Grade: 88%
GO ON is about a popular sportscaster
named Ryan (Matthew Perry, Friends, Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip) who
wants to return to work a month after the death of his wife. Ryan’s
boss, Steven (John Cho, Star Trek, Harold & Kumar Go to
Whitecastle), tells Ryan to attend ten counseling sessions first, to
make sure he’s mentally up to the task. But Ryan doesn’t believe in
therapy, making a mockery of the situation, to the delight of the rest
of the troubled group. His new therapist, Lauren (Laura Benanti, Eli
Stone, The Playboy Club).
This is an excellent series, fully
worthy of Perry’s talents. While the actor has struggled in recent years
to find a show that stays on the air, GO ON might just be the one to
do, if the “Pilot” is any indication. It’s very funny, but the story
also goes very dark, allowing Perry to play drama and comedy, sometimes
simultaneously. It’s a winning mix, showing vulnerability while making
people laugh, and one that should prove popular with television viewers.
Were the series riding on Perry’s wave
alone, as excellent as he is, that might not be enough. Instead, Perry
is surrounded by a very talented ensemble. Playing the members of his
therapy group are Suzy Nakamura (Dodgeball, The West Wing), Brett Gelman
(Eagleheart), Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris), Seth Morris
(Happy Endings), Tonita Casto (Funny People), Sarah Baker (Free Radio),
Bill Cobbs (Night at the Museum), and Julie White (Grace Under Fire,
Transformers). Each plays a pivotal role in the first episode’s success,
and coming together, make for a heck of a team.
This therapy group plot does make parts
of GO ON seems a little like another NBC sitcom, Community. There is a
feel good style of helping each other out and bonding, even though they
are brought together from different walks of life. These people may not
have sought each other out as friends, but thrust together, they are
stronger for the relationships. While GO ON will probably not be goofy
and meta like Community, there are a plethora of ways the plot could go
with such a strong ensemble.
Of course, there is romantic tension,
too. This exists between Ryan and Lauren. At first, this results in a
slight bit of ickiness, considering she is the mental health
professional assigned to treat him. Until we learn that she’s not
exactly so professional. Then, things quickly become acceptable. Ryan is
in no position to rush into anything just yet, but the groundwork is
already being laid between the two.
Which doesn’t make the series
predictable. In fact, nothing about the “Pilot” is all that obvious.
There are subtle moments and deep understandings mixed with startling
drama and great jokes. It’s hard to predict each zig and zag, but the
developments feel natural and flow well. It’s some seriously good
storytelling, perhaps more sophisticated than most half hour comedies.
GO ON lags when focusing on Ryan’s job.
Cho does OK, and Allison Miller (Terra Nova, Kings) is fine as Ryan’s
assistant. But every time these characters are on screen, and Perry goes
back to reality, the story lags just a bit. Sure, viewers need to see
how Perry will cope with the real world, as he can’t stay in his happy
bubble forever. These parts just aren’t developed as well as the group
scenes. Perhaps this will change in time, or maybe Ryan’s work just
won’t be a huge focus.
In all, GO ON works extremely well, for
all of the aforementioned reasons. There is a broad enough appeal that
it should have no trouble finding an audience, and avoids serving any
niche too fully. Yet, it still has a very high addictive quality because
it is so well made, so it’s not just fluff for the masses. Check out GO
ON tonight after the Olympics, and when it premieres on September 11th.
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