Season four of “Inside Amy Schumer” rolled out to somewhat of a rocky start for the comedian who could do no wrong in 2015. Coming off her box office hit “Trainwreck” and a Peabody Award for season three of “Inside Amy Schumer,” Schumer set the bar high for a fourth season. The premiere shows promise in its delivery of thoughtful, feminist-charged comedy, but lackluster sketches and changes in episode structure cast a shadow over the rest of the new season.
The episode’s highlight is the “Dr. Congress” sketch in an uncharacteristically vagina-centric night. Here, Schumer reminds viewers of the absurdity of aloof 60-year-old men making decisions about feminine health policy. Congressmen bombard Schumer in her gynecologist’s office, obviously not understanding the sexually active, husbandless, childless 34-year-old woman.
“Don’t, like, two of you have secret families with your maids?” Schumer asks in truth-bomb fashion. The takeaway of the sketch becomes loud and clear when a congressman says the reason there are no women on the Women’s Health Committee is because “that would be like letting the lions run the zoo!” In an otherwise uneventful night, Schumer reminds fans of the importance of female-empowerment and social commentary, both central elements in her comedic agenda.
Beyond “Dr. Congress,” the episode’s sketches are underwhelming and conceptually unoriginal. “Relationship Center” feels like a carbon copy of “Teaching Center,” a Key and Peele piece, and “Yo-Puss” pales in comparison to the show’s previous faux-advertisements like “Finger Blasters” and “Amy-Schumer Doll.”
The final sketch, “Betsy Ross,” is Schumer’s attempt at one-upping Lin Manuel Miranda’s “hip-hopera,” “Hamilton.” It is a somewhat painful five minutes showing a short cameo from Miranda, recycled comedic material and lame pop culture references. This sketch clearly tries to attach itself to a particular pop culture moment, but it is lacking in quality.
The episode format was also disappointing. Schumer has abandoned her man-on-the-street style interviews from prior seasons to chat with her comedian friends in a bar. While occasionally funny, the interactions feel like mere celebrity cameos for the newly famous star. However, the actress’s “Amy Goes Deep” interview segment is still intact. While it certainly provides some comedic fodder for a serial over-sharer like Schumer, it isn’t super compelling, and the jokes are predictable.
Despite this weak follow-up to season three, there are glimmers of hope for a memorable season. Will Schumer be able to continuously deliver her fourth time around? Her film set for release in 2017 may depend on it.
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