By Matthew Wood

As with any rock band, The Flight of the Conchords are feeling like their look is getting a bit stale. Of course, unlike most rock bands, these guys don’t actually have any “gigs” or “recordings” — or really much of anything to show for their work. However, that’s all about to change.
 
But first, Bret has to get over his feelings of self-consciousness after he’s told he looks too small during a photo shoot. Fortunately, it’s David Bowie to the rescue, as Ziggy Stardust himself visits Bret in a dream to offer career advice. Well, it’s actually Jemaine dressed like Bowie in the recurring dreams, which include the 1972 “Ziggy Stardust” Bowie, the 1980 “Scary Monsters” Bowie, and finally, the (shudder) 1986 Bowie from the movie LABYRINTH.
 
The Conchords are on the cusp of signing a big deal with a greeting card company to have their song play in a new musical card. But, Bowie’s advice (“do something outrageous”) backfires when Bret jumps on the card producer’s desk in the middle of their interview and shows off his lightning bolt-painted wanger at an incredibly inopportune time (well, I guess there really isn’t an opportune time to do that, but you live and you learn).
 
Long story short, manager Murray gets them the greeting card deal – which nets them a cool 50 cents — and Bret starts to feel better about himself. Unfortunately, poor dream-sequence Bowie is feeling down after his advice (which also included telling Bret to wear an eye patch — bad idea) doesn’t seem to be working out.
 
You know what? I hear you loud and clear, Major Tom. I’m starting to feel the same way about this show, which, after showing real promise in the first few episodes, has definitely hit a plateau. And, much like Ziggy Stardust, its rise and fall are imminent.
 
Did you get that last reference? If not, you really didn’t like this Bowie tribute of an episode. While I admire their ambition — and love for the man who sold the world — I imagine much of their humor was lost on the 98 percent of the population who hasn’t been idolizing Davie Bowie for the past 30 years.
 
It was a good try, boys. And this week’s song, “Bowie in Space,” had some redeeming value. But, it’s back to the drawing board. Your show, like the band, needs a new look.
 
How about a Ramones tribute episode? Or maybe some Dr. Dre-centric gangsta rap? I think that would be gold. Murray, get on that...