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Eastbound & Down

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For the Jerry Reed song, see East Bound and Down.
Eastbound & Down
File:Eastbound&Down Season3 Poster.jpg
Season 3 promotional poster
Genrecomedy
Created byBen Best
Jody Hill
Danny McBride
Written byJody Hill
Shawn D. Harwell
Danny McBride
Ben Best
Directed byJody Hill
David Gordon Green
StarringDanny McBride
Steve Little
Katy Mixon
John Hawkes
Andrew Daly
Jennifer Irwin
Ana de la Reguera
Michael Peña
Marco Rodriguez
Efren Ramirez
Ike Barinholtz
Opening theme"Going Down"
by Freddie King
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes21
Production
Executive producersWill Ferrell
Adam McKay
Chris Henchy
Ben Best
Jody Hill
ProducerStephanie Cone Laing
Running timeapprox. 28 mins/episode
Original release
NetworkHBO
ReleaseFebruary 15, 2009 –
April 15, 2012[1]

Eastbound & Down[2] is an American comedy television series broadcast on HBO, starring Danny McBride as Kenny Powers, a former professional baseball pitcher, who after an up and down career in the major leagues is forced to return to his hometown middle-school in Shelby, North Carolina, as a substitute physical education teacher.[3]

Producers Will Ferrell and Adam McKay received an order for six episodes for the first season from HBO.[4] The series was produced by Will Ferrell's production company, Gary Sanchez Productions. The show premiered February 15, 2009, at 10:30 p.m.[5] Its second season, consisting of seven episodes, began on September 26, 2010. On October 27, HBO announced they were renewing the show for a third season.[6] At PaleyFest 2011, it was announced that the third season will be the last.[7] The third and final season premiered on February 19, 2012.

The show's theme music is "Goin' Down" by Freddie King.

Plot

Years after he turned his back on his hometown, a burned-out major league ballplayer returns to teach physical education at his old middle school. Still trying to reclaim his fame he starts on a comeback, righting his previous wrongs, but ends up messing everything up for himself in the end.

While not based on the life of former Major League Baseball relief pitcher John Rocker, the show's creators do cite Rocker's attitude as an inspiration.[8] Former major league pitcher Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams has often been cited as the inspiration for the Powers character.[9]

Cast

Starring

Recurring

Series overview

Season Episodes Originally aired DVD release
Season premiere Season finale Region 1 Discs
1 6 February 15, 2009 (2009-02-15) March 22, 2009 (2009-03-22) June 30, 2009 (2009-06-30) 2
2 7 September 26, 2010 (2010-09-26) November 7, 2010 (2010-11-07) August 2, 2011 (2011-08-02) 2
3 8 February 19, 2012 (2012-02-19) April 15, 2012 (2012-04-15)

