Life Lessons From Maron: "Steel Johnson"

Left to right: Troy Ruptash and Marc Maron
Welcome to the return of the recap series on the IFC series Maron in which comedian/podcaster Marc Maron lives life and tries to learn how to be a better person. To pay homage to the series, these recaps will be released on Saturdays and chronicle the various life lessons that are presented in the 30 minute format on a weekly basis as well as a meter that determines just how angry our protagonist seems to be. Join us as we tackle the psyche of the popular angry man and pray that he doesn't lose it entirely.


Plot: Marc takes on a corporation gig to help out his brother (Troy Ruptash).


A Line That Sums Up the Episode: "Take the job. It's for your brother."


Guests Review: This week, it is mostly a family affair with the Marons getting together in some form or another. While there's a momentary cameo by Dave Anthony, it is predominantly an episode between Marc and his brother as they attend a special event for his company: Steel Johnson. With mother (Sally Kellerman) worried that her son is unemployed and a loser, Marc must learn to control himself long enough to get paid for the gig. Things don't pan out, but at least the brothers bond after realizing that Marc saved him from a tight corner. Oh yeah, and Steve Agee stops by for an interview.


Anger Meter: 7 (out of 10)
There are multiple levels of frustration that run through this episode. For starts, Marc is simply mad that he has gotten a box of disposable junk from his brother. Then there's having to do a corporate gig that he has no investment in. Then there's the concern for his brother. Then there's his mother. By the time he explodes, it is more of a tactic to get his brother away from this insane company than having to put a corporation in their place. Either way, this is a more loving kind of anger, which is a sort that we don't often see from Maron.


We Good?: I would say that we are. One of the highlights of the series has been how Marc has dealt with his family over the years. While the show has gotten into the habit of making great abstract episodes, it is grounded ones like this that end up making the show worthwhile overall. Even if Marc's brother is somewhat of a loser, we still come away at least hoping better for him. It is a great one-two punch with Marc also taking down corporations that lie while in the process. Even if this episode wasn't about cults, it plays out like a low level version of it that is sort of tragic. With Marc being the hero to his brother, not so much his mother, things are looking good for season three of Maron. As we approach the end, it is also looking like another strong season.


Rating: 4 out of 5

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