Cheese and laundry are the daily duties for Denis Leary army comedy ‘Going Dutch’

As a retired Army veteran with over two decades of service under my belt, I must say that “Going Dutch” has struck a chord with me. With its witty humor and clever take on military life, this show brings back memories of my own time in the service, albeit with a touch of exaggeration for comedic effect.

The characters are well-developed, and their interactions feel authentic, capturing the camaraderie and banter that is so essential to the military experience. The setting in a small Dutch town provides a unique twist, adding an extra layer of culture clash and humor that keeps me coming back for more.

One thing I particularly appreciate about “Going Dutch” is its willingness to push the boundaries of the military comedy genre. While it’s true that many military comedies have come before, this show manages to carve out its own niche with a fresh and original approach. The character of Katja Vanderhoff, played by Catherine Tate, is a standout, providing a grounded and relatable presence amidst the chaos.

My only complaint is that I wish there were more episodes available for me to binge-watch! All in all, “Going Dutch” is a must-see for anyone who loves a good military comedy or just wants to reminisce about their own time in uniform. And as for my favorite joke from the show, well… let’s just say that when it comes to military humor, the Dutch know how to keep things interesting!

“Going Dutch” – A Modern, Humorous Military Comedy

In this contemporary comedy set within the military workplace, Denis Leary portrays Army Col. Patrick Quinn, a self-important officer who anticipates taking over a significant post in Germany. However, due to a tape revealing him saying highly offensive things about a vindictive general (Joe Morton), he is reassigned to a base in the Netherlands instead. This base is primarily known for its laundry services, cheese production, and bowling activities. Despite being labeled as “the least important U.S. Army base in the world,” serving there could offer you an interesting enlistment experience. Plus, learning the art of cheese-making might give you a valuable skill when you complete your service.

Quinn, adorned with an abundance of ribbons and medals on his chest that threatens to burst out, appears disgruntled despite this apparent honor; the lax discipline here – people don’t salute, they might just wave – rubs against his rigid sense of order, readiness, and military life. It seems his vibrant hair color could be a deliberate choice, serving to emphasize his self-absorption, though it remains unconfirmed. The situation becomes more sour for him when he finds out that his estranged daughter, Capt. Maggie Quinn (played by Taylor Misiak), is in command here temporarily. Their long-standing issues are exacerbated by their lack of contact over the years, and Quinn struggles to acknowledge these problems. He has another daughter off-screen, and a grandchild whose presence he often forgets unless reminded.

Maj. Abraham Shah, played by Danny Pudi, serves as a diligent second-in-command, skillfully navigating the complexities of Quinn, a character bubbling with tension over political correctness and advanced technology. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that Shah is growing fond of Maggie. On the opposite end, we have Laci Mosley portraying Sgt. Dana Conway, a character reminiscent of Milo Minderbinder, capable of obtaining anything, anytime, with a secret stash of items she shouldn’t possess. We also see a humorous and faint-prone Pvt. “B.A.” Chapman, played by Dempsey Bryk, and the tech-savvy Corp. Elias Papadakis, portrayed by Hal Cumpston. Despite Quinn’s concerns, Papadakis’ long hair, mustache, and weight do not seem to bother him.

Quinn: “You’re too fat to be here.”

Papadakis: “Perhaps it would be better for us to shift to the conference room? I’d appreciate some extra space for my legs, nothing personal.

The show titled “Brockmire,” produced by Joel Church-Cooper, generally adheres to traditional structures but can sometimes veer into the realm of the absurd – such as an episode that revolves around stealing a tank to help Quinn’s damaged pride. Initially, it employs the formula seen in “Bad News Bears” which has been popular for 49 years in America. However, any growth or self-improvement is likely to be shown in the character of the new captain rather than the team members, who are content with their jobs as cheese makers, laundry cleaners, and dining elegantly in an unusual dining room.

Initially, I had some reservations, but I ended up really enjoying it, even on repeat watches of the three episodes provided. My appreciation grew further as the series explored the limits of its concept. The fact that the story unfolds within a service-oriented setting isn’t insignificant, as it provides characters with something to interact against. However, the less the army is focused on, the more the human elements shine through. A pivotal role in Quinn’s character growth is played by Katja Vanderhoff, portrayed subtly by the talented British comedian Catherine Tate. She serves as president of the Stroopsdorf chamber of commerce and owns a local brothel, but her doctorate is in “intersectional feminism in late-stage capitalism.” (Quinn finds her intriguing.) Katja’s practical demeanor, which she identifies as Dutch, grounds the series and brings it back to reality, making her the most believable character. Leary’s performance is particularly effective during their shared scenes.

Military comedies have been a popular and generally tranquil genre on both big and small screens for quite some time now. Actors like Fred Astaire, Bob Hope, Abbott and Costello, Martin and Lewis, and Bill Murray have all contributed to this genre. On television, we’ve seen shows such as “The Phil Silvers Show” (also known as “Sgt. Bilko”), “Ensign O’Toole,” “McHale’s Navy,” “MASH,” derived from the Robert Altman film, and Kevin Biegel’s “Enlisted,” a Fox series from about a decade ago, which was set in a Florida-based “rear deployment unit” not far from Camp Stroopsdorf.

In many works, authors set up rule-enforcers versus rule-defiers; it’s challenging to create humor when characters consistently obey rules. While occasionally a main character may realize that some structure is beneficial, usually the message is that excessive control is undesirable. I can’t definitively say which perspective reflects military life more accurately, but I would speculate – and hope – that unconventional behaviors and mischief are not unheard of there.

2021 was abundant with top-notch TV series, implying that outstanding television programs continue to be produced, despite the industry experiencing a slight lull, as our television critic points out.

Dec. 3, 2024

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2024-12-31 22:02