with men who show interest in her). The theater world, for me as a viewer, is a lot of fun. Include a hitman who pretends to be a struggling actor dedicated to making this a success, with all the unexpected entanglements that might result, and I'm quite invested! 3.5/5
But the threat of Fuches' death is enough to convince Barry to commit to the job. Meanwhile, Barry tries to ply his craft with help from Sally as Ryan's "funeral"-at a favorite drinking hole, while acting coach, Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler) inspires the troupe to give it their all...even postponing a session, but maintaining the fee they pay him, of course. Fans of Hader know that he is often over the top on Saturday Night Live, but this role as Barry has really brought out a side of him (subtlety and measured reactions) quite impressive. Like when he is feeling emotional response other than apathy and misery (obvious enduring angst due to killing people as a profession without much else), particularly when in the presence of Sally.
My favorite scene has Sally coming to grips, in shock, that after Ryan's "wake", as Barry walks her to her door he doesn't make an effort to sleep with her. He just pleasantly accommodates her when approached with being her partner for the Doubt "rehearsals", not comfortable with the subject matter, (considering the scene inappropriate for a wake, although Sally felt because it was her last with Ryan, it was) but nonetheless agreeable, despite a walkout after Ryan's dad offers a warm tribute to those who lovingly portrayed film scenes for their fallen friend. Hader's direction includes Barry outside a hotel room while Fuches is trying to ward off Goran's men, including his right hand, NoHo (Anthony Carrigan) inside the room, the camera catching both simultaneously in a framed shot. Hader is skilled at capturing ordinary lives in LA without the glamorous side, as fresh faces, enthusiastic about their craft, use films of the past in order to reach within (Sally even recommends Barry to add his emerging overwhelming reaction to Ryan's dad's weeping, and the loss of a father for his son, as "paint for his toolbox" to use for acting roles when needed) in the hopes of evolving as actors. Barry does seem committed to this, trying (and failing) to shoo away Fuches so he can stay behind, the betrayal of a hit done incorrectly his reason for doing so (when it was actually Barry wanting to satiate this acting bug he now has) as explained to his handler.
Then Fuches is held hostage while Barry goes ahead and returns to acting with Sally until the details for his next hit are sent to him. Paula Newsome is introduced as Detective Moss, working on the Ryan murder case, which included the executions of Goran's men who had attempted to kill Barry. NoHo leaves behind a camera accidentally which provides details of the evening to Moss! The investigation at the police station (which includes Moss betting on a detective's badly ending marriage resulting in a nice payday and two tech guys wasting time getting to evidence needed to hopefully resolve her case by watching YouTube videos!) is where the show yucks it up the most with its comedy as the officers are presented as quirky and peculiar. Moss tries to crack a code needing to access evidence, setting off a virus the FBI will need to be notified about! Meanwhile, Barry seems to have something with potential as Sally appears to have interest in him, confused when he won't come in (even startled that he doesn't make a pass at her as is typical with men who show interest in her). The theater world, for me as a viewer, is a lot of fun. Include a hitman who pretends to be a struggling actor dedicated to making this a success, with all the unexpected entanglements that might result, and I'm quite invested! 3.5/5
Slower episode that delivers good character moments.
TheFirst016 July 2020
I still don't understand how these first episodes are so low rated. I'm just gonna assume this show isn't for you. Bill Hader and the cast are phenomenal at actors being actors and in Barry's case having a double life. If you can't see it's greatness I feel sorry for you. The directing and acting are all top notch. This show also manages to be hilarious with its own drama and action.
The Doubt
dannylee-780823 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
1. Barry gets caught
2. Barry gets another job
3. Barry drops off Sally
How is every character so comedy gold!? Every single character on this show, minor or major, are all equally hilarious. Sally is such a typical aspiring actress in LA, Gene also is hilarious in his teaching and he seems to be taking advantage of the students. Fuches, Hank and Pazar are all hilarious even though they are supposed to be people who do violent things. The police department scenes were hilarious too. While it's comedy all around, the show still doesn't lose sight of the drama. This is most clear when Barry realizes the damage he's done by being involved with Ryan's killing. His worldview starts falling apart and feels a sense of remorse of what he's done. Barry is not a good actor but he does definitely want to leave his old life behind.
I can't believe they made a show this funny, serious and lovable at the same time in the span of two episodes. Simply amazing!
