The Five Funniest Moments From ‘Barry’ Season 4, Episodes 1 and 2

It was quite a night in good ol’ TV land, wasn’t it? Succession delivered another banger of an episode, the NBA playoffs continued, Netflix’s live Love Is Blind reunion was an absolute calamity, and the first two episodes of the fourth season of Barry debuted on HBO!

The final season of Bill Hader’s dark comedy is tremendous. The emotional beats and existential melancholy are obviously riveting, but the heartbeat of the series has always been the show’s stealthy humor. The first two episodes delivered this in spades, with a slew of funny gags and eccentric bits from unexpected sources. We’re well aware of the comedic bona fides of the main cast, but Barry never misses an opportunity to inject even the tiniest of moments with the show’s distinct brand of offbeat comedy.

The final season of Barry (I’ve seen the first seven episodes) is a masterpiece. Buckle up and enjoy the ride. Here are the funniest moments from the first two episodes of the season (“yikes” and “bestest place on earth”).

1. NoHo Hank and Cristobal’s (Almost) Perfectly Choreographed Dave & Buster’s Sales Pitch

Who in their right mind doesn’t love NoHo Hank?

Anthony Carrigan’s inherent comedic magnetism is on full display during the first two episodes of the season. There’s always an abundance of hilarious Hank moments, but the funniest scene from the first two episodes has to be his (almost) perfectly choreographed Dave & Buster’s sales pitch with Cristobal.

My favorite moment from Episode 2 is Hank running past Cristobal to avoid missing his cue during their pitch. It’s classic Barry. There’s a serious premise (ending a blood feud and creating a new empire) with a comedic twist (the meeting taking place at Dave & Buster’s) infused with absurd moments of humor (Hank’s miscue, “Can I start you guys with an appetizer?”).

2. “Is He Still Mad At Me?”

The main cast of Barry is filled with comedy legends, but the show’s supporting cast helps elevate the series to a whole new level. Cornell Womack absolutely crushes it in his limited role as an FBI agent. His monotone asides (“You guys were already in a friend fight.”) help transform a good scene into a great scene.

Somewhat related: Barry also asks Mr. Cousineau if he’s mad at him during their Episode 1 phone call.

3. “Could I get some chili cheese tots to go?”

There’s nothing quite like a mother’s love. Unless your Sally Reed’s mom, then there’s nothing quite like chili cheese tots. Barry loves blending extreme emotional moments with tiny pockets of hilarity, and this scene is a masterclass of juxtaposition.

Sally’s mom: Just so you know, we’ve turned your room into your father’s man cave.
Sally: The guy I was dating in LA killed my acting teacher’s girlfriend.

The scene, which is scored to Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” (brilliant), concludes with Sally hyperventilating while her mom asks for a to-go order of chili cheese tots. Perfect.

4. Shut up, Raven. We’re trying to watch Yellowstone!

What a night for Stephen Root. Not only did the former Mr. James appear on Barry, but he also dropped by Succession. You’re an icon, Fuches. Wait, sorry. You’re an icon, RAVEN.

The Raven’s attempt to attract a flock goes awry, mostly because of his dogged insistence on giving everyone a nickname. The Raven’s other cardinal sin? Interrupting the inmates while they try to enjoy an episode of Yellowstone.

5. “Are you telling me jokes? You Caroline Rhea?”

“When Jim Moss called me and said he was using Gene Cousineau to help capture his daughter’s killer, I said, ‘Are you telling me jokes? You Caroline Rhea?'”

This line made me laugh out loud. Charles Parnell’s dry delivery is pitch-perfect, and the “Are you telling me jokes” line is so simple yet so brilliant. It’s more common for someone to ask”Are you joking?” or “Are you kidding me?” But this slight variation added to the absurdity of the bit. The Caroline Rhea reference? Chef’s kiss. No notes.