Give It a CHANCE

Article first published as CHANCE Review on Seat42F.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Hugh Laurie stars as the troubled titular doctor in a series where he struggles to help people others cannot. No, House is not back, although I miss that show. This is a new Hulu series called CHANCE, premiering this week, and it’s actually nothing like Laurie’s previous program (other than that it gives the actor a chance to show just how good he is).

As CHANCE begins, Dr. Eldon Chance (Laurie) is going through a divorce with his wife, Christina (Diane Farr, Numb3rs), not getting along with his daughter, Nicole (Stefania LaVie Owen, The Carrie Diaries), and facing financial ruin to the point where he’s considering selling antique furniture that he loves. If that wasn’t enough, he also feels like he’s failing his patients, who we see in a series of flashbacks, especially Jaclyn (Gretchen Mol, Boardwalk Empire).

To be fair, it’s not like Dr. Chance has much time to help the ailing sent to him. He’s merely an evaluator, someone who meets with a person once, and then refers them to another doctor for help. He doesn’t personally treat them. But he can’t stop himself from following up to find out what happens to them, and he takes to heart some of the tragedies that befall.

This sympathetic man is soft-spoken, but not weak. He cares deeply, yet has trouble making relationships work. He is professional, except when he isn’t, and even then, usually with noble intentions. He is complex, but enjoys simple pleasures. He is cultured, but is all right with going to places most men like him would avoid, and doesn’t automatically judge or dismiss criminals. A lot more is going on in his mind than what plays across his face.

All of this makes Laurie an excellent candidate for this vehicle. Don’t get me wrong; the entire cast, which also includes Lisa Gay Hamilton (The Practice), Greta Lee (Inside Amy Schumer), Paul Adelstein (Private Practice), Ethan Suplee (My Name Is Earl), and Clarke Peters (Treme, The Wire), is great. But CHANCE is Laurie, and his superb performance drives the series forward.

I’ve set up the premise, but I haven’t really gotten into what the show is about. In the first episode, Dr. Chance runs into Jaclyn, and learns her husband (Adelstein) is beating up on her. Unconnected, the good physician attempts to sell an antique desk to Carl (Peters), who encourages Dr. Chance to have D (Suplee) fix some metal work on it first. Accidentally hanging with D, Chance is impressed by the other man’s presence, and soon learns how useful that kind of intimidation can be. I can’t say with one hundred percent certainty how these two threads connect, as the show certainly takes its time getting anywhere, but I think anyone can see where this is going.

I didn’t mention the slow-moving pace as a bad thing. I love how CHANCE dwells on moments, really letting us look into Chance’s eyes and try to determine what swirling emotions and warring motivations are happening in his mind. He isn’t one to rush into anything, and so that needs to be shown. It also allows a tone to permeate that is gripping, so we’re pulled more fully into the story prior to when we need to be invested. It’s a pretty masterful work.

In case you couldn’t tell, I loved CHANCE. I think it’s a great vehicle for Laurie, who deserves to work with quality, and very interesting overall. Even though I think I know the path the story is on, I am equally confident there will be things happening that I don’t see coming because this is a realistic world, and thus, unpredictable. I look forward to catching the whole run.

The first season of CