* AlternativeCharacterInterpretation: Carl in the season five finale. Total jerkass, or someone who was hurt that his best friend took the side of his ex (who did not want to marry him at all anyway) and her family? Note that even Mike agreed that he was a big part of his being with Molly in the first place, and did want him there at the anniversary party, since it was his idea. Heck, Mike never really defended him, and did not suggest to Molly that neither Carl or Victoria should be invited, allowing for a situation where someone will be hurt and lash out. However, his reaction to end his friendship supports the former interpretation.
* EnsembleDarkhorse:
** Peggy, Mike's mother, steals the show whenever she's on and gets increasing amounts of screen time as other characters, like Molly's family, get less focus or put on a bus without explanation, like Carl's Nana.
** Vince seems like he would've been a short term character when he first appeared, but quickly became a regular.
* FridgeBrilliance:
** Victoria's perpetually-stoned state, constant sexual indiscretions and partying could be shrugged off as irresponsible behavior that she will never grow out of... until you realize that they're more likely coping mechanisms she clings to because she does the funerary make-up on corpses. Self-defeating or not, she holds down a job and can be there when her family needs her. That's not usually indicative of a self-absorbed HardDrinkingPartyGirl with a side of drug addiction.
** When Frannie runs off in "Baby, Please Don't Go", Mike immediately finds her right where Molly originally ran into her. Obviously, he's better trained to find her due to being a police officer. But Frannie knew he was a cop, so why did she go back somewhere she could easily be found? Because she thought that Mike wouldn't want to find her.
* HoYay: Mike and Carl, ''big'' time.
-->'''Mike:''' Why is it that at least three times per week someone thinks we're gay?
** In episode 1x02, when Mike revealed he is taking Molly out on a second date, Carl takes offense to this because he and Mike tell each other everything.
-->'''Carl:''' Really? Why am I just hearing about this?
-->'''Mike:''' Oh, I'm sorry. Haven't you been following my facebook page?
-->'''Carl:''' Dude, well, I tell you everything I do.
-->'''Mike:''' You're not doing anything.
-->'''Carl:''' While that is very hurtful, I'm gonna pass that off as a low blood sugar thing.
** Later in the same episode where they're commenting on the huge clothes dummy in the men's big and tall store:
-->'''Carl:''' That's one big ass dummy.
-->'''Mike:''' He's got your hairline and my body.
-->'''Carl:''' This could be our baby.
** Not long after, they both agree that Wesley Snipes is attractive when helping Mike find clothes to suit him for his date.
-->'''Carl:''' That's the truth. We got a 400-hundred pound uncle he made look like Wesley Snipes.
-->'''Mike:''' He's a handsome man.
** In episode 1x03, over breakfast:
-->'''Carl:''' Have you lost weight?
-->'''Mike:''' I have, and thank you for noticing.
-->'''Carl:''' Thought so. When you were bent over tying your shoes, your wallet didn't look like it was trying to bust out of your ass.
-->'''Mike:''' Do you, uh, always check out behind when I'm bent over?
-->'''Carl:''' Well, I try to look every other way, but that thing is in IMAX.
** In episode 1x04, after Molly breaks up with Mike and Carl comforts him.
-->'''Mike:''' ''(slurring)'' To hell with diets. Why should I struggle to maintain this figure if nobody's ever gonna love me?
-->'''Carl:''' Hey, I love you.
-->'''Mike:''' Thanks, man. I appreciate that.
-->'''Carl:''' ''(beat)'' You're not gonna say it back, are you? Selfish son of a bitch.
-->'''Mike:''' Hey, we don't need women. I mean, they don't do anything but cause problems.
-->'''Carl:''' He ain't wrong. He-- This would be a much better world if there were no women mucking it up. There's just guys ''(group hugs Samuel and Mike)'' hanging out with other guys.
-->'''Samuel:''' I am not drunk enough for what you are implying and you are implying 'stick in the mud', right?
-->'''Carl:''' I'm just saying we can have fun without women.
-->'''Mike:''' That's right. We're three single attractive men. The world is our oyster.
** Later in the taxi ride:
-->'''Mike:''' No, I'm saying maybe taking your clothes off in front of the strangers can be a little scary.
-->'''Carl:''' I knew it. I knew that's what was going on with you.
-->'''Mike:''' You were right, Carl. But I had to come to it myself.
