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Alan Ritchson, widely recognized as a formidable hero in the hit series Reacher, has a diverse acting background that predates his success in the action genre. His notable guest appearance on the popular sitcom New Girl in 2014 showcased his comedic talent, playing a character who comically struggles with insecurities while trying to win the affection of Zooey Deschanel’s character, Jess Day.
The fourth season episode titled “Micro” features Ritchson as Matt, a striking street artist grappling with deep-rooted insecurities tied to his physical attributes. His character’s humorous plight unfolds amidst uproarious antics involving other main characters, Winston and Cece, who play pranks on Schmidt and Coach, falsely inflating their modeling aspirations. This dynamic not only enhances the comedic effect but provides a deeper commentary on self-image and friendship.
Ritchson’s Matt & His “Little Buddy” Cause Hilarity
In New Girl, the narrative often intertwines laughter with moments of heartfelt sincerity. In “Micro,” Jess, after witnessing unflattering banter about women at the bar, takes it upon herself to challenge her friends by going on a date with Matt. She is initially flustered by his open admission about having a “micro” member, but soon finds herself more perplexed by his self-deprecating, yet irritating behavior stemming from past bullying experiences. This wager with her friend Nick adds layers of humor and tension as Jess confronts the realities of her bet with each awkward encounter.
Simultaneously, Cece and Winston, frustrated by Schmidt and Coach’s egotism, devise an elaborate scheme to entice them into modeling, leading to hilarious results. The competition between the two pairs not only delivers laughs but also illustrates the show’s adeptness at blending humor with commentary on vanity and friendship dynamics.
Ritchson Amusingly Recounts How He Landed the Gig
Jess’s attempts to bond with Matt culminate in a comical and heartfelt gesture where she exposes her own imperfections to underscore that everyone has their insecurities. However, she is taken aback when she uncovers that Matt is involved with someone else, compounding her bewilderment as chaos ensues, including the destruction of one of his prized artworks.
Ritchson humorously detailed his casting experience during an interview, revealing that director Jay Chandrasekhar approached him outside a diner with an offer to guest star in an episode centered around a character with a micropenis. His humorous disbelief reflected in his response showcases the lighthearted spirit of the show. As Ritchson recounted, the audition took place in an unusual setting: a Trader Joe’s parking lot at midnight.
Ritchson’s memorable portrayal in New Girl highlights his versatility as an actor, equally at ease in comedic roles as he is in his action-packed performances. The blend of humor and relatable struggles in this episode positions it as a standout moment in the series. Fans seeking a chuckle should revisit Ritchson’s appearance, which aired eight years before his breakout in Reacher.
Stream New Girl on Peacock.
Source
movieweb.com