Episode list

Season 1

# Title Writers Director Original airdate Production code
1"Chapter 1"Jody Hill and Ben Best and Danny McBrideJody HillFebruary 15, 2009 (2009-02-15)#1.1
2"Chapter 2"Jody Hill and Ben Best and Danny McBrideDavid Gordon GreenFebruary 22, 2009 (2009-02-22)#1.2
Kenny tries to become the spokesman for a luxury car dealer. After an embarrassing scene at the car dealership, Kenny appears with his driver at a school dance and declares his love for April while high on ecstasy. Will Ferrell guest stars. Features the song "Vamp" by Trentemoller.
3"Chapter 3"Jody Hill and Ben Best and Danny McBrideDavid Gordon GreenMarch 1, 2009 (2009-03-01)#1.3
After Kenny sets Stevie up to take the rap for his own alcohol-fueled car crash, Kenny hires Stevie as his assistant. Kenny has Cassie sell his memorabilia on eBay, and begins training and using steroids again. Features the song "For The Rest of Your Life" by Drug Rug.
4"Chapter 4"Jody Hill and Shawn D. Harwell and Danny R. McBrideDavid Gordon GreenMarch 8, 2009 (2009-03-08)#1.4
Stevie puts together a DVD of Kenny's greatest moments in the hopes that the major leagues will notice. Later, Kenny attends a barbecue with his "fuck buddy" Tracy at April and Terrence's house where his romantic feelings for April intensify, and she shows the first signs of reciprocation, but an awkward moment gives them pause. Tracy gets Terrence, April's fiance and Kenny's boss, drunk, and he calls Kenny out for being a has-been in front of Stevie, April, Tracy, and all of their friends. Features the songs "Fuck'd up" by Memphis rapper Lil Wyte and "Somerset House" by Stuart A. Staples.
5"Chapter 5"Jody Hill and Shawn D. Harwell and Danny R. McBrideAdam McKayMarch 15, 2009 (2009-03-15)#1.5
Thanks largely to Terrence's words, Kenny decides to give up on his dream of returning to professional baseball. Meanwhile, arrogant car dealer Ashley comes back into the picture, along with the man who ended Kenny's career, Reg Mackworthy, who has had his career sidelined thanks to gambling charges. Will Ferrell, Craig Robinson, and Gina Gershon guest star. Features the song "Love Will Turn You Around" by Kenny Rogers.
6"Chapter 6"Jody Hill and Shawn D. Harwell and Danny R. McBrideJody HillMarch 22, 2009 (2009-03-22)#1.6
Kenny gets an offer from Tampa and is forced to say goodbye to his family and teaching job. The Tampa Bay Rays become the first MLB team to lend their official logo to the show; it appears on the 'black' credit card that the Tampa agent presents as his credentials. Right before he leaves, he gets a phone call from the agent saying that the deal was off, and he hides this from his family and April, and leaves with April, leaving all of them with the assumption that his baseball career is back on track. He dumps April at a gas stop and is last seen driving away with a worried look on his face. Features the song "Sky Pilot" by The Animals, "I Remember" by Chris Brokaw along with the instrumental to Johnny Greaseball's, Amazing (2009) featuring a sample from Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra.

Season 2

Production on the second season of the show began in May 2010. The setting moved to Mexico, with shooting actually occurring in Puerto Rico. The new season brought several changes to the cast, including new faces Michael Peña and Ana de la Reguera, who play the owner of a Mexican baseball team and Kenny's new love interest, respectively. Don Johnson appeared in the role of Kenny's father, who Kenny and Stevie managed to track down in Mexico. All of the supporting cast from the first season are absent or only make cameo appearances, with the only exception being Steve Little as Stevie Janowski, who follows Kenny to Mexico. Ben Best is not a writer for Season 2 but returns in a small role as Clegg.[11] Adam Scott returns in two episodes as the now cocaine-free baseball executive Pat Anderson.

Actor Deep Roy joined the cast as Aaron, one of Kenny's new Mexican sidekicks.[12] Model Vida Guerra guest stars in Season 2's Chaper 9.[13] The Mexican baseball team owned by Pena's character Sebastian Cisneros, the Charros, is coached by a man named Roger played by actor Marco Rodriguez. Co-director Jody Hill described the season as "a cross between the films Amores perros and The Bad News Bears". Hill directed four episodes in season two, while David Gordon Green directed three.[14]

Season 2 premiered on September 26, 2010.[15] Vice magazine reported on August 31, 2010 that "it's worthy of the original and is its own different, more somber beast."[14] The writers had considered setting the second season in America; according to McBride, "at one point, we considered opening on a shot of the big sombrero at South of the Border, so you think Kenny’s in Mexico. And then he would have said [voice-over tone], ‘I went down to the butthole of the Carolinas.’ [laughs] We actually thought about setting the entire season in Myrtle Beach instead of in Mexico. I gotta say, the Myrtle Beach idea was pretty brilliant. It would have really been something. Maybe he ends up there next season. [beat] Who knows?"[16]

It was later revealed at the end of the season that Kenny would be heading to Myrtle Beach to play in the minors for a second chance at playing American baseball and an attempt to get back into the Majors.