How is every character so comedy gold!? Every single character on this show, minor or major, are all equally hilarious. Sally is such a typical aspiring actress in LA, Gene also is hilarious in his teaching and he seems to be taking advantage of the students. Fuches, Hank and Pazar are all hilarious even though they are supposed to be people who do violent things. The police department scenes were hilarious too. While it's comedy all around, the show still doesn't lose sight of the drama. This is most clear when Barry realizes the damage he's done by being involved with Ryan's killing. His worldview starts falling apart and feels a sense of remorse of what he's done. Barry is not a good actor but he does definitely want to leave his old life behind.
I can't believe they made a show this funny, serious and lovable at the same time in the span of two episodes. Simply amazing!
This ain't SNL
safenoe10 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Barry Block (Bill Hader) is finding his feet as an actor, on top of being pursued by European gangsters who are very brutal in an unmerciful way.
I was hoping D'arcy Carden would make more appearances but her appearances in The Good Place would keep her incredibly busy.
I was hoping D'arcy Carden would make more appearances but her appearances in The Good Place would keep her incredibly busy.
getting funnier
ScourgeOfImdb5 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This second episode didn't disappoint. It lets the show have a perfect amount of room for its tone and comedy. The teeth filing scene brought perfect tension to an episode filled with gags.
I'm fully invested in the characters and their plot lines. It was interesting to see how Ryan's death affected everyone and Barry attempting the priest monologue was hilarious. My favourite characters so far are Barry and Noho Hank, they both provide good comedy to the show and in Barry's case, aren't afraid to show a more emotional and mature side.
Overall, stronger than the first, especially in terms of comedy 8.4/10.
I'm fully invested in the characters and their plot lines. It was interesting to see how Ryan's death affected everyone and Barry attempting the priest monologue was hilarious. My favourite characters so far are Barry and Noho Hank, they both provide good comedy to the show and in Barry's case, aren't afraid to show a more emotional and mature side.
Overall, stronger than the first, especially in terms of comedy 8.4/10.
Chapter Two [8/10]
panagiotis19934 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
My Reaction / Review for Barry Season 1 Episode 2 ''Chapter Two: Use It'' (S1. E2): Episode 1 was very decent and i gave it a rating of 8/10. So one of the guys Barry shot escaped? Also the police has camera footage of the crime? That's not good. Now Barry has to kill a guy for the Chechens so they wont hurt Fuches, so now they do trust him after they almost killed him and after he killed two of their guys? Doesnt really make sense. Will the blonde become Barry's girlfriend? He definitely likes her. Barry is getting closer to these people, it seems like he finally has a group of people who accept him. Overall a good episode, my rating is 8/10.
Cannot keep up with the premiere
moritzherz11 January 2023
Use it continues the show in an acceptable way but cannot keep the quality of the first episode.
Story: Like the first episode the pacing is good but there is not a lot happening here and the action/comedy mix is not as good either. At least we get some character development of our main protagonist but that's quite all. The episode only builds up for future events which is good causes in the same way a lack of quality. It's watchable because of rhe great characters and acting.
With that said I hope the future episodes will get better and more like the first one. Hopefully this show does not get to a mainstream comedy trash.
(5/10)
Story: Like the first episode the pacing is good but there is not a lot happening here and the action/comedy mix is not as good either. At least we get some character development of our main protagonist but that's quite all. The episode only builds up for future events which is good causes in the same way a lack of quality. It's watchable because of rhe great characters and acting.
With that said I hope the future episodes will get better and more like the first one. Hopefully this show does not get to a mainstream comedy trash.
(5/10)
Chapter Two
bobcobb3019 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
After a pretty solid pilot the second episode of this show was a bit of a mess. Some laughs in the form of goofy violence, but Bill Hader does not have the acting chops to make this transition. Chris O'Dowd moved from comedy to drama in Get Shorty, but Hader, in a similar role does not seem quite up to the task two weeks in.
Similar Strengths
calzonesylvia22 May 2022
As with the pilot, the acting and dialogue completely sell the story, which includes quite a few cliffhangers.
The editing of this episode stands out more than that of the first; where S1E1 had neither editing that stuck out because it was good nor editing that stuck out because it because it was bad, this episode has some of both.
The editing of this episode stands out more than that of the first; where S1E1 had neither editing that stuck out because it was good nor editing that stuck out because it because it was bad, this episode has some of both.
See also
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