Season one of House of Lies concludes tonight on Showtime and I know you’ve been waiting to see how the impending acquisition plays out.  I’m obviously not going to tell you how it ends but I will say that the Marty massacre preview clip, at the end of last week’s episode, is just a taste of what is in store for you tonight.  “The Mayan Apocalypse” – With the help of Greg Norbert, Marty and The Pod fight to pull off an 11th-hour reprieve and stop the MetroCapital acquisition from happening.  Meanwhile, Jeannie makes a decision about marrying Wes; while Marty’s son, Roscoe, makes a life-altering decision of his own.  Written and directed by Matthew Carnahan.  Guest stars:  Michael Rady, Greg Germann, John Aylward, and Griffin Dunne.

I can’t believe how much I’ve been enjoying the first season of House of Lies, and I’m thrilled that we will be getting a second season.  This show is perfect in all its dark, dirty, and decadent glory.  Last week’s episode, “Business,” was one of my favorites because Doug Guggenheim (Josh Lawson) proved to us the he has no bottom.  Not only did Doug provide Clyde Oberholt (Ben Schwartz) with enough serial killer spending cash for the week, but Doug also wanted Marty’s Kaan (Don Cheadle) briefcase that was full of “presents.”  That is further proof that Clyde was more than correct in asking for $20 every time Doug said something that made him sound like a serial killer.  Who in their right mind would want a briefcase full of duty?  There is just no coming back from that, in my opinion. That scene had me in tears because they actually went there and revealed the “Almond Joys” in all their heated glory.   I’m curious as to how many takes it took them to film that scene. I wonder if Marty ever found the other “presents” that Harrison “Skip” Galweather (Richard Schiff) left around his office?

After Mario “The Rainmaker” Pelicos (Griffin Dunne) stabbed Marty in the back the team is trying to figure out a way to shift the power back over to their side.  Greg Norbert (Greg Germann) thinks he has the answer.  Greg presents one of his ideas to Jeannie van der Hooven (Kristen Bell) and it’s met with a polite, “Greg, that is a terrible idea.”   Oh Greg, when will you ever learn, and a Jeannie store?  Greg may actually be creepier than Doug.

Clyde catches the attention of Monica Talbot (Dawn Olivieri) but you know Monica, if Clyde couldn’t handle corn, he sure as hell can’t handle Monica.  “Utah” was another one of my favorite episode because nothing says hilarious like Clyde and a Mormon virgin.  Ben is fantastic in this role and I do hope that he is also able to make a few more appearances as Jean-Ralphio in Parks and Recreation.

Monica has something to share with Marty that ends up hitting really close to home for one of the team members.

Jeannie is given a very special name by Clyde.  It just speaks volumes about the clever writing in this series.   Jeannie has to decide if she is ready to marry Wes Spencer (Michael Rady).  Will she be able to come to terms with her true feelings and the lies that she has been telling herself?

Roscoe Kaan (Donis Leonard Jr.) makes a huge decision that will make you very happy that we are getting a second season to see how this plays out.  I can’t even put into words how brilliant Donis has been this season.  He is a scene-stealer and that is a huge compliment considering the established cast that he is working with.

I really enjoyed finale and the entire first season of House of Lies. I would encourage you to check it out from the beginning if you have not seen it yet.  It is well worth your time.  If you are on the fence about it I have one quick sentence that will seal the deal for you, “Don Cheadle’s backside.”  Kristen Bell has talked it up on various talk shows and she was not misleading you, it is refreshing and all that she said it was.

Don’t miss the season one finale, airing tonight on Showtime.  You really need to find out exactly how it all plays out.

HOUSE OF LIES
Season One Advance Finale Review
“The Mayan Apocalypse”
Airs April 1, 2012
House of Lies Sunday Nights at 10 EST on Showtime
April 1, 2012
By Lena Lamoray