#the missing member

[starstruckodysseys]

an improv musical show ft casually queer characters is something that can actually be so important

[offbookkeeping]

i <3 my girlfriend famed detective darren middle name vapes

[incorrect-play-it-by-ear]

[robynator]

the missing member is such a great episode, with so many incredible moments. i was hooked from the very first song. jess's vocals and the introduction of zach's character were pure gold already

zach just standing there, the perfect image of a cynical, brooding detective, letting mano light his cigarette, before jess came in with the "he's not smoking, that's a vape..." line (while she's desperately trying not to laugh). and then he immediately names the character darren vapes

the names in general were hilarious. the obvious ones being darren vapes, mayor laguardia and mayor newark airport but scarlet easylay in the beginning was pretty funny as well

then there was the mild homoeroticism of the catch me if you can song, and the way more blatant homoeroticism of the song between darren and mandy

there are so many other things (like the hamster wheels and jess's long note during catch me if you can and the urchins) but the true highlight for me was zach constantly monologuing at the camera. cracks me up every single time. he embodied that character perfectly

anyway i just needed to talk about this episode

[off-off-book]

do you ever take a dropout screenshot and realize too late it's too relatable

[belleandkurtbastian]

… … La— Guardia ?????!????!?!??!???!

[nerdicorntheshipper]

[beefjerkyoff]

I’m obsessed with the latest play it by ear. I know I say this about every new episode but I have the object permanence of a baby and at any given time my favorite episode of Play it by Ear is the last one I watched.

[prismartist]

this deadass made me scream-laugh so hard i started crying and asphyxiating there's something wrong with me

VD: a clip from play it by ear featuring zach reino and john hartman. zach is mimicking holding a vape and john a broom. they act dramatically reminiscent of a noir. zach gestures with his hand and head, growing more frantic as he speaks and both of them starting to crack as a result. the lighting is purple. End VD.

[shesmore-shoebill]

"I had choice paralysis :(" is a KILLER line.

He's such a comedic powerhouse, I'm glad more people are getting exposed to him :'D

[starstruckodysseys]

it’s all bryclark this and polypalooza that. when are we going to acknowledge the REAL gay icon darren “i was going to get to the bottom of him” vapes

[offbookkeeping]

i think the greatest love song i've ever heard was between the mayor of new york and also a criminal

[theevilcactus]

Mayor LaGuardia and Mayor Newark Airport... god I love how silly these guys are

[incorrect-play-it-by-ear]

It's time to find the biggest banger from Play It By Ear season 2

In the semifinals we are determining the best song from each episode, which will then go head to head in the finale.

Episode 5: The Missing Member

Vote in the other episodes as they are posted here.

[lotus-pear]

mourning black and the death of ideals

[belleandkurtbastian]

Play It By Ear Episode Bracket - Round 1, Match 7

We’re into the second half of Round 1 now, and deep into the Season 2 episodes!

Match 7:

2x05: “The Missing Member”, starring Jess McKenna, Zach Reino, John Hartman, and Alice Stanley.

VERSUS

2x09: “Elevator Pitch”, starring Jess McKenna, Zach Reino, and Rashawn Nadine Scott.

Feel free to reblog and share, and advocate for your favourite in the replies, comments, and tags.

Other votes this round: Match 5 • Match 6 • Match 8