-->'''Carl:''' Well, I should know not to push you. Give me some love.
-->''(Carl and Mike hug in the backseat)''
-->'''Samuel:''' ''(to Ndugu the taxi driver)'' If they start kissing, pull over and I'll walk home. And by "home", I mean Africa.
** Later at Molly's doorstep:
-->'''Carl:''' Just start talking and see where the liquor takes you.
-->'''Mike:''' You're a good friend, Carl. I really do love you. I'm sorry I hesitated before.
-->'''Carl:''' It's all right, man. I know what's in your heart.
-->'''Mike:''' ''(to Samuel)'' And I love you, Samuel ''(to Ndugu)'' ...and when I get to know you better, I'll love you too.
-->'''Ndugu the taxi driver:''' Ndugu.
-->'''Mike:''' And Ndugu to you too.
** When they help Mike serenade Molly outside her bedroom window while he scales a ladder:
-->'''Samuel:''' Am I the only one touched by the romance of this moment?
-->'''Ndugu:''' ''(getting emotional)'' No. I feel it too.
-->'''Carl:''' Yeah, it's a Hallmark moment, till Romeo falls and crushes us to death.
** In episode 1x05, when Carl is jealous over Mike dating Molly:
-->'''Carl:''' God forbid you should smell nice for ''me'' every once in a while.
** Later, Carl controls what Mike eats, Mike and Carl talk about how long they've been "partners" in the police academy together and their bickering takes over the rest of his and Molly's date.
-->'''Molly:''' How long have you guys been partners?
-->'''Mike:''' About four years.
-->'''Carl:''' What are you talking about? We've been partners for almost five years.
-->'''Mike:''' It hasn't been that long.
-->'''Carl:''' Oh yes it has. Five years this November.
-->'''Molly:''' Wow, that's longer than any relationship I've ever had. Except maybe Colonel Sanders.
-->'''Carl:''' It hasn't been easy. Trust me. ''(To Mike)'' Do you remember that day in November?
-->'''Mike:''' Well, I'd have to check my diary.
-->'''Carl:''' It was the 8th. Our first day as partners was November the 8th.
-->'''Mike:''' There you go. Five years. November the 8th.
-->'''Molly:''' Well congratulations you two. What's the anniversary on this? I think it's wood.
-->'''Mike:''' Please, don't give me wood, Carl.
-->'''Carl:''' How can you not remember that day? We had 7 inches of snow, you slipped on the ice, almost flattened a small dog.
-->'''Mike:''' Fine, November the 8th. Do you want me to tattoo it on my forehead?
-->'''Carl:''' Mm-mm. Tattoo it on your eating hand, that way you'll be sure to remember it.
-->'''Molly:''' You guys sound like an old married couple.
-->'''Mike:''' What?
-->'''Carl:''' What are you talking about?
-->'''Molly:''' You know, the way you do the little back-and-forth bickering thing.
-->'''Mike:''' That's not bickering, that's just two guys busting each other's stones.
-->'''Carl:''' Male camaraderie like Batman and Robin.
-->'''Mike:''' I'm Batman, he's Robin.
-->'''Carl:''' Who you calling Robin? I'm Batman.
-->'''Mike:''' No, no, no. I've always been Batman.
-->'''Carl:''' I drive the car, I'm Batman.
-->'''Mike:''' I let you drive the car because I'm the senior officer...that makes me Batman.
-->'''Carl:''' No, no. You let me drive the car so can take one of your little Bat naps.
-->'''Mike:''' See? You said it. I'm Batman.
-->'''Carl:''' Don't twist my words.
-->'''Mike:''' I'm not. I'm just stating a fact.
-->'''Carl:''' This is about the soup, isn't it?
-->'''Mike:''' I just wanted one bowl.
-->'''Carl:''' You never had one bowl in your life.
-->''(SmashCut to after Mike and Molly's date with Mike and Carl back on police duty, smiling''
-->'''Mike:''' That was great, wasn't it? I mean, Molly just gets cuter every day.
-->'''Carl:''' You both do.
** In episode 1x08, when Mike and Carl buy a new mattress, they are mistaken for a couple. Especially when taken out of context:
-->'''Mike:''' I'm looking for something that can accommodate two, let's say, larger people, comfortably.
-->'''Carl:''' Side by side, but sometimes stacked.
