Flashback With THE GOLDBERGS

Article first published as THE GOLDBERGS Review on Seat42F.

ABC’s THE GOLDBERGS is a family sitcom of the traditional variety that happens to be set in the 1980s. The Goldbergs are an average American middle-class family who love each other, but yell a lot. There’s a mother, father, grandpa, and three children, a recipe for a very typical show.

The draw, if you will, is that THE GOLDBERGS is based on the real-life family of producer Adam F. Goldberg (Breaking In, Community). The end of the pilot, “The Circle of Driving,” highlights that by showing the parallels of Goldberg’s real family and the characters in split screen. In this, the show feels very authentic and is definitely based on something true.

The problem is, there are already a gluttony of realistic family sitcoms on the air and in the annals of television history. Other writers and creators have families, too, and have gotten to the dance well before Goldberg. Should we keep the party going just as it’s breaking up? What sets THE GOLDBERGS apart from Modern Family, The Middle, or even The Cosbys? Nothing, sadly.

Now, that doesn’t mean THE GOLDBERGS is an unpleasant show. Wendi McLendon Covey (Bridesmaids, Reno 911!) is terrific as an overbearing mom and Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm) makes a great out-of-touch, always-raising-his-voice dad. The child actors, Troy Gentile, Sean Giambrone, and Hayley Orrantia, are mostly unknown, but fit in well, and George Segal (Just Shoot Me!) is a wonderful grandfather. It’s a solid cast who can handle the parts and the comedy well.

There are some notable moments in “The Circle of Driving.” I like when the mother thinks that throwing away a locket given to her elder son will hurt his feelings. Pops coaches the youngest child in picking up women, and they find just the right restaurant in which to do so by the end of the half hour. We see a moment where the parents, away from their kids, demonstrate their love for one another. These are good scenes.

The issues this family faces, such as empty nest syndrome, an elderly man being forced to give up some of his freedoms, sibling rivalry, a father who doesn’t know how to show affection, an adolescent becoming obsessed with boobs, a sixteen-year-old wanting his own car, and others, are relatable. These are things we’ve all experienced, and thus will be able to smile at, knowing exactly how the characters feel.

But there is little fresh in “The Circle of Driving.” As stated before, there are many family sitcoms already out there, and all of this ground has been covered extensively. We might giggle at a stray joke, but we’re not going to celebrate the writers for being clever or award Emmys to the actors for playing a set-in-stone type. It’s a family-friendly program the clan can watch together at night, but it won’t be anyone’s favorite, must-see show.

The best chance THE GOLDBERGS have to set itself apart is that it’s a period piece. Yes, The Wonder Years already did the nostalgic, voice-over enhanced, coming-of-age story. Yet, there is a different tone here, and one could not ask for a better narrator than Patton Oswalt (Justified, United States of Tara). Making frequent references to things like REO Speedwagon, ALF, Star Wars, and Ghostbusters is appreciated, and will give the adults something to enjoy in the tame fare.

Whether THE GOLDBERGS will last or not is anyone’s guess. I can’t say that it strictly deserves to, but neither does it offend or bore. We don’t need another program of this type, but if networks are going to keep making them, at least it’s as good as this one, and not something that proves no one is trying anymore. Maybe it’s an effort to return to classic television during the heyday of the sitcom, and if so, it is a suitable project, even if it seems a doomed goal.

THE GOLDBERGS’ first episode is available now on Hulu and premieres Tuesday, September 24^th at 9 p.m. ET.

Breaking In breaks back into the airwaves

FOX's Breaking In, or breaking_in, as the title is sometimes written as, seemed canceled at the end of last year, but received a last minute reprieve. Fans who were elated at the news have had to wait a long time but new episodes. But that wait is over this week, as the second season premieres with "The Contra Club."

A new secretary begins work at Contra Security. Her name is Veronica (Megan Mullally, Will & Grace, Chrildrens Hospital, Parks & Recreation), and she is annoying, creepy, and a mess. But before the staff can begin pranking her, Oz (Christian Slater) orders them not to. Getting suspicious, the employees dig a little and discover that Veronica works for a company who Oz is trying to sell Contra to. When the deal falls through, the team breaks into Veronica's employer, and fixes it. Except, now they have to work for Veronica, who isn't pleased with their shenanigans.

