GRAVES Humor

Article first published as GRAVES Review on Seat42F.

Premium movie service Epix joins the original scripted world this weekend with two new shows. One, a comedy, is called GRAVES, and is about a fictional former Republican president named Richard Graves. Twenty-five years after he served as the leader of the free world, Graves’ policies and decisions from the Oval Office come back to haunt him. Realizing he has let his country down, and facing a legacy as the possible worst president ever, Graves wakes up and decides to start fighting for the American people once more.

President Richard Graves is a conglomeration of a number of different Republican presidents. He held office around the same time as George H.W. Bush, considered failed at the time, though Bush’s reputation has improved in the interim, while Graves has gone down. He is a gold standard for certain members of his party, like H.W. has become, and like Reagan always has been. He also shares the failed assassination attempt backstory with Reagan. President Graves had the disastrous polices of George W. Bush, getting us into unpopular wars and slashing spending on important research, while ridiculously beefing up the military and tanking the economy. So he isn’t any one of these real POTUSes (POTUSi?), but rather, a bunch of them put together.

This is probably a wise move. It allows Graves to be fictional and make decisions without worrying about what the real men are and did, and also takes a realistic look at both the positives and negatives of GOP administrations over the past few decades. It’s an intriguing concept, especially when coupled with the desire to make up for past mistakes that Graves now exhibits, and I think Graves probably ends up being the ideal representative of the traditional Grand Old Party by the end of episode one.

The title role is wonderfully portrayed by Nick Nolte (Warrior, Luck, Gracepoint), who captures a layered, authentic man. Graves is a total asshole to those around him, hazing his new assistant, Isaiah Miller (Skylar Astin, Pitch Perfect, Ground Floor), ignoring the political aspirations of his wife, Margaret (Sela Ward, CSI: NY, Gone Girl), and destroying property that is only sort of his. But even in the pilot, Nolte is allowed a few moments to show the raw vulnerability, the compassionate side of the man, and exhibit that he does care about more than just himself, even when he lets down his loved ones. It’s a very interesting performance, and I liked it a lot.

To more fully flesh out the story, and also likely to add subplot drama, we are introduced to Graves’ daughter, Olivia (Helene Yorke, Masters of Sex), who shares many of her father’s negative qualities, and is going through something devastating herself. I really don’t know how Margaret will balance two break-downs at once while furthering her own agenda, but Olivia is more an obstacle than anything else right now.

Also in the cast are a number of enjoyable actors like Roger Bart (Episodes, The Producers), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters), Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Tania Gunadi (Enlisted), Khotan Fernandez (Royal Pains, El Sexo Debil), Angelica Maria (Que bonito amor), Callie Hernandez (Alien: Covenant), and Chris Lowell (Veronica Mars) as the as-of-yet-unseen son of President Graves.

All of these actors and the promising story are enough to get past my early distaste. GRAVES makes the grave (pun intended) error of beginning with some real political cameos, chief among them that of Rudy Giuliani. True, Graves isn’t thrilled with these guys, but he treats Giuliani nicer than most, and after recent polarizing press appearances, seeing Giuliani in this comedy context is likely to turn off many potential viewers. Hopefully, most will chalk it up to a decision made some time ago and look past it, because the rest of the pilot was worth watching. There are others that appear, but none nearly as offensive as the former mayor.

GRAVES premieres tonight on Epix, and viewers can check out the first two episodes free now on Epix’s website.

Happy To Be ENLISTED

Article first published as ENLISTED Review on Seat42F.

From the mind of Kevin Biegel, co-creator of Cougar Town, comes the new FOX comedy ENLISTED. Set at an army base in Florida, super soldier Sgt. Pete Hill (Geoff Stults, The Finder) is demoted after punching out a senior officer and assigned to head a band of rejects. Among those he now commands are his younger brothers, Randy (Parker Young, Suburgatory) and Derrick (Chris Lowell, Private Practice).

ENLISTED is a little like The Bad News Bears and any other sports film in which a reluctant coach with personal problems of his own has no choice but to reluctantly turn a team of misfits into a superior force. Which means the premise is a pretty familiar formula.

But it’s been awhile since we’ve had a war comedy on television. In the old days, Hogan’s Heroes, among others, portrayed the more amusing side of the armed forces in zany situations, and for a long time, M*A*S*H ruled the airwaves, albeit with a more serious take as the years went on.

ENLISTED does not appear to be something that will get serious. By setting it safely in the United States, there is no life-threatening danger; no bad guys must be stopped, no live grenades are being flung at them. And in a half hour sitcom format, it seems unlikely it will examine the heavy issues soldiers face after returning from overseas.

In this last point, I draw your attention to the way Pete is portrayed. His first scene is set in Afghanistan during a firefight. Yet, he’s too busy showing off pictures of his brothers to realize that he could be shot at any moment. This scene is informed by a later conversation in the “Pilot,” which makes it less silly, but still, there isn’t any sense that harm could come to him. Upon returning to the U.S., Pete is not plagued by night terrors or overwhelmed by a sense of relief at being away from the action, actually wanting to get back. Even the anger Pete exhibits when striking a senior officer doesn’t seem like a serious problem because Pete is just defending his men, not battling internal conflict.

