Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll Season 1 Episode 2 Review: Clean Rockin' Daddy
Sean McKenna
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Johnny Rock has the ability to write some amazing songs… he just can’t be sober in order to do so.
And that’s pretty much the driving force of Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll Season 1 Episode 2, as Johnny attempts to fall in line with Gigi’s new rules, as she tries to get her career and the band a shot in the limelight.
It’s an amusing premise with shout-outs to the likes of David Bowie and The Rolling Stones, but the overarching joke seems to go on a tad too long before the big final punchline at the end.
It was nice to see Gigi looking out for her dad, even going so far as participating in a sort-of intervention for Johnny, just without the rehab (and Rehab knows five good places).
It wasn’t a surprise that Johnny would try and seek out his bandmates for drugs, but it was Johnny’s interaction with Rehab on the subject that really stood out.
Rehab’s listing of medications (pills to stop him killing himself, pills to stop him from killing Johnny) was funny, as was his revelation about his passion for song cycles. Who knew the Irish potato famine was prime music material?
It was entertaining watching everyone eagerly wait to hear what Johnny had been able to craft (even if it was a work in progress), only to look disturbed moments later by the result before scrambling to get Johnny his vices. But I wish there was some more dramatic weight behind the comedy, and I can’t help but think of what Rescue Me (another Denis Leary project) was able to do in blending hilarious comedy with real-world drama.
I enjoyed getting to hang out with these characters, but I kept waiting for something beyond the joke that Johnny can’t write brilliant songs sober. Granted it’s only the second episode, and there’s still plenty of time to really get to know the Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll Season 1 characters and what’s in store for them as a whole.
Who knows, maybe Rehab will get his chance to sing for the band?
What do you think of Leary's new series? Sound off below, and be sure to watch Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll online.
NOTE: Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll Season 1 Episode 3, "Lust for Life," airs on July 30 at 10 p.m.
Sean McKenna was a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. He retired in May of 2017. Follow him on Twitter.
