"Me Gusta" SUBURGATORY

Article first written for Seat42F.

ABC’s SUBURGATORY, a charming little comedy about a father and daughter who move from the Big Apple to the suburbs, returns for a third season this week with “No Me Gusta, Mami.” Season two ended on quite the cliffhanger, with Dallas (Cheryl Hines) dumping George (Jeremy Sisto), her daughter, Dalia (Carly Chaikin), moving in with George, and George’s daughter, Tessa (Jane Levy), running off to stay with her mother in the city. Now we finally get to see how that all turns out.

Well, it’s a bit of a letdown because order is restored before the opening credits roll. Dalia is still mad at Dallas, but she’s back in her mansion. It takes no time at all for Tessa’s mom, Alex (Malin Akerman), to abandon her, leaving Tessa back with George. George and Dallas don’t get back together, but other than that, everything seems to be back to normal in Chatwin. That’s not the end of their story, but it is a quick reset, too quick in my opinion.

This isn’t a complete disappointment; the chemistry of the principal cast, especially these four, is great the way it is. Shaking it up too much could have hurt the series, and the efforts of three of the four players to make up with their relations are sweet and touching. Thus, it’s an emotionally satisfying story, even if one might wish for a bolder plot twist, such as waiting a few episodes before sending the girls home.

SUBURGATORY is, by and large, a comedy, but it’s also pretty good at portraying the interactions between parents and children. George and Tessa have a unique relationship, as do Dalia and Dallas, and these are a major draw for the show. Their chemistries do shift and grow over time, but love always underlies them.

This may not completely carry over to the Shay household. With Ryan (Parker Young, now starring in Enlisted on FOX) off to college, Fred (Chris Parnell) and Sheila (Ana Gasteyer) are in full empty nest mode. That means Fred is on the couch reading magazines, but not an unhealthy amount of them, and Sheila is patrolling the neighborhood in camouflage, fervently hunting down an escaped dog. This might be a natural reaction for a couple to have, except their nest isn’t really empty, as daughter Lisa (Allie Grant) still resides at home.

Now, fans of SUBURGATORY will accept this as quite expected, but it’s a little sad. As loving as George and Dallas might be towards their offspring, the Shays have always treated their natural-born daughter far worse than their adopted son. It’s a shame, and explains many of Lisa’s neurosis, including her talent for emotional manipulation of her friends. Unfortunately for Lisa, her lot isn’t likely to improve anytime soon.

By and large, “No Me Gusta, Mami” is a funny episode. There are bits with a big pooch, a creepy baby, a tranquilizer gun, take-home accountants (Parenthood’s Phil Abrams, Better Off Ted’s Gary Rubenstein, and Arrested Development’s Bob Glouberman), a ditzy dog groomer (Natasha Leggero, Burning Love), a smoldering jersey, a tweaked theme song, and other vague references I won’t explain to avoid spoilers. Mostly, it’s quite good, and as amusing as ever.

There is a tense bit of “No Me Gusta, Mami” in which a couple of characters contemplate leaving the suburbs behind. But given the premise of the series, any such musings are purely hypothetical. The show may lose supporting characters like Noah (Alan Tudyk) and Mr. Wolfe (Rex Lee), who have been dropped from the main cast this year and will be missed, but the setting itself will remain, as will the core cast.

What would be the real shame, though, is if this series were canceled. It’s not highly rated, and the late start this year does not bode well for its long-term viability. Yet, the slightly hyper-realized world and charming, zany people that populate it would definitely leave a whole in the television landscape if it disappeared. So tune in and encourage your friends to do the same.

SUBURGATORY airs Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Suburgatory delivers "The Motherload"

It's Mother's Day in Chatwin on the season finale of ABC's Suburgatory, entitled "The Motherload."  As the neighborhood tries to outdo each other in honoring the moms, Eden (Alicia Silverstone, Clueless, Miss Match) wonders if perhaps Tessa (Jane Levy) isn't dealing with her feelings of abandonment, not having her mom in the picture. George (Jeremy Sisto) insists that he knows his daughter and Tessa is fine, but is she?

Yes and no. Tessa is a fully developed person, who does just fine without a mother up til now. Then she and her dad move out of the city, and into a place where mothers are no longer an abstract concept, but an ever-present dominating force. Perhaps subconsciously, Tessa looks to fill that void, bonding with Dallas (Cheryl Hines). Soon enough, Tessa is reminded that Dallas already has a daughter.

