Review:
The Cleveland Show: Episode Four

104: Birth of a Salesman

"My little brother Rallo, ladies and gentlemen, or, as he’s soon to be known, 'that’s him, officer.'" – Roberta Tubbs

As The Cleveland Show goes from strength to strength, the supporting cast continue to get better and better. Here, at last, is an episode that focuses almost entirely on the brightest voice in the ensemble: Tim the Bear.

Luckless Cleveland is having trouble trying to get a job and support his family in Virginia. When he informs his friends of his troubles, Tim helps Cleveland get set up at Waterman Cable, the telemarketing company Tim works at. Unfortunately for Tim, Cleveland quickly proves himself to be a far better salesman than the bear, bringing home both clients and two hundred dollar bonuses, even going so far as to impress the company’s racist manager. Unfortunately, this leaves Tim strapped for cash, in danger of losing his job, and desperate to try and find a way to get one over on his buddy.

Meanwhile, Cleveland Jr. annoys his step-brother, step-sister Rallo, and Roberta by successfully completing all his chores without needing to be asked.

It’s an episode that works on a number of levels, with a wide variety of comic targets being hit with the speed and intensity that mark Seth MacFarlane’s animations out among the greats. In particular is the wonderful look at Tim the Bear’s life beyond the devout Christianity and the secret smoking – the episode fleshes out a huge amount of character for Tim, adding on that third dimension to his character that was in danger of being forgotten.

The subplot, too, is refreshing and unexpected, starting out life feeling like a familiar storyline from a nineties situation comedy that morphs into something great. By the end of the episode, both Tim the Bear and Cleveland Jr. have that all-important third dimension added to their characters, highlighting their vulnerability, their fragility, and their humanity all at once. It’s truly great to see all these factors come through with such confidence and passion.