Martin Carr reviews the season 1 finale of Kidding…
As finales go this is a curveball, but then nothing about Kidding has ever been straightforward. Borne out of tragedy, defined by dysfunction and shot through with abstract notions of sexual deviancy it remains staggeringly original. From episode one the ground work for an emotionally stunted children’s presenter with parental issues, relationship failings but a universally common touch has been inspiring. Bold, brash and beyond conventional expectations, Kidding has continually asked and answered difficult questions without condescension. How you conclude something with such a unique structure was always going to be challenging, but I believe these writers have managed it.
Addressing the nation from a podium outside the White House Jeff Pickles talks to America with candour. This is the televised meltdown moment we all knew was coming but rather than any level of bombast, what we get instead is a scathing indictment of parental failings. This is more of a mission statement from the creators than anything this character might say. Talk of abandoned children forever associating him as a surrogate for absentee parents, more concerned with living their lives than raising children. This is what lies at the root of Kidding and Carrey brings that axe down with a smile whilst asking the questions no one wants to hear.
What follows are the inevitable repercussions of such a public disintegration. Jeff is finally free of the show which has been both blessing and curse for thirty years, while both Langella and Jeff experience a moment of connection. There are instants of pathos that also cut through the more saccharine soaked elements allowing Kenner and Carrey to share similar emotional beats. However what Gondry and company still squeeze in during this closer are images which many may find disturbing. Masturbating puppets, hit and run knee jerk reactions and visual cues which only create more questions rather than providing solid answers.
Beyond that, the sense of reconciliation which permeates this programme suggests a certain degree of closure. Siblings and parents make amends, rival love interests come to an understanding while there is an implication that certain people are losing their minds. With broken hearts, quiet reflection and the occasional fractured femur Kidding ties everything up in a Pickles sized bow and leaves everyone confused. When they decide to green light another season of this madness it would be a sad thing to think anyone would miss it. In my opinion this still remains the most ground breaking piece of television thus far in 2018.
Martin Carr
Originally published November 16, 2018. Updated January 8, 2019.