# Title Writers Director Original airdate Production code
1"Chapter 7"Shawn D. Harwell & Jody Hill & Danny R. McBrideJody HillSeptember 26, 2010 (2010-09-26)#2.1
Kenny resurfaces in Mexico under an alias and with a passion for cockfighting, but draws the attention of a baseball manager who wonders if Kenny Powers can still pitch.
2"Chapter 8"Shawn D. Harwell & Jody Hill & Danny R. McBrideJody HillOctober 3, 2010 (2010-10-03)#2.2
Charros owner Sebastian Cisneros agrees to pull out all the stops in promoting Kenny Powersʼ return to organized baseball, but Kenny loses motivation after learning a secret about April from an old friend.
3"Chapter 9"Shawn D. Harwell & Jody Hill & Danny R. McBrideDavid Gordon GreenOctober 10, 2010 (2010-10-10)#2.3
Puzzled by the Mexican fansʼ lukewarm reception, Kenny starts a grassroots PR campaign to burnish his image, but it takes a vintage Powers flare-up to bring the crowd to its feet. Kenny makes inroads with Vida by inviting her to Sebastianʼs yacht party. Features the song "Hubbards Hill" by Tindersticks.
4"Chapter 10"Shawn D. Harwell & Jody Hill & Danny R. McBrideJody HillOctober 17, 2010 (2010-10-17)#2.4
Though Charros fans respond to Kenny, he is warned by Roger about the perils of showboating. Kenny learns he has serious competition in his courtship of Vida.
5"Chapter 11"Shawn D. Harwell & Jody Hill & Danny R. McBrideDavid Gordon GreenOctober 24, 2010 (2010-10-24)#2.5
Kenny considers a new full-time life working in Mexico. Features the song "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by The Slits.
6"Chapter 12"Shawn D. Harwell & Jody Hill & Danny R. McBrideDavid Gordon GreenOctober 31, 2010 (2010-10-31)#2.6
Kenny settles some old scores and shows Mexico what heʼs really made of. Features the song "Comforting Sounds"[17] by Mew.
7"Chapter 13"Shawn D. Harwell & Jody Hill & Danny R. McBrideJody HillNovember 7, 2010 (2010-11-07)#2.7
Kenny and Stevie make their way back to Shelby, NC, their home town. April has a surprise waiting for Kenny. Features the song "He's Alright" by Kurt Vile.

Season 3

Season 3 saw Jason Sudeikis join the cast,[18] and the returns of Matthew Mcconaughey as Texas scout Roy McDaniel, and Will Ferrell who reprised his role as car salesman Ashley Schaeffer.[19] Ike Barinholtz also joined the cast as Ivan, a Russian pitcher Kenny tries to take under his wing.[20] The show was filmed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at BB&T Coastal Field and features Kenny as a member of a team called Myrtle Beach Mermen.[21] The third season premiered on February 19, 2012 at 10:00 pm.[22]

# Title Writers Director Original airdate Production code
1"Chapter 14"Jody Hill & Danny R. McBride & Josh ParkinsonJody HillFebruary 19, 2012 (2012-02-19)#3.1
2"Chapter 15"Jody Hill & Danny R. McBride & Harris WittelsDavid Gordon GreenFebruary 26, 2012 (2012-02-26)#3.2
Kenny attempts to track down April to no avail and also fails in palming Toby off on his brother. Realizing he will need help if he is to raise his child, Kenny tries to convince Stevie to rejoin him. However, he must first rescue Stevie from the clutches of his new employer, a vengeful Ashley Schaeffer.
3"Chapter 16"John Carcieri & Jody Hill & Danny R. McBrideJody HillMarch 4, 2012 (2012-03-04)#3.3
Pro scout Roy McDaniel arrives in Myrtle Beach to ask Kenny to mentor Ivan Dochenko, a promising young Russian pitching prospect. Stevie lays down the ground rules for his return to Kenny's team while grappling with Shane and Kenny's relationship.
4"Chapter 17"Jody Hill & Danny R. McBride & Josh ParkinsonDavid Gordon GreenMarch 11, 2012 (2012-03-11)#3.4
Kenny thinks his son, Toby is cursed and might be to blame for a recent run of bad luck and later tries to bond with Shane's puritanical family. Meanwhile, Stevie is racked with guilt.
5"Chapter 18"Jody Hill & Danny R. McBride & Harris WittelsJody HillMarch 18, 2012 (2012-03-18)#3.5
Kenny is shocked when he receives some unexpected visitors, and in a desperate attempt to regain control over his team, he plans the ultimate Independence Day celebration. Stevie struggles with his guilt and making a confession.
6"Chapter 19"John Carcieri & Jody Hill & Danny R. McBrideDavid Gordon GreenMarch 25, 2012 (2012-03-25)#3.6
Stevie continues to grieve over what he has lost, and while Kenny attempts to come to terms with the challenging responsibilities he face as a father and as a man, he decides to take his chances with a brand new pitch.
7"Chapter 20"John Carcieri & Jody Hill & Danny R. McBrideJody HillApril 8, 2012 (2012-04-08)#3.7
Desperate to get back on rotation, Kenny attempts to get back in the good graces of his coach, but his quest for redemption is complicated by several unseen obstacles. A broken-hearted Stevie tries to win back Maria's love.
8"Chapter 21"Jody Hill & Danny R. McBride & Josh ParkinsonJody HillApril 15, 2012 (2012-04-15)#3.8
While Kenny attempts to handle the current path his life seems to be taking, an unanticipated and auspicious turn of events changes the future he was certain he had as a Minor League pitcher with the Myrtle Beach Mermen. Series Finale.

