More than a decade after its last outing, The Comeback returned Sunday night with a new challenge for Valerie Cherish – navigating the world of AI-written scripts. But before diving into that modern dilemma, the HBO comedy quietly and meaningfully addressed a deeply personal loss: the passing of Robert Michael Morris, the actor who brought Valerie’s longtime confidant and hairdresser, Mickey Deane, to life. The Season 3 premiere served as a poignant tribute to Morris, who died on May 30, 2017, at the age of 77, and whose presence was integral to the show’s unique blend of cringe comedy and heartfelt moments.
The impact of Morris’s death resonated deeply with the show’s creators. Lisa Kudrow, co-creator and star of The Comeback, initially struggled with the idea of continuing the series without him. “When we were going to talk about coming back after Michael died, Lisa couldn’t even entertain the idea,” Michael Patrick King, Kudrow’s co-creator, revealed during a press conference. “She just kept saying, ‘Well, no, that’s done.’” This hesitation underscores just how interwoven Morris – and the character of Mickey – were into the exceptionally fabric of the show.
Though, as Season 3 began to take shape, the creative team found a way to honor Morris that felt authentic to both the character and Valerie Cherish’s often-avoidant personality. The tribute unfolds subtly, avoiding overt sentimentality in favor of the show’s signature layered and sometimes uncomfortable approach. The premiere delicately acknowledges Mickey’s absence, recognizing his lasting impact on Valerie’s life.
A Quiet Remembrance on Set
Mickey’s death is brought into focus in the final ten minutes of the episode. Valerie, taking on a small role in a low-budget indie film set in a senior care facility, fully commits to a retro aesthetic after misinterpreting the scene’s requirements. On set, she reconnects with Tommy (played by Tony-winning director Jack O’Brien), a former colleague who occasionally filled in for Mickey as a hairdresser on the set of Valerie’s earlier show, “I’m It.” When Tommy inquires about Mickey, Valerie delivers the news with characteristic bluntness: “We lost Mickey. He passed away. COVID. The first round. COVID OG I call it.”
This moment lands with a quiet weight, but Valerie quickly moves on, a response that feels entirely in character. As King explained, “Maybe due to the fact that it happened off camera… maybe Valerie hadn’t dealt with it.” This avoidance is a hallmark of Valerie’s coping mechanisms – a tendency to reframe or simply ignore painful realities. The creative choice to portray Valerie’s reaction in this way feels true to the character and avoids a melodramatic portrayal of grief.
Acknowledging the Loss Behind the Scenes
The decision to address Mickey’s death head-on was important to the cast and crew. Dan Bucatinsky, who reprises his role as Valerie’s manager, Billy, emphasized the significance of acknowledging the absence. “We really felt the loss of Mickey because he’s such an integral part of Valerie’s inner circle,” Bucatinsky told Gold Derby. “It was a real loss to Valerie.”
For King, honoring Morris extended beyond the narrative to recognizing the actor’s growing legacy. He recalled how Morris’s obituary in Entertainment Weekly described him as a “television star,” a title King believes Morris would have cherished. “He went from obscurity to when he died, the Entertainment Weekly headline said, ‘Television star Robert Michael Morris dead,’” King said. “And I always got this great happiness about the fact that in that moment he was called a television star, which is something he would’ve loved.”
A Lasting Legacy
The Comeback’s Season 3 premiere offers a fitting tribute – both on-screen and off – to a performer who was instrumental in defining the show from its inception. As Valerie Cherish once again navigates the complexities of Hollywood, Mickey’s absence serves as a subtle but powerful reminder of the changes that have occurred, even if she isn’t fully prepared to confront them. The show’s ability to weave personal loss into its satirical narrative is a testament to the enduring impact of Robert Michael Morris and the character he so memorably portrayed.
As The Comeback continues its third season, it will be interesting to spot how further references to Mickey are woven into the storyline. The show’s creators have promised more nods to Morris’s character throughout the season, suggesting that his presence will continue to be felt even in his absence. The series’ exploration of Valerie’s journey, both professionally and personally, promises to be a compelling watch for fans old and new.
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