It's a shame that Dallas cares more about Dalia's (Carly Chaikin) absence than Tessa's presence in "The Motherload." Then again, Dalia is actually Dallas's daughter. Tessa may be sweet and more loving that Dallas's actual-born child, but there is a special bond between a woman and the girl that she gives birth to. Even if, from an outsider's perspective, the relationship appears flawed. In this, there is no blaming Dallas for accidentally shunning Tessa.

So who can Tessa turn to in Suburgatory to fill that mother void? Or does she even need to fill it? Tessa seems to think that, if she escapes back to the city, these emotions will stop. What she doesn't realize is, once brought into the open, this sort of thing can't be packed away again. Not only that, but George has been a heck of a parent to her, and if she leaves him to return to the Big Apple, she will likely miss him far more than she currently misses her absentee mommy. So this cliffhanger will obviously have to work itself out, with Tessa staying put in her suburban, somewhat hell-ish, community.

George is also seeking affection outside of their two-member family in "The Motherload." He invites Eden to live with them, but now that she's there, he's finding it a struggle to make her an included part of the clan. He wants Eden to feel welcome, but he doesn't want her to make decisions regarding Tessa. It's a real struggle for him to open up to someone and share all of the things that one has become accustomed to handling on one's own. George will probably fail in this first attempt, as he continues to figure out his path. But there will be other girls after Eden leaves. Maybe even Dallas, when George is ready.

Noah (Alan Tudyk) and Jill (Gillian Vigman, New Girl, The Hangover) don't make things any easier for Eden in "The Motherload," as she freaks out when she sees their big game hunting-themed nursery. True, the baby Eden is carrying is theirs, not hers, and she has no say in how the child is raised. But the decor does clash against some strongly held personal beliefs. Especially the baby seal and the club. It's no wonder, after her issues with George and these birth parents, that Eden can't wait to get the hell out of town!

Back to the Suburgatory's Mother's Day celebration, Fred (Chris Parnell) and Ryan (Parker Young) go all out to make Sheila's (Ana Gasteyer) day as special as possible. They fail, as Fred hires James Ingram (himself) to sing to her, only to learn that Sheila and James used to date. It's not Fred's fault, since Sheila never mentioned it, but it does lead to a pretty funny flop. And Fred was poised so well to win as a husband after the Cinderella stunt!

Sheila is so distracted by Fred's characteristic ineptitude that she doesn't even notice Lisa's (Allie Grant) lack of participation. Lisa mainly sits out because she is hoping that she is adopted, and waiting for the DNA test results to prove it.

Lisa often feels overshadowed by brother Ryan, so it's no surprise she isn't enthusiastic about family events. However, she also makes the startling discovery in "The Motherload" that it's not she who is adopted, but Ryan! Clearly, the story behind Fred and Sheila taking Ryan in might explain why they shower him with extra attention. But fans will have to wait until next season to find out!

Suburgatory is smart and funny; charming and goofy. It plays with stereotypes, but also presents fully fleshed out characters. Suburgatory is many things, and somehow makes opposite extremes blend together nicely, while serving larger stories. It packs a lot in, but doesn't feel rushed. Look at how much is going on in this review, and it's only a twenty-two minute episode! It's a really great show, and I can't wait for it to end its summer hiatus!

Suburgatory has been renewed for a second season and will return to ABC next fall.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! First published as Suburgatory delivers "The Motherload" on TheTVKing.com

"Driving Miss Dalia" lands Tessa in Suburgatory

     ABC's comedy Suburgatory begins its 2012 run with "Driving Miss Dalia." Tessa (Jane Levy) passes her driving test, but Dalia (Carly Chaikin) doesn't. Again. So Dalia pays Tessa to drive her as she stalks her dream guy, Scott Strauss (Thomas McDonell). Sadly for Dalia, Scott is more interested in Tessa, which makes Tessa feel guilty, until Dalia talks down to her driver just a little too much. Meanwhile, George (Jeremy Sisto) is confused by Noah's (Alan Tudyk) want to keep him from joining the country club.

     "Driving Miss Dalia" is the first episode with any significant plot for Dalia, and that's OK. Looking like plastic, her character is about as interesting as the semi-durable material, too. Sure, this episode does allow Dalia to exhibit some personality and emotional reaction. But it's not enough to make her layered or spur any need to have her on screen. It's hard to tell if this is the actress's fault, or just the way the writers and directors would like to use her. Either way, it fails. Other series have done characters of Dalia's type before, but rarely has one been so completely boring. If there is never another Dalia story in Suburgatory, that would be quite all right.

