What’s Worth Watching: The Last Man on Earth’s Love Connection

The Last Man on Earth Episode 2
Jordin Althaus/FOX
The Last Man on Earth Episode 2

The Last Man on Earth, “Raisin Balls and Wedding Bells” (Sunday, March 8, 9:30/8:30c, Fox)

“You think I want to repopulate with you?” shrieked Carol Pilbasian (an animated Kristen Schaal) to Last Man on Earth Phil Miller (shaggy-dog Will Forte) in last week’s premiere episode, which got off to a robust start in the ratings. “I would rather eat a cat,” she ranted. Phil’s not really feeling it, either, yet when you may well be the last humans on a plague-ravaged planet, is there any choice but to make it legal?

That’s the set-up for the second episode of this wildly original new comedy, as Phil embraces his last night of bachelor freedom while Carol dutifully prepares for the big event, setting herself up for a possible letdown if Phil doesn’t eventually get in the nuptial spirit. Some critics have lamented what they see as a clichéd treatment of womanhood in Schaal’s shrill and dorky portrayal of Carol, who’s a far cry from Phil’s feminine ideal. But it’s not as if the emotionally stunted man-child caveman-slacker Phil is any great catch, either. Much of the humor in The Last Man on Earth comes from the realization that humanity may well have to settle for these dregs in this start-over phase—unless there are more surprises ahead. Which is pretty much guaranteed. So lighten up and enjoy.