International syndication

Country Broadcasters Time slot Notes
 United States HBO 10:30pm Premiered February 15, 2009.
 Canada HBO Canada/The Score 10:30pm Premiered February 15, 2009.
Portugal Portugal MTV Portugal 11:00pm Premiered July 9, 2009.
 United Kingdom FX 10:00pm Premiered October 1, 2009.
 New Zealand Comedy Central 9:30pm Premiered October 27, 2009.
 Sweden CANAL+ Scandinavia 8:00pm Premiered August 11, 2009.
 Mexico MaxPrime 10:30pm Premiered November 17, 2009.
 Netherlands Comedy Central 10:30pm Premiered April 30, 2010.
Romania Romania HBO Romania 11:00pm Premiered May 29, 2010.
 Norway NRK 10:25pm Premiered September 15, 2010.
 Australia showcase/7mate 7:30pm Premiered October 27, 2009.
 Finland YLE 00:20am Premiered June 5, 2011.
 Turkey e2 11:00pm Premiered June 20, 2011.
 Brazil HBO 2 20:05pm Premiered March 13, 2012.

References

  1. ^ eastbound & down on hbo
  2. ^ "Eastbound & Down: Homepage". HBO. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
  3. ^ "New HBO TV series 'Eastbound and Down' unites old friends". StarNewsOnline.com. 2008-10-21. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
  4. ^ "Talk: Home". HBO. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
  5. ^ [1] – HBO – February 2, 2009.
  6. ^ Andreeva, Nellie. "HBO Renews Series 'Bored to Death' And 'Eastbound & Down' –". Deadline.com. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
  7. ^ Wright, Adam (2011-03-11). ""Eastbound And Down" To End After Third Season". Tvdonewright.com. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
  8. ^ All Things Considered (2009-02-15). "HBO Debuts 'Eastbound And Down'". NPR. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
  9. ^ 5 Real-Life Players Who Inspired 'Eastbound & Down' http://www.complex.com/sports/2009/02/5-real-life-players-who-inspired-eastbound-down
  10. ^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1499462/
  11. ^ "BRING IT ON HOME – The Southern Boys Behind Eastbound & Down Send Kenny Powers' Ass to Mexico – Vice Magazine". Viceland.com. 2007-08-28. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
  12. ^ "EB&D IN PR – Viceland Today". Viceland.com. 2010-06-21. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
  13. ^ Eastbound & Down: Season 2, Episode 3 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1722685/
  14. ^ a b "Eastbound & Down Season Dos Is Almost Here – Viceland Today". Viceland.com. 2010-08-31. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
  15. ^ "Eastbound and Down Season Two is F*cking In". Tv.gawker.com. 2010-06-14. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
  16. ^ "BRING IT ON HOME – The Southern Boys Behind Eastbound & Down Send Kenny Powers' Ass to Mexico – Vice Magazine". Viceland.com. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
  17. ^ "Mew – Comforting Sounds ( 9min ver.)". YouTube. 2007-10-07. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
  18. ^ Sneider, Jeff; Levine, Stuart (July 7, 2011). "Sudeikis set for 'Eastbound & Down'". Variety.
  19. ^ Schillaci, Sophie A. (July 12, 2011). "Matthew McConaughey, Will Ferrell Return for 'Eastbound & Down' Season 3". The Hollywood Reporter.
  20. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (September 1, 2011). "'Eastbound & Down': 'Mad TV' Alum Takes the Mound (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
  21. ^ "Myrtle Beach Mermen".
  22. ^ http://www.kennypowersfanclub.com/episodes/season3/
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