BARRY is back! And it really feels like it’s been a lifetime, right? The last episode of S2 aired in May 2019, which, in a lot of ways, is a lifetime ago. But BARRY S3 drops us right back into the action and the middle of our titular character’s messy double life.Â
There are so many things I love about BARRY, let me count the ways. First, the supporting cast, and the characters they play, are “the Air Jordans of ensembles” as fan-favorite Noho Frank (Anthony Carrigan) might say. And then you have Henry Winkler just absolutely killing it as Barry’s acting teacher Gene Cousineau. Plus Stephen Root as another assassin. These men almost outshine Sarah Goldberg as Sally, Barry’s clueless actress girlfriend. It took me a while to warm up to Sally because she really is a typical struggling LA actress, and Goldberg plays her to perfection. And if you stick with the show enough you’re sure to spot THE GOOD PLACE’s D’Arcy Carden in a few episodes too. That brings us to our main star Bill Hader. Now if you’ve only seen Bill in SNL or TRAINWRECK, you may be surprised how absolutely terrifying he can be in BARRY. Bill Hader’s post-SNL career (which also includes incredible turns in the two IT movies), has been one of those warm, wonderful, surprises. Hell, every time I see him doing something great on the big or little screen I tweet about it with the hashtag #BillHaderAppreciationThread. Put this whole wonderful cast together with tight writing and directing, and BARRY shows you how it’s one of the best things on TV. Â
BARRY is no DEXTER. Barry Berkman/Block is awkwardly funny, less self-assured, a bit eccentric, and sometimes he kills good people too. There’s no dark passenger here, although I’m sure the two series get quite a few comparisons. Barry’s double-life has been spiraling out of control since we met him and he’s almost been caught and outed to those who don’t know what he really does so many times. But if the 2022 premiere told us anything, it’s that this season is a game-changer season. Barry’s secrets have been bubbling up to the surface for too long and it’s time for some spilling over.Â
#BillHaderApprecationThread extra credit mention: Hader writes/co-writes and directs quite a few episodes including this Season 3 opener.
BARRY is on HBO & HBOMAX with a new episode released every Sunday.
