Review first published as SEAN SAVES THE WORLD Review on Seat42F.
In a slew of very familiar-seeming new sitcoms this year, lacking that fresh, creative approach that really set them apart from the herd, NBC’s SEAN SAVES THE WORLD is definitely one of them. What I mean is, while a gay dad balancing being a newly-single parent and the pressures of a demanding boss is not completely done-to-death, it also doesn’t feel that far apart from a dozen others shows. The good news is, this one is a fine example of such a program.
In a slew of very familiar-seeming new sitcoms this year, lacking that fresh, creative approach that really set them apart from the herd, NBC’s SEAN SAVES THE WORLD is definitely one of them. What I mean is, while a gay dad balancing being a newly-single parent and the pressures of a demanding boss is not completely done-to-death, it also doesn’t feel that far apart from a dozen others shows. The good news is, this one is a fine example of such a program.
Sean (Sean Hayes, Will & Grace) is
out of the closet and divorced. When his ex-wife decides to move far
away, their teenage daughter, Ellie (Samantha Isler), demands to stay in
the city, and so her father, whom she usually only sees on weekends,
takes her in, suddenly having to learn how to provide discipline and
structure. Unfortunately, it’s at this same time that the business Sean
manages gets a new owner, Max (Thomas Lennon, Reno 911!), who is not at
all sympathetic to his staff having a personal life. Thus, the conflict
is born.
This is a very relatable concept. There
are lots of single moms and dads in the world, and most of them have at
least one job. Thus, it’s a good idea for a show if the only goal is to
appeal to the masses.
I really like the relationship Hayes and
Isler have right off the bat. Neither Sean nor Ellie knows what they
are doing in this situation, something Sean is open about, but Ellie
isn’t so much, tight-lipped as girls of a certain age often are. They do
have a heartwarming conversation in the “Pilot” about their living
arrangement, and that makes the episode. It will be fun to watch them
together.
Max is a less likeable character. He is
revealed to not be completely horrible at the end of the first episode,
but he is unrealistically tough. Lennon is a great comedian, and is used
to broad humor, which he uses here, but the show needs something more
from him like Sean and Ellie have. Until Lennon can build some layers
into Max and give him a dynamic personality, something Lennon is
certainly capable of, he won’t quite fit in.
Sean’s other co-workers are pretty much
just as goofy. Megan Hilty, whom Hayes had great chemistry with on Smash
last season, is on board as Liz, and Echo Kellum has been rescued from
Ben and Kate’s cancellation to play Hunter. Combined with Vik Sahay
(Chuck) as Howard, a hopefully recurring part, these guys give the
office scenes their laughs as Sean tries very hard to be the peacekeeper
in a tough scenario. I think it works OK that Sean is still funny, even
as he plays the put-upon straight man between the owner and the peons.
The actors all have something amusing to offer, and SEAN SAVES THE WORLD
lets them do so. It’s a nice ensemble.
The only character that I’m not sure
about is Lorna (Linda Lavin, Alice), Sean’s mother. She is too heartless
to have birthed such a compassionate, determined man, and while Ellie
thinks she’s fun, I’m not sure viewers will. The mean old woman has
become a sitcom staple (think Arrested Development), but Sean doesn’t
act like he’s been raised by such a person, so it feels a little flat in
this instance.
I don’t have too many particular
complaints about SEAN SAVES THE WORLD. I enjoyed it, laughing several
times while watching the “Pilot.” I really like the actors involved. I
think the setup is a world that stories can be told in. I just wish that
it didn’t seem Hayes played it safe with the express purpose of getting
a show on the air. He has been thoroughly entertaining in more
outlandish roles, and while he may be proving he can also do the more
“normal” parts, it’s an unnecessary demonstration. Yes, he’s a good
actor. So let’s stretch him more, taking full advantage of his skill
set.
He’s not the only one not reaching far
enough. Creator Victor Fresco’s credits boast he has produced some great
stuff such as Go On, Man Up, and Better Off Ted. All three of those
were short-lived, so perhaps he has been scared off from taking the big
risks. But all three are also really good shows, so I hope he brings the
best parts of those over to SEAN SAVES THE WORLD eventually, even if
those elements aren’t obviously present in the “Pilot.” Maybe if viewers
have patience, he’ll play the network’s game for awhile, attracting
ratings to a comfortable series, and then he can then spin it into
something better. This show as is is currently good, not great.
SEAN SAVES THE WORLD premieres Thursday, October 3rd at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.