The UNITED STATES OF AL was far more serious and poignant this week. The comedic element was more of a quick release from the emotional effects of returning home from war. This was not a bad thing, just unexpected.
The show basically divided its time between two storylines. Of course, Al was still trying to work his magic on Riley and his estranged wife to get them back together…or at least quietly talking. In Al’s mind, these two were meant to be together forever. The Afghanistan War just got in the way and interrupted their love story. They have a long road ahead.
The other half of the episode dealt with Riley’s sister, Lizzie.
She is still coping with the death of her fiancé during the war and is handling the situation by drinking and partying. After another wild night, Lizzie couldn’t find his dog tags that she usually wears around her neck. It was, in her mind, all she had left of him. Again, not a happy, carefree comedy show, but well worth the viewing time.
THE UNITED STATES OF AL is still figuring out if it is a serious or humorous sitcom. It is definitely presenting real problems and situations as a result of loss or fighting in a war. Either way, I am intrigued and learning much about our returning vets and what they face every day.
UNITED STATES Of AL are available to stream on CBS and CBS ALL ACCESS.
