Last night we met Kenny Powers of HBO’s latest comedy series Eastbound & Down , played by scene-stealer Danny McBride of Pineapple Express and Tropic Thunder fame. [Editor’s note: We love him the most in the 2003 indie, All The Real Girls, and we’d argue that he’s the only thing that makes Pineapple Express bearable.] Kenny is a man with a dream. At age 9, he knew he was going to be a Major Leaguer. With a foulmouthed catchphrase (“You’re F**king Out“), he was set for a life as baseball’s worst hero.
But that’s not what the fates have planned for Kenny. After a few teams, a lot of insensitive insults, and an accusation of steroid use (how timely), he’s booted out of the league and must retreat back to his hometown. Taken in by his brother and his not-so-eager wife, Kenny struggles to get his life back together, but vows to sell his jet ski. Reluctantly, he takes a job as a P.E. teacher at the local middle school where his former high school flame works. You can see where that plot line’s going.
This very funny, six-episode series — which is executive produced by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, if that tells you anything — might not change your life, but it will have you quoting weekly: “No, I have full-size balls.” It premieres this Sunday, February 15, at 10:30 p.m. after Flight of the Conchords. If you can’t wait that long to get a taste of Kenny, visit the show’s official site and have him call up one of your friends. Prank phone calls by an automated voice = always funny.