     Tessa, on the other hand, continues to be the fan favorite that is easy to root for. Of course she should have Scott, as she is far more deserving of him. Her ill feelings at coming between Dalia, someone Tessa doesn't care for in the slightest, and "her" man only endear her further. The fact that Scott chooses Tessa, and Dalia has so little respect for Tessa, makes the pairing fine. Perhaps Dalia does feel slightly betrayed, but more likely the reaction of disbelief is the overriding main focus, so there's not even a problem for Tessa there. Tessa does nothing wrong.

     The Noah / George plot in "Driving Miss Dalia" is confusing at first, but then, brave and realistic. As Noah says when they fight, he loans George a toy and then gets mad that George plays with it. Noah acts like a spoiled child in his attempts to block George, but then again, so do plenty of people from time to time, especially in Suburgatory and places like it. Even best friends can make mistakes, treat each other poorly, and not want the other one around from time to time. Noah is being selfish, but his correction, including paying the membership fee George really can't afford, make up for it. It's not a dynamic seen often on TV, but it is in real life, so Suburgatory deserves credit for addressing it, and executing the story well.

     A little less believable is the way the country club treats George. He is dinged from membership by Jocelyn (Arden Myrin, MADtv), yet is allowed to join on George's family plan. He makes several scenes, including a wrestling match with the naked Noah, which should also be enough to deny his joining, and possibly even get Noah kicked out himself. The only explanation is that Noah holds some serious sway over the club or its board that it not talked about in the series. Otherwise, why would George be allowed to get away with such antics, and still be accepted? Not to mention, be allowed to be listed as a son on Noah's plan, something that is a very obvious falsehood.

     The only real complaint about this episode? Not enough Dallas (Cheryl Hines), who should have more scenes every single week with George! Their chemistry is amazing!

     For the most part, Suburgatory grows more sure of itself, and is more enjoyable each week. With a weak start, this could not be predicted, but it is fast becoming a must-see of the current season. Hopefully, this trend will continue.

     Watch Suburgatory Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

Suburgatory hosts "The Barbecue"

     ABC's new sitcom Suburgatory, in its second week, finds George (Jeremy Sisto, Law & Order, Six Feet Under) forced to host "The Barbeque," lest he be ostracized by his neighbors. Luckily, Noah (Alan Tudyk, Firefly, Dollhouse) is there to lend him a hand. As is Dallas (Cheryl Hines, Curb Your Enthusiasm), though her advice more concerns George's daughter, Tessa (Jane Levy, Shameless). Tessa makes out with neighbor Ryan (Parker Young), who is all abs, and no brains. But Tessa doesn't need George's help to know that she should not be fooling around with Ryan, and she breaks it off.

     Many people really enjoyed the "Pilot" of Suburgatory, but I was not one of them. Since my opinion seemed so far off of others, I decided to give the series a second week to win me over before writing my review of it. I enjoyed the second episode a lot more, not because "The Barbeque" was all that much better, but because it became possible to see past the things that bothered me in week one, and embrace those elements that appealed to the masses.

     The biggest issue I have with Suburgatory is its cartoonish cast. George and Tessa are layered, complete characters, but are surrounded by a bunch of plastic stereotypes. This does not make an interesting, long-running series. And yet, the very unrealistic nature of them is what gives Suburgatory its humorous, offbeat tone. This means this major characteristic of the sitcom is, at the same time, both a turn off and a turn on. What will sway the scales one way or the other is how development is handled, meaning there needs to be some, and also if the fresh jokes can keep coming out of the neighbors' mouths. Because, for now, they are still novel enough to be very entertaining.

     The second detriment is, I am currently in the middle of watching Six Feet Under. It is an excellent series, but features a crazy, creepy Sisto that sticks with you long after the episode ends. This means it is very hard to digest the actor as George, not thinking he is just hiding some psychotic tendencies. By episode two, this gets much easier because Sisto brings heart and ease to his father figure, proving his talent range.

     And Sisto is not the only one. Levy is both adorable and sympathetic. She is attractive far beyond average, and yet has a relatable quality where she doesn't seem completely unattainable, a hard balance to strike. She really gets a chance to shine in "The Barbeque," allowing her vulnerability as a girl to shine through the commonsense, smart exterior. Thus, she captures the teenage spirit. Everyone can be a slave to hormones at one time or another.