** Later, in 1x08, when they try out a mattress:
-->'''Mike:''' Oh, that's nice.
-->'''Carl:''' That's even softer than your silky forearm.
-->'''Saleman:''' (looks at them)
-->'''Carl:''' I'm going for a test drive. (Takes off shoes, lays on mattress)
-->'''Mike:''' How is it?
-->'''Carl:''' Very cushy. It's what I always imagined sleeping on you would be like
-->'''Mike:''' Scooch over, that's my side. (Lays on the mattress next to him)
-->'''Carl:''' Oh, you put a mirror on that ceiling, I could live here.
-->'''Mike:''' Show me a casket with one of these in it, you can kill me right now.
-->'''Carl:''' Boy, there will be no getting you up in the morning. Heh.
-->'''Salesman:''' (smiling) You guys known each other a long time?
-->'''Carl:''' We've been partners for 5 years.
-->'''Mike:''' Turn on your side.
-->'''Carl:''' Butt to butt or spooning?
-->'''Mike:''' Spooning. (They spoon) Does that feel okay? Are you comfortable?
-->'''Carl:''' Yeah, the mattress is offering support while hugging the contours of my body. Switch?
-->'''Mike:''' Absolutely. (They switch, different spooning position) Oh God, I'm in heaven.
-->'''Carl:''' Yup. You have one happy girl on your hands tonight.
-->'''Salesman:''' You buy this mattress, I think both you girls are gonna be happy. (Mike and Carl look at him) I'll let you two discuss it.
-->'''Mike:''' Why is it, at least three times a week, people think we're gay?
-->'''Carl:''' Well, this one I get. We're snuggling on a mattress. But when I wipe mustard off your lip, that's just me being helpful.
** Later, as Mike presents the new bed to Molly:
-->'''Mike:''' I was just gonna get two pillows but Carl said quantity gives it an Arabian nights type of vibes.
-->'''Molly:''' Wait a second. You bought a bed for us with Carl?
-->'''Mike:''' No, I bought a bed for you with Carl.
** When Mike and Molly go to crash at her place:
-->'''Mike:''' We are still gonna sleep at my place sometimes?
-->'''Molly:''' Of course.
-->'''Mike:''' Good. Cause I paid 700 bucks for that bed and I wanna lay in it with someone besides Carl.
* JerkassWoobie: Peggy. She is a pretty mean DeadpanSnarker and guilt-tripper, but seems to be quite lonely. As of "Whatever Happened to Baby Peggy," we find out [[spoiler: she's the victim of AbusiveParents , and for once it's not PlayedForLaughs.]]
* SeasonalRot: The consensus for a bit of season 4 and season 5. The show capitalizes on Creator/MelissaMcCarthy's popularity, but overuses her to death, changes her character's behavior radically, and takes away much of the focus on the relationship between Mike and Molly.

* UnintentionallyUnsympathetic: Even before the infamous retool made selfishness her defining trait Molly falls into this more often than not. In "Molly's Shoes" when she and Mike are at the mall shopping and Mike is clearly having a hard time with the idea of his mother moving away, not only does she not even try to hide her delight at the idea and ignore his unhappiness completely until he storms off without his wallet, keys and phone, she gives up looking for him after all of five minutes and proceeds to have a me-day while he looks for her. By the time they find each other she's got two armloads of shopping bags and has had a makeover and a massage(at least).
** In her birthday episode she gives Mike a list of things to do for her on her birthday, then a few episodes later during Mike's birthday she tries to cancel his party just to spite his mother.
** In "Spring Break" her immediate response to Mike telling her a credit card is paid off is to start planning an expensive trip and go shopping. Keep in mind Mike has already emptied his life savings to pay off their debt(all of which was accumulated by Molly's selfish and frivolous spending) and they're trying to SAVE MONEY TO HAVE A BABY.
** In season two after Molly steamrolls Mike into moving into her mother's house she passive aggressively banishes all his possessions to the garage because "she was there first" and practically brags that when they have a place of their own she intends to do the same thing while relegating him to an explicitly windowless "man cave" in the basement.
** In "Yard Sale" she sells all of Mike's possessions(including an expensive foosball and air hockey tables) while keeping her own junk without as much as an apology.
** Multiple episodes state she has secret credit cards kept from Mike.
** Yet another episode reveals she's been taking money from Mike every month under the pretense of paying Joyce rent and instead spends it on herself.