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Discovering the Canadian Comedy Series CALL ME FITZ

For Canadian television viewers, they are well aware of the sensation CALL ME FITZ, which has been recognized as one of the most groundbreaking comedy series on television. For American viewers, CALL ME FITZ may be a still undiscovered gem.

Returning for its second season, CALL ME FITZ is set to blow-minds again with its piercing, ribald adult-humor. It is a no-holds barred look at a morally-bankrupt car salesman who gets a second chance at life, or rather a chance to get to know his better-half while still exploring all the decadent desires life has to offer. In this case, Fitz’s better-half is himself. After a freak accident literally split him in two, creating a separate identity in the form of his conscience known affectionately as Larry (Ernie Grunwald), Fitz is literally haunted by himself. Larry may be a stalker, a corporeal ghost, an angel, or simply a physical manifestation – or better yet, maybe Fitz is lying in a comma somewhere dreaming this whole wild-ride adventure up. Whatever the case may be, Larry is a constant presence in Fitz’s life – for better or for worse.

Deftly portrayed by Jason Priestly as the conscience-challenged Fitz, the character shines with affectionate humor and hilarity. But make no mistake, this series caters generously to the adult audience and borders on extreme with its liberal sexual innuendos, profanity and other outrageous situations. There is simply no subject too sensitive to be considered off-limits and the series gleefully embraces its naughty side.

While the initial concept may have been to try to rehabilitate or curb Fitz’s more base and exaggerated lifestyle of booze, women and moral depravity, Larry is not the angel on Fitz’s shoulder. Larry is a man — albeit a man with a bit more sensitivity to those who Fitz encounters, whether it is friends, family or just the rest of the world at large. Larry is only a physical reminder of some of the checks-and-balances that Fitz should have in his life. Larry is not really there to make Fitz a better man; he is only to serve as a reminder that there is a choice. So, at times, it feels as if Fitz is perhaps the wicked influence on Larry, daring Larry to embrace his wild-side; rather than Larry being the voice of reason to curb Fitz’s impulses.

So it is a tug-of-war between Fitz and Larry in each episode as each new life challenge is presented. From trying to find the perfect birthday present for Fitz’s father to evading a thorny police investigation, the intertwined lives of Fitz and Larry provide an ideal backdrop to explore whether a person can change or even wants to change. With dogged-resistance to alter his lifestyle, Fitz is the poster-boy for bad behavior, who does not want to change a thing about himself or his life – not even when confronted by his “conscience” Larry.

In a confection of humor and surprising warmth, CALL ME FITZ is a guilty-pleasure that deserves to be sampled. The first season is currently available on DVD and the second season returns Thursday, November 3rd on DirecTV. (Season 2 can currently be seen on HBO Canada)

Tiffany Vogt is a contributing writer to TheTVAddict. She has a great love for television and firmly believes that entertainment is a world of wondrous adventures that deserves to be shared and explored – she invites you to join her. Please feel free to contact Tiffany at Tiffany_Vogt_2000@yahoo.com or follow her at on Twitter (@TVWatchtower).

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