     Hines takes what she did in Curb, and ratchets it up twenty notches for an amusing, lonely housewife. Tudyk plays the almost-straight man to the jokes, providing viewers with a way to "get" what is really going on. Saturday Night Live alumni Ana Gasteyer and Chris Parnell work as the good-hearted, trend-following couple across the street. Allie Grant does a character that is much departed from her Weeds role, defining all new levels of weird, in a totally cool way. Finally, Rex Lee (Entourage) plays the gudiance counselor, apparently now a staple in family series that venture into high schools (see: Awkward., The Secret Life of the American Teenager, etc.). All in all, a solid ensemble.

     Watch Suburgatory Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

"Larry vs. Michael J. Fox" on Curb Your Enthusiasm

     Last night, HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm ended season eight with "Larry vs. Michael J. Fox." Larry (Larry David) finally runs into his upstairs neighbor, Michael J. Fox (himself, The Good Wife, Rescue Me), and begins to suspect Michael is faking some Parkinson's symptoms in order to get back at Larry for a possible tiff. Unfortunately for Larry, no one believes him. Nor does his girlfriend, Jennifer (Ana Gasteyer, Saturday Night Live, The Good Wife), believe that her seven year old son is gay, and so is offended when Larry buys him a sewing machine for his birthday. In the end, Larry must flee town to escape his detractors.

     Larry's problems in Curb Your Enthusiasm always stem from misunderstandings. Or Larry taking a stand when he thinks something isn't right. Either way, Larry causes many of his own problems, and certainly does little or nothing to help himself. "Larry vs. Michael J. Fox" is no different.

     Larry is trying to do right by Jennifer by buying her son a sewing machine. The kid raves about Project Runway and fashion, and thus, it seems fitting. Yet Jennifer and Susie (Susie Essman) rip into him, since it's an effeminate gift. Since the kid loves it, and it aligns with his interests, what's the harm, really? Perhaps Larry doesn't know him well enough to take such a bold step, but it makes the kid happy, and isn't that what's important? It's not really Larry's fault that the kid sews Susie a swastika after seeing Larry doddle it. He can't control what the kid likes.

     Everyone loves Michael J. Fox in the world of Curb Your Enthusiasm, just as in real life. Larry is on Fox's turf. Does he really think he will be able to turn Fox's friends and neighbors against him, just because he has a beef with Fox, that may or may not be real? Larry speaks with Fox man to man, but it still doesn't clear up his suspicions, especially when more possible offenses keep happening. At this point, Larry should just drop it. But that's not in his nature, soinstead, he goes to the building's board, which, of course, sides with Fox. Then Larry inadvertently insults Michael at his charity event, leading Mayor Michael Bloomberg (himself) to call on Larry to leave town, to rousing cheers.

     It's worth noting, Larry is in New York City, his home town, the latter half of this season, because of lies and trouble back in Los Angeles, his current home. Yet, it takes very little time for Larry to upset the people in NYC, and soon they send him packing again, this time to Paris.

     If "Larry vs. Michael J. Fox" does turn out to be the series finale, as no additional season has yet been ordered, it leaves some loose ends, especially concerning Larry's relationship with ex-wife Cheryl (Cheryl Hines). But the episode does contain the perfect ending scene, with Larry and Leon (JB Smoove) walking the (obviously fake) streets of Paris, as Larry rants about the same offense he so recently rants about in LA. No matter where Larry goes, he never changes. And that's the beauty of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

     Curb Your Enthusiasm also stars Jeff Garlin, and may or may not return to HBO for a ninth season.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To catch up on Curb Your Enthusiasm with DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Curb Your Enthusiasm - "Larry vs. Michael J. Fox" on Blogcritics.

Curb Your Enthusiasm goes through "The Divorce"

     Season eight of HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm begins with "The Divorce." As the title implies, Larry (Larry David) and Cheryl (Cheryl Hines) make the decision to end their marriage. The half hour begins right where season seven ends, and their bickering causes them, many months later, to dissolve the union. Larry has a great attorney (Paul F. Tompkins), but when he learns the man is only leading people to believe he's Jewish, Larry fires him. Which leads to Larry hiring a Jewish, but much worse, lawyer, who gives Cheryl the house. After an inadvertent comment by Larry, Funkhouser (Bob Einstein) also decides to get divorced. Larry also cancels a girl scout cookie order after misunderstanding with the girlscout's father (Gary Cole, The Good Wife, Entourage).


