Related Sites: · IMDb: The Bill Engvall Show · Official Website Grade: B+

Tweet

The family comedy, The Bill Engvall Show, debuts its sophomore season Thursday, June 12, 9PM EST, and it continues to be as funny as ever, relying on situations that remain relatable to the common viewer.

When Bill Pearson (Bill Engvall) notices the kids aren't pulling their fair share around the house, he orders them to clean out the over-cluttered garage. And, no, he's not going to pay them to do it -- it's their responsibility to chip in as members of the family. As one might expect, this isn't an idea that's warmly received, with youngest child Bryan (Skyler Gisondo) comparing the deal to slave labor.

Sibling Reverie. Lauren patiently explains to her space cadet brother, Trent, the meaning of a work strike. (L-R: Jennifer Lawrence, Graham Patrick Martin)

So the teenaged Pearson daughter, Lauren (Jennifer Lawrence) proposes they go on strike, and do nothing around the house until they get a fair shake. Bill responds by removing the pay and benefits they were already getting -- including food and household privileges -- and it's a battle to see who will break first.

Meanwhile, Bill is facing down unfairness of his own, when his cell phone continues to have problems. Visits to the store only result in further frustration when he finds out how much it will cost to upgrade to the newer, more reliable phone -- the same phone his wife, Susan (Nancy Travis), was given for free by the same sales clerk!

The show continues with new episodes next week, as Bill notices that the kids all go to mom to ask permission for things. When he tries to assert his authority on the matter, he realizes he knows nothing about his children's lives at all.

Engvall's easy delivery, honed from his years of blue collar comedy, make this series one of the more enjoyable sitcoms on television. The show's writers also demonstrate admirable restraint, shying away from the hick-schtick Engvall employs on shows like Blue Collar Comedy and Country Fried Videos, perhaps recognizing that The Jeff Foxworthy Show didn't get that much mileage from a similar formula.