"The Contra Club" is very much a transition episode, so it's hard to make a judgment call about whether the return of Breaking In is successful or not. Much of this episode centers on the "mystery" of Veronica's character, which is, sadly, not a mystery at all, because of numerous previews and press releases that spoil the twist. In this, FOX kills the suspense of the premiere, and the things that should be enjoyable about the episode are ruined. This is a marketing misstep, not a creative team failure.

Breaking In thrives on the interaction between Oz's team as they pull off jobs. Due to the story structure of "The Contra Club," the job of the week is short, and doesn't allow a lot of reveling in what makes the show good. Add to this the loss of Josh (Trevor Moore), and things don't quite add up to a great example of the series. Worse yet, Melanie will only appear in some of the episodes because Odette Annable is now starring in House, and Breaking In basically drops any romantic story between her and Cameron (Bret Harrison). So that's two out of the four team members MIA most weeks, and a big plot point gone. And Dutch (Michael Rosenbaum), who isn't in every episode of season one, but is fantastic when he is present, has also been dropped. One can assume that Dutch is no longer necessary because Cameron isn't going after Melanie, and Veronica is now the antagonist, though only time will tell if she will be a good fit replacement.

Luckily, Oz and Cameron's relationship, the other major element of the series, remains solid. Cash (Alphonso McAuley) also continues in his plum comedic role. So some things that are proven positives are still present.

There is a wild card that "The Contra Club" doesn't address. The other new main character is Molly (Erin Richards, the UK's Being Human), Veronica's long-suffering minion. She gets scarce screen time in the premiere, and almost nothing about her is revealed, except that she is sorely mistreated, and allergic to cats. How she will fit into the office chemistry is still a mystery.

When a series is pulled back from death like this, networks like to retool to expand the appeal. Unfortunately, in this case, Breaking In had a great formula already, and just needed time and promotion to help it, not changes made to the plot. This new presentation may be better, or it could end up being worse.

So was "The Contra Club" a great episode? Again, hard to tell with the marketing screw up. However, it does get the characters and story set up for what will surely be a make-it-or-break-it sophomore run. Ratings are up a bit for the show, though not as high as normal for the timeslot it is filling, so it will just depend on if an audience can be built as to whether Breaking In will get a third season.

Watch Breaking In Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

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breaking_in goes to "21.0 Jump Street"

     FOX's breaking_inwas recently canceled after a mere half dozen episodes, the last of which aired this week. The episode "21.0 Jump Street," which will serve as the series finale, found most of the team assigned to work for Mike Tyson (guest starring as himself), while Cam (Bret Harrison) is supposed to help a high schooler being cyber-bullied. But Cam finds the assignment harder than expected, and after asking Cash (Alphonso McAuley) to assist with a photo shop project, the situation gets even more complicated. The entire team ends up helping Cam right the situation, but as it turns out, the whole thing may have just been a nice present to Cam from his boss, Oz (Christian Slater).

     It is sad that yet another funny sitcom bites the dust without really being given a chance. breaking_in has a unique concept and a wonderful cast. Oz is the crazy, paranoid boss. Cam is a slacker hacker. Cash is the tech geek whiz. Josh (Trevor Moore) is an expert with disguises. Sexy Melanie (Odette Annable) can pick any lock. And Melanie's crazy boyfriend, Dutch (Michael Rosenbaum), is the wild card. Besides each member fitting into place nicely, with wonderful chemistry, Rosenbaum in particular stands out for making viewers forget all about his many years as Lex Luthor.

     Because there are no other sitcoms with a similar concept, its departure is a major loss to television. The premise is original and fresh, and the writing and acting are solidly funny. There are plenty of pop culture references, and zany, but not wholly unrealistic, situations.

     Even sadder, this marks the fourth project in as many years that has been pulled out from under Harrison, a very talented actor due to get a big break any second. The Loop is only vaguely amusing, but Harrison had a memorable recurring role in the second season of just-canceled V, and his star turn in Reaper, which criminally lasted a mere two seasons, should be remembered for years to come. Harrison picks good projects, that aren't given much of a chance.

