When NBC's Guys With Kids began, I thought it was absolutely terrible. I still kind of do, in fact. The kids that the title refers to usually play only a supporting role in the story, and are, more often than not, seen, rather than heard. Also, the mothers in these relationships play a pretty large role, so it's weird that the title only mentions the fathers. Plus, the jokes are corny, the humor is frequently low brow, and there isn't really anything to keep drawing one back week to week.
And yet, there is something about it that has kept me watching this long. Maybe it's the fact that these guys are doing what I want to do, as I am young and married, but not yet a dad. Maybe it's the amusing theme song. Maybe it's the fact that the actors are selling the chemistry, even when they have to spout out nonsense lines. I cannot pinpoint what exactly I am starting to dig about the show, but for some reason, recently, it has become a small pleasure, rather than a chore, to watch.
That's not to say that there isn't still work to do for this to be a good show. It has plenty of weak spots. The point is, there is a certain charm present, and it has been steadily getting more enjoyable with each new episode, so it's on the right path.
This week's installment, the first of 2013, is called "First Word." The gang is hanging out, as usual, and Sheila (Erinn Hayes) joins them because she is sure that Ernie will soon be saying his first word. Nick (Zach Cregger), of course, is not happy at Sheila's inclusion, but Chris (Jesse Bradford) attempts to prove, through a series of flashbacks, that Nick is the one responsible for Sheila's presence in the first place.
Then Ernie does finally speak, with a word that doesn't quite make sense, but definitely earns a laugh.
Guys With Kids has greatly benefited from giving Sheila more screen time lately. Hayes is terrific, and while I originally lamented her being on such a lackluster show, as her talents are better than this material, she is proving to have a fantastic chemistry with Cregger. Every series needs some conflict, and the two of them going at each other provide many of the best moments of the series. Sure, there will eventually have to be some sort of movement in their relationship. But for now, their snippiness is really working for me.
I also like the flashbacks. They are a bit silly, with most of the characters appearing quite different from their current selves, which is not a common trend in realistic growth, though it has practically become a sitcom cliche. At the same time, the flow is decent enough to keep viewers into the story. The writing doesn't go so far outside the established realm that events aren't plausible, nor do they leave any glaring plot holes that are not explained away over the course of the half hour. As such, the better-than-expected results satisfy.
My favorite couple, aside from Nick and Sheila, is Marny (Tempestt Bledsoe) and Gary (Anthony Anderson). The affection between them feels authentic, even when not having any time to themselves, and I like their attitude on parenting. At first, they seemed neglectful, but after further examination, including in seeing how Gary becomes a stay-at-home-dad in "First Word," they suddenly seem very invested in their children. They are also the most established couple, so they are more in sync with one another than the other pairings.
Overall, I could see Guys With Kids becoming a less-funny, but still entertaining, version of Friends (with kids), should it continue to improve. Perhaps the pleasant surprises come because expectations began so low. But I'll continue to watch for now, and if they stay on track, I could actually find words to praise the show down the line, something I did not expect to say at the start of the season.
Guys With Kids also stars Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and airs Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!
Article first published on TheTVKing
And yet, there is something about it that has kept me watching this long. Maybe it's the fact that these guys are doing what I want to do, as I am young and married, but not yet a dad. Maybe it's the amusing theme song. Maybe it's the fact that the actors are selling the chemistry, even when they have to spout out nonsense lines. I cannot pinpoint what exactly I am starting to dig about the show, but for some reason, recently, it has become a small pleasure, rather than a chore, to watch.
That's not to say that there isn't still work to do for this to be a good show. It has plenty of weak spots. The point is, there is a certain charm present, and it has been steadily getting more enjoyable with each new episode, so it's on the right path.
This week's installment, the first of 2013, is called "First Word." The gang is hanging out, as usual, and Sheila (Erinn Hayes) joins them because she is sure that Ernie will soon be saying his first word. Nick (Zach Cregger), of course, is not happy at Sheila's inclusion, but Chris (Jesse Bradford) attempts to prove, through a series of flashbacks, that Nick is the one responsible for Sheila's presence in the first place.Then Ernie does finally speak, with a word that doesn't quite make sense, but definitely earns a laugh.
Guys With Kids has greatly benefited from giving Sheila more screen time lately. Hayes is terrific, and while I originally lamented her being on such a lackluster show, as her talents are better than this material, she is proving to have a fantastic chemistry with Cregger. Every series needs some conflict, and the two of them going at each other provide many of the best moments of the series. Sure, there will eventually have to be some sort of movement in their relationship. But for now, their snippiness is really working for me.
I also like the flashbacks. They are a bit silly, with most of the characters appearing quite different from their current selves, which is not a common trend in realistic growth, though it has practically become a sitcom cliche. At the same time, the flow is decent enough to keep viewers into the story. The writing doesn't go so far outside the established realm that events aren't plausible, nor do they leave any glaring plot holes that are not explained away over the course of the half hour. As such, the better-than-expected results satisfy.
My favorite couple, aside from Nick and Sheila, is Marny (Tempestt Bledsoe) and Gary (Anthony Anderson). The affection between them feels authentic, even when not having any time to themselves, and I like their attitude on parenting. At first, they seemed neglectful, but after further examination, including in seeing how Gary becomes a stay-at-home-dad in "First Word," they suddenly seem very invested in their children. They are also the most established couple, so they are more in sync with one another than the other pairings.Overall, I could see Guys With Kids becoming a less-funny, but still entertaining, version of Friends (with kids), should it continue to improve. Perhaps the pleasant surprises come because expectations began so low. But I'll continue to watch for now, and if they stay on track, I could actually find words to praise the show down the line, something I did not expect to say at the start of the season.
Guys With Kids also stars Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and airs Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!
Article first published on TheTVKing
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