Pete’s brothers are even less complex. Derrick is a jerk who doesn’t care about his job, but that’s just because he feels neglected by Pete. And Randy is an incompetent imbecile with too much enthusiasm, blind to even the slightest hint of reality.

Of course, this “Pilot” is only a starting point. Over time, the stories and characters could grow and deepen, and that’s what I’d hope for from it. I could even see a point where Pete’s crew is competent enough to be shipped to the Middle East, but that’s many years in the future, if it ever comes at all.

From the start, ENLISTED is much more concerned about being funny than being complex. It works. The writing is sharp and the situations are humorous. From Pete’s sexually-charged interchange with rival squad leader Jill (Angelique Cabral, Friends With Benefits), to an obsession with Bradley Cooper, to misunderstandings because Ryan doesn’t understand, well, anything, there are a lot of laugh-out-loud moments.

There’s also heart. It’s easy to feel the affection between the brothers. They may not always get along, but they care about one another, and their father having died during his own military service, they also look out for each other. Keith David (Platoon) plays Cody Wallace, their boss at the base and a friend of the Hill father’s. He oversees the boys and makes sure they stay on the right path, providing guidance and advice. And the characters get the opportunity to return a dog to its happy owners.

The charm oozes out of every pore of ENLISTED, and it looks to also boast a recurring cast of vaguely familiar, but not yet famous, faces that should add to the proceedings. It may not be the best show, or that realistic, but it’s warm and sweet and humorous, and for a sitcom, that’s a good place to start.

ENLISTED airs Fridays at 9:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

Private Practice more than doesn't suck, it's awesome!

     It has arrived.  Last night was the Private Practice season finale, "The End of a Beautiful Friendship", on ABC.  It had me in tears through sections of it.  Which means, it was fantastic, of course.  If it stays this good, it will surely be one of my favorite shows to tune into every week.

     For one, several of the love triangles that have knotted our characters for weeks have sorted themselves out.  I am still very sorry for Sheldon (Brian Benben), and sincerely hope a love interest is brought in for him next season.  However, Cooper (Paul Adelstein) proposing to Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) was one of those tear jerking moments.  Even more so was the office scene near the end, where he asked for the ring back so he could propose again tomorrow.  They are the couple I have rooted for for a long time, and they had better be solid now.  Also, Peter (Tim Daly) and Violet (Amy Brenneman) have been mooning over each other for awhile.  It got annoying, so I stopped being in their corner, but their apparent reconciliation brought back the memory of that brief time they were happy together, and it's wonderful that the uncertainty is over.  They can be a great mommy and daddy now.

     Though not a hater, I am less thrilled about Addison (Kate Walsh) and Sam (Taye Diggs).  They stayed away before because of the risk of hurting Naomi's (Audra McDonald) feelings.  Now that she is good with them again, will their finally getting together keep everyone ok?  I'm sorry, but Addison needs a friend much more than she needs to be with Sam.  She needs something, as she used to be my favorite character on the show, but now is pretty far down the list.  Speaking of Naomi, her own situation sorted itself out, as one guy left the picture.  I think her Fife (Michael Patrick Thornton) being together may take the sting off of the Sam and Addison thing.  I hope.

     Ok, to the elephant in the room.  It was no big surprise when Dell (Chris Lowell) died, though the plot was structured in a way to keep you guessing.  After all, he is the most dispensable in the love stories, as he hasn't connected with any other main characters in a very long time, and he was dropped to a limited number of episode this season anyway.  However, he also filled a role no one else did, and so I will miss him.  I'd much rather he have left for medical school than died.  Leaving Betsy (Hailey Sole) an orphan that way was heart breaking.  But the bright side is, that leaves room for a new cast member.  I nominate Sheldon to full time status, instead of 'Also Starring' in the credits.  I'd also like it is Fife and / or Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) stuck around, though, to be honest, Amelia is definitely the third place choice.  Her value would be a friend for Addison if everyone turns against her for hooking up with Sam.

     The good news is the show is considered a sure thing for a fourth season, and I am very much looking forward to it.

Private Practice doesn't suck anymore!

    Despite a fantastic cast, all of whom had television experience beforehand, and being a spin-off of one of television's most popular dramas, ABC's Private Practice has sucked plenty in the last couple of years.  It just goes to show you that you can never predict which shows will work or not until they happen.  But something great has been happening lately with the Grey's Anatomy companion, and that is good writing and great acting!  Last week's courtroom drama, "War", pitted the cast against each other as Violet (Amy Brenneman) and Peter (Tim Daly) fought for custody of their son was arguably the best episode of the series.