     Plenty of sitcoms, much more poorly made than breaking_in, have gotten much longer lives. Currently on the air, Rules of Engagement, The Middle, and Two and a Half Men spring to mind. If justice exists, breaking_in will be rescued, as efforts are currently underway to do just that. It's a slim hope that the series may see a second season, but it's there all the same.

     The episode "21.0 Jump Street" is a great example of the series, allowing each member of the ensemble some meaty material, and so it is as good as any to end with. Cam returns to his high school and finds romance with a former classmate who has long harbored a crush on him. Melanie gets to try out high school for the first time, having been denied the experience by her grifter father. Oz plays things cool, and leaves viewers wondering if the whole episode is in service of helping an employee, or an actual job. Dutch gets to work through finding out that Cam has a thing for Melanie, but does not fall into predictable tropes.

     If you are so inclined, please write to FOX and ask them to bring back breaking_in. It deserves more time.

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Article first published as TV Review: breaking_in - "21.0 Jump Street"on Blogcritics.

The Whitest Kids U'Knew on IFC

     IFC's sketch comedy series, The Whitest Kids U'Know, began its fifth and final season last night. Known for being a bit 'out there', their humor can be at times offensive and gross. This is best exemplified by last night's recurring gag when a phone sex worked named Baked Beans did commercials. Troupe member Timmy Williams played Baked Beans, with a long wig and women's lingerie. He poured cans of baked beans all over himself and made corny, baked bean-related sexual innuendos. it was disturbing and provoked nausea. What's more, Baked Beans popped up no less than three times during the episode.

     Fortunately, the rest of the half hour was much funnier. Most of the bits had the members of the comedy troupe, Trevor Moore (Breaking In), Sam Brown, Zach Cregger (NBC's as yet unaired Friends with Benefits), and Darren Trumeter, playing various characters, sometimes multiple ones in the same sketch. Only one sketch moslty just contained the central cast, though. While sometimes others have assisted, last night's episode was one of the most extra-heavy ever made by the group. Will the rest of the reason have others besides the five men in it? Is it because by season five people know who they are?

     The Civil War on Drugs found a couple of boys in the late 19th century befriending a Jamaican slave who introduces them to pot. The bit plays on stereotypes, and meanders, beginning with one boy being kicked out of a school house, long before he finds his friend and meets the slave. In fact, the entire thing runs for almost a full act, and ends with 'to be continued...' Will it pick up next week? Without having seen all the episodes, it's not certain if they have done this before, but no other example springs to mind. The show has had long sketches before the seem to switch direction a few times, but this is definitely one of their windiest.

     Another bit found Trevor playing a dying soldier who narrates a letter to his wife. This one has a few fun twists, with the switching back and forth from the man on the battlefield to the wife reading the note happening at strange times, keeping you guessing what exactly happened to the solider. He is dead, but there are a couple of misleading moments before the real cirumstances surrounding death are revealed.

     As far as offensive material goes, the worst may have been Songs of Olden Times, which is a commercial for a made up collection of songs evoking values from an earlier period of history. Among the tracks was a duet between a child bride and her adult groom, with an actual child singing with Trevor. Another song spoe of banishing women on their periods into the woods.

     But the funniest two sketches of the night seamlessly combined some really hilarious material with drug references and, of course, more sexual innuendo. One was a black and white sitcom-like video portraying a young, charitable Adolf Hitler who is corrupted by drugs into being the evil man history remembers him for. Another sketch was a commericals for the Finger Ring Friends. Just try sayting 'finger ring' out loud, and it's easily possible to imagine where this joke went.

     If any of the above sounds like your type of humor, and granted, the show is not for everyone, be sure not to miss the finale season of The Whitest Kids U'Know, airing Friday nights at 10:30 p.m. ET on IFC.