      Divorce hangs heavy in "The Divorce," but rather than be a bad thing, it is celebrated. Larry and Cheryl manage to remain friends, and are happy they will no longer be together. Funkhouser embraces the freedom from his boring union. Even Jeff (Jeff Garlin) wishes to end his marriage, but his wife, Susie (Susie Essman) would make the process far too painful for him to seriously consider it. Why does Curb Your Enthusiasm embrace such a bleak outlook? Perhaps it is the central character's attitude that influences the most. While Larry loves Cheryl, he tends to roll with the punches, and stay relatively happy. He gets frustrated, but his belief that he almost always right usually keeps him from being too upset. With Larry getting divorced, rather than have the character sink into sad depression, he weathers it as he does everything else.

     The humor comes from the problems that Larry gets himself into. These problems fall into one of two categories: misunderstandings, and the things he brings on himself with his inability to let anything go. "The Divorce" has examples of each. Firmly in the misunderstanding category is the disagreement Larry has with the girl scout's father. While at Larry's house to sell him cookies, the girl (Kaitlyn Dever, Justified) begins her first period. Larry assists her to the best of his ability, while also keeping a door between them. Her father doesn't understand what happens, and so he denies Larry box seats to a sporting event.

     From there, things go into the Larry's fault side. Larry decides that if he's not on good terms with the girl's father, and not getting the favor he desires, he won't do any favors back. He cancels his cookie order, which the girl scouts are flummoxed by. It goes from bad to worse when not just three girl scouts, but a whole troop of them show up at his door. Larry trying to close the door on a bunch of angry young girls is hilarious!

     Larry's divorce problems are also his own fault, since he fires a perfectly competent lawyer to prove a point. This backfires, and Larry ends up with no home, as does Leon (J.B. Smoove), who still lives with Larry. It would not be a good episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm unless the ending was not in Larry's favor, and having twenty-four hours to vacate his home certainly isn't. It will be very interesting to see what happens next.

     Curb Your Enthusiasm airs Sunday nights at 10 p.m. ET on HBO.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To catch up on Curb Your Enthusiasm with DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

Guess who's coming to tv?

    It's spring, and that means tons of casting news.  Some people have been picked up for an existing series, or signed on in exciting guest roles.  Some have been cast in new pilots.  Here's some of the biggest stories to break in the past few days: 

Love Bites - Jennifer Love Hewitt (Ghost Whisperer), Greg Grunberg (Heroes), Craig Robinson (The Office), Jason Lewis (Sex and the City), and Lindsay Price (Lipstick Jungle) will all be appearing in the pilot of this new comedy next fall!  The series will be on NBC, and will concern love, as told in three stories with only loose connections.  It will star Becki Newton (Ugly Betty) and Jordana Spiro (My Boys).  This raises a couple of questions, like, does that mean the end of My Boys?  Surely the guest stars can work around their roles on their own shows, but TBS already picked up My Boys for a fourth season, and Spiro is the star.  Does that mean this year will be My Boys's last?  Cause that would be tragic!  Don't get me wrong; Spiro deserves network TV, but still...

Wright Vs. Wrong - This new ABC show was written by MadTV alum Stephnie Weir.  Debra Messing (Will & Grace) will portray a conservative political pundit and Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm) will be her liberal opponent.  Does that mean Hines won't be in the next season of CYE, if there is one?  Or at least, she won't appear much?  Not that she ended this past year with Larry exactly, but there was hope of a possible reconciliation.  Carrie Fisher (Star Wars) will play Messing's manager.

The Big Bang Theory - Judy Greer (Arrested Development, Archer) will be guest starring as a famous physicist who Sheldon (Jim Parsons) invites to spend the night with him.  Knowing Sheldon, the offer won't be in the least sexual, but it's great to see a fantastic actress pop up a show worthy of her.  Well, she just did Modern Family, so make that two shows worthy of her.

The Good Wife - Eli Gold fans celebrate, Alan Cumming will be returning as a series regular for the second season of the popular CBS drama.  For those who don't watch it, like me, though I eagerly await the DVD so I can catch up, Cummings worked to fix Peter's (Chris Noth) public image.  Looks like that image needs a little more work.