This was such a shockingly true to life episode that it took my breath away! The fact that you didn't try to pump up our emotions with dramatic music, but you relied on the real news of our day to carry this story was brilliant. It was both breathtaking and heart-rending, but it needed to be told. Thank you for honesty and the way you have honored those we as Americans promised to protect. Well done.
13 Reviews
OMG
degaswilson8 October 2021
Thank you Chuck !
dcote-042948 October 2021
Unfortunately brilliant
glena-659-8435724 December 2022
I binged through a season of this above average sitcom and then they delivered this "Arron Sorkin esk" touching episode but with a more delicate handling of an awful situation. If you've not watched season 1, you need the character development of it to appreciate this moment - but do yourself a favour and do it.
If the Emmys find a reason to create a "Brilliant Episode in an Above Average Sitcom" award, then this would win it.
Even under the filtered and biased news the west gets from this country, it's apparent 18 months on Afghanistan doesn't appear to have improved under the Taliban rule.
If the Emmys find a reason to create a "Brilliant Episode in an Above Average Sitcom" award, then this would win it.
Even under the filtered and biased news the west gets from this country, it's apparent 18 months on Afghanistan doesn't appear to have improved under the Taliban rule.
Very well done
rayboblove10 October 2021
There's nothing political about this episode. It's about a group of people trying to deal with an intense, dire situation that concerns people they care about. It's very compelling and effective.
The history of Afghanistan is complicated in the extreme. The first Sherlock Holmes story begins with Watson talking about being in the second British-Afghan war, and this in the late 1870s. And Afghanistan has been subject to foreign invaders ever since, including the US. And we wonder why they don't have a stable government.
Bravo to this caring and intense treatment of recent developments. The decision not to use a laugh track really works. If you get the M*A*S*H dvds, you can turn off the laugh track. It becomes a very different show, the one Larry Gelbart wanted.
The history of Afghanistan is complicated in the extreme. The first Sherlock Holmes story begins with Watson talking about being in the second British-Afghan war, and this in the late 1870s. And Afghanistan has been subject to foreign invaders ever since, including the US. And we wonder why they don't have a stable government.
Bravo to this caring and intense treatment of recent developments. The decision not to use a laugh track really works. If you get the M*A*S*H dvds, you can turn off the laugh track. It becomes a very different show, the one Larry Gelbart wanted.
Episode 201
bobcobb3019 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The show has had "very special" episodes before, but they did a good job tackling the story of the year with emotion and respect, while still giving us a few jokes a long the way.
Didn't think a Chuck Lorre show could do this....lol.
Didn't think a Chuck Lorre show could do this....lol.
Excellent. Perhaps too much so.
LyonME11 October 2021
Incredible
chrisandmeganmoore22 October 2021
This is an incredible episode!
I cried most of the episode, and felt so much watching this episode. It caught me a little off guard because United States of Al is a sitcom, but I love a lot of Chuck Lorre shows, and know well that part of what makes them so amazing is that they do bring the tears along with the laughs. This episode alone is worth watching the show and I immediately told people to watch. This episode will be my top pick for an Emmy. But more importantly than an award, I will remember this episode for days, weeks, months, and likely years later.
I cried most of the episode, and felt so much watching this episode. It caught me a little off guard because United States of Al is a sitcom, but I love a lot of Chuck Lorre shows, and know well that part of what makes them so amazing is that they do bring the tears along with the laughs. This episode alone is worth watching the show and I immediately told people to watch. This episode will be my top pick for an Emmy. But more importantly than an award, I will remember this episode for days, weeks, months, and likely years later.
Difficult to watch
seansamsungsmini25 October 2021
I could never watch to the end of the episode and every time I try, it becomes more difficult. There is no laughing and the topic is so true. I hope we can get past these issues (I doubt it with the Taliban in control).
10/10
drarzudogru10 October 2023
For the first time I watched a comedy movie with tears in my eyes, Al's desperation, Riley's sincere effort for Al, the whole family's struggle to help Hassina. I wish the screenwriters of this wonderful episode had the courage to address the real reasons for what is happening in Afghanistan with a few dialogues. I was deeply moved in a way I didn't expect. And for the first time this year I'm giving a production a 10. I ignore the timing mistakes, it's enough to touch your soul. Sometimes we can ignore things. Can't we ignore it? Tomorrow I'm going to sit down and watch this episode again. Thanks to everyone involved.
Political And Real
blueoysterdvp8 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The CBS writers must've been salivating over the withdrawal from Afghanistan. CBS has been political and politically correct in their plots before any other sitcom and drama from any other Network. They did LGBT plots before anyone. BLM seem to make the rounds of their lineup. Last night's episode for a comedy wasn't very funny. CBS did fuel anti Biden sentiment with the Taliban taking over Afghanistan, just like in real life. Going by the previews for next week CBS will ride this train again. There were excellent segments and acting in this episode. There was also over done scenes with overacting. I watch comedies to laugh. This Afghanistan pullout is constantly in the news. Yeah, "United States Of Al" reenacted what could've been a real life scenario. They also became a drama show. Not exactly Timmy getting dumped on from Russell from "Rules Of Engagement". I'll see how long this is a record show on my DVR schedule. CBS comedies aren't very funny these days. So glad for streaming sites where I know I will laugh.
Sitcom???
igotyou-9781515 October 2021
I came to watch a sitcom to laugh and I get all drama....! I don't mind sitcoms that have some serious stories but at least somewhere in the show they have a few funny parts, if it continues like this I'm done with the show.
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