After all the outrageousness of the previous episode, it was logical for the follow-up episode to remain somewhat restrained - well, as restrained as any show with the kind of premise this one has *can* be. Pretty much everything in this episode could be from real life - even one-joke characters like Eduardo and Katie. On the other hand, the series could really benefit from Hamilton, who returns for the first time since he was introduced in season 1 episode 9, becoming a recurring character. Somehow the writers combine the clichéd (tough guy who's emotional inside) with the outlandish (the same guy being an idiot savant) to create a character who could actually develop over several episodes unlike most others here who are pretty much stuck to never learn anything from their experiences.
As to the plot, unpredictability remains the show's greatest strength. How could RJ's life become even more embarrassing? Well, he could get Amy to help shape his dad up, only for this leading to Mr Berger becoming RJ's new English teacher (the school needs one since the previous had sex with Miles and left - nice continuity in a series where the viewer isn't usually expecting it)! Continuing on the unpredictability issue, RJ and Jenny decide together to break up - only five episodes after their first date! Of course, they may still end up back together at the series' end, and The Break-up is *the* cliché of any rom-sit-com, but this soon? Pretty radical. Then, there is the ending and preview clips from the next episode, proving that Hard Times is never going to be Uneventful Times. A solid 7/10 then.
As to the plot, unpredictability remains the show's greatest strength. How could RJ's life become even more embarrassing? Well, he could get Amy to help shape his dad up, only for this leading to Mr Berger becoming RJ's new English teacher (the school needs one since the previous had sex with Miles and left - nice continuity in a series where the viewer isn't usually expecting it)! Continuing on the unpredictability issue, RJ and Jenny decide together to break up - only five episodes after their first date! Of course, they may still end up back together at the series' end, and The Break-up is *the* cliché of any rom-sit-com, but this soon? Pretty radical. Then, there is the ending and preview clips from the next episode, proving that Hard Times is never going to be Uneventful Times. A solid 7/10 then.