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breaking_in "Pilot" pretty funny

     Most network television shows are winding down by this time of the year, or more accurately, ramping up for a big finale. But there are a few that, for whatever reason, didn't make the schedule until now, and are getting one last chance to succeed. Usually, these series air for less than ten episodes and are never heard from again. There are exceptions, such as Grey's Anatomy, that end up being runaway hits. Wednesday, FOX presented breaking_in, a sitcom that I find really funny, so I hope it's the next exception.

     The story begins with Cameron (Bret Harrison, V, Reaper) in his seventh year of college, easily hacking his way through school, and being paid to help others do the same. A man named Oz (Christian Slater, The Forgotten, My Own Worst Enemy), who runs a security company, catches Cameron in his illicit activities. Oz offers Cameron a choice: be exposed and go to jail, or come work for him. You see, Oz's company breaks into businesses for a living. They are not crooks, exactly, but hired to be crooks by their victims to test security measures. Cameron reluctantly accepts the latter option.

     Harrison is a comic genius, brilliant at playing the straight man forced into situations he doesn't want to be in. He's done it multiple times before, and he accomplishes it just as well as ever here. Slater, on the other hand, exudes power and threat with a glance, and is obviously relishing his role as leader of the crazies. His catch phrase, "I'll allow it," is uttered with a smirk whenever he catches one of his employees pranking another, even if the prank goes beyond the bounds of human decency, as they usually do.

     These are the two actors the show will depend on. One fairly fresh faced and new, the other experienced with an established following. Their interactions are some of the best parts of the episode, and there will definitely be a power struggle between the two as the series goes on. Cameron initially wants out, but by the end of the pilot, decides to stay. However, I do not see him going along easily with Oz's free-wheeling ways, so there are bound to be plenty of clashes.


     Joining Cameron and Oz in this odd job are Cash (Alphonso McAuley), a nerd obsessed with candy bars and hazing the new guy in outrageous ways, Josh (Trevor Moore, The Whitest Kids U'Know), a sometimes jerk and flaw(less?) character actor who vies for leadership, Creepy Carol (Jennifer Irwin, Eastbound & Down, Still Standing), an annoying office worker who sneaks up on people, and Melanie (Odette Annable, formerly Odette Yustman, October Road, Brothers & Sisters, Cloverfield), a total psycho whom Cameron is attracted to. Of course, she already has a boyfriend, with a personality more similar to hers, named Dutch (Smallville's Lex Luthor, Michael Rosenbaum). There are other employees; it's a big office; but none that got any attention or lines.

     Rosenbaum will make you forget all about Lex in seconds. He is unrecognizable with hair and an attitude. Moore basically takes all of the things he does well in his IFC sketch show and does them within a larger plot, a good use for the actor. Irwin is likely a recurring character, but her familiar face is welcome. McAuley is funny, and I assume Cash will be Cameron's best friend before long. Annable is everything you want in a love interest. She's generically sweet and attractive, but it's the flashes of insanity that will set her apart. Ensemble wise, the chemistry is great from the get go. Each different personality brings something unique to the table, which will help with varied assignments.

     As soon as Cameron comes to work at the company, Oz puts him in charge of a mission. Oz is very much of the "toss him in the water and he will sink or swim" persuasion, not a caring mentor. He hires the people he thinks will get the job done, and has little patience for hand holding.

     Josh takes offense, feeling passed over. I find that surprising, because Oz seems the type to give this test to any rookie, and Josh should have seen it before. Cameron also has a temperament that will serve him in a leadership role, as he listens to everyone and cares about people. Josh, on the other hand, will clearly let ego get in the way.

     Don't make the mistake of thinking Josh is dumb, though, or he would never have gotten the job in the first place. Josh subtlely tricks Cameron into stealing the wrong car in his first assignment. Cameron pulls off a complicated, tricky job with the entire team, but has done so at the wrong dealership. Josh does prove he's not a total tool, and Cameron shows his ability to handle difficult people, when Cameron gets Josh alone to help him fix the mistake. Cameron is not a pushover, as one might first suspect. During the second attempt, he just throws a rock through the window and runs inside. Hilarious.

     I think this series has some real comedy gems within it, and I look forward to more episodes. breaking_in airs Wednesday nights at 9:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

Article first published as TV Review: breaking_in - "Pilot" on Blogcritics.

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