‘Enlisted’ episode 4 review: More reasons to watch Fox’s new show

Every year, there always seems to be one surprise that comes out at midseason featuring a show that you may have unfairly written off a little bit early. In 2014, that show just so happens to be “Enlisted.” Fox has managed to find a diamond in the rough with their military comedy, which accomplishes the rare task of being very funny, but at the same time heartfelt and respectful of the subject matter. While many of the soldiers featured on this show are of the misfit variety, you still find a way to respect them and the institution as a whole.

“Homecoming” produced as a whole the best comedy for the show since the pilot, and also some of the most emotional moments as it touched on a subject that always becomes a subject of headlines: Videos that are posted on the internet of soldiers coming come, and how they are the most emotional things possible. This is something that Derrick decided to try to orchestrate so that his girlfriend’s son could experience that moment … and at first looked like he was going to be a terrible person for lying to the kid.

But, the homecoming ceremony actually did happen after a disastrous game of flag football that played hilariously, and it was touching … and also very surprising and funny. This football game had highlights galore, in between the appearance from Pam Oliver as herself to the fact that Sgt. Cody knew that they were going to get slaughtered against the Marines, and his “bet” that he made with the fellow military men was simply that his team could score.

There are some times in which we are worried about the show, especially since it felt pretty clear from the get-go that this episode aired out of order. However, this may be an occasion in which we are okay with it, since Fox is clearly just trying to give the audience the good stuff right away to get hooked on the show … and it’s working. The best thing that fans can do is try to make impossible on the network to cancel the show, and thanks to both the “Bones” lead-in and word-of-mouth, this show (considered by many to just by treading water on the schedule) may now have a chance. Grade: A-.

We’ll have some more news on “Enlisted” later this season, so be sure to check back for more of that.