     The trouble, and a hell of a plot arc, started last spring when crazy woman Katie (the superb Amanda Foreman), convinced that Violet's child was hers, cut open the god doctor and kidnapped the child within her.  Katie went to jail and the baby was recovered unharmed.  Violet went through some very dark times, but she's finally starting to recover, and wants to be in her son's life.  Meanwhile, though, she dumped Lucas with Pete, who, trying to get over her, fell into the arms of Addison (Kate Walsh), who can't have a baby of her own.  To make things even more complicated, Addison is fighting feelings for Sam (Taye Diggs), so it's not a perfect match, but as it's her only chance to be a mother, she is reluctant to give it up.  The whole love rectangle is getting pretty complicated.

     In this week's episode, "In the Name of Love", things took an even darker turn at the very end, when Sam and Naomi's (Audra McDonald) daughter, Maya (Geffri Maya Hightower) went into labor, but as involved in a serious car accident on the way to the hospital.  Dell (Chris Lowell) was in the vehicle as well, but seemed to be ok.  This doesn't bode well, as rumors are circulating that one major character will not survive next week's season finale.  Would creator Shonda Rhimes be so cruel as to take the Bennett's pregnant teenager out of this world?  It just doesn't seem right!  Other rumors, however, point to Dell's exit, even though he seemed to walk away from the accident.

     My favorite love triangle currently is between Sheldon (Brian Benben), Cooper (Paul Adelstein), and Charlotte (KaDee Strickland).  I firmly believe, and always have, that Cooper and Charlotte belong together.  However, though it was Charlotte initially who couldn't commit, Cooper has been plenty immature in how he has treated her since their last breakup.  He was on his way to tell her how he felt as this week's episode closed, so hopefully the showdown goes well.  I can't help but feel bad for Sheldon, however, who lost Violet in his previous love triangle with Peter, and I do really want him to find someone and be happy.  He has been a great addition to the cast, and I hope Sheldon will continue to stick around, with or without Charlotte.
     If they keep this up, they could make my Best list soon!

     Private Practice's season finale will air next Thursday at 10pm on ABC.

Private Practice not making perfect, but it's improving

     When the Grey's Anatomy spinoff, Private Practice, first premiered on ABC, I, like many others, had high hopes.  It was taking popular character Addison (Kate Walsh, The Drew Carey Show) and putting her with an all-star cast.  It had great writers, a successful creator, cream of the crop actors.  So when the show largely began sucking, it was both a disappointment and a surprise.

     Since then, it more or less has found its footing, though it still has trouble with consistency.  December 3rd's double episodes were the last two of 2009, and they were both excellent examples of when the show gets it right.  Dell (Chris Lowell, Veronica Mars) finally was rid of his drug-abusing wife in a heartbreaking story.  It showed the pain of addiction, not just to the addict, but to their families as well.  Dell was caught in a tough place between love and trust and taking care of his loved ones.  When he broke down, yelled at her, and told her to die, it proved what a fine actor Lowell is.  Though Dell is only doing a limited number of episodes this year, he is still listed in the principal cast, and if his story stays this strong, he will be fine.

     Addison had a great plot, too.  She was finally able to learn about and confront her parents for their cheating, lying ways, and she was more or less driven into the arms of Sam (Taye Diggs, Rent).  While Sam and Naomi's (Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun) divorce has been a weak point of the show, and they should definitely get back together, he and Addison have had budding chemistry of late, and it might be interesting to see him take a detour to her before hopping back in with his former wife.  Sam and Naomi also had a really great story with their daughter, and it allowed them to show their parenting skills and weaknesses.  It's a welcome change from petty fighting and Naomi's personal dramas, which led to the splitting of the practice, a not at all welcome development.

     Meanwhile, the tension between Cooper (Paul Adelstein, Prison Break) and Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) since he found out that she had previously been married needs to lessen.  While the two had a wonderful courtship, beginning with a purely sexual relationship, and evolving into one of the best couples on television, sometimes their banal bickering is too much, as it is in this case.  It should get resolved soon, and let them finally grow and be more comfortable with each other.  Yes, we get it, they have a rocky deal going on, but they've come through enough.  Just give them some peace.

     Lastly, the Pete (Tim Daly, Wings, The Nine) and Violet (Amy Brenneman, Judging Amy) story needs resolution even sooner.  What started as a fan tryst, and went into some dark, serious dramatics last spring when Violet's baby was cut from her has become uncomfortable and boring.  While, yes, Violet was traumatized deeply, and it's nice that her dealing with it is a plot, she needs to begin to come out of her stupidness, while there is still a chance for her to get back with Pete.  Both characters have been emotionally paralyzed and wasted for several episodes now.  It's time to begin to move on.  The best thing to come out of the whole plot was the addition of Sheldon (Brain Benben), Violet's other former lover.  He is now listed as 'Also starring' in the opening credits, which hopefully points to him sticking around.  He adds a humor, and sometimes sanity, to the otherwise lacking office.

     Private Practice shows enough signs of life to warrant not giving up on it, but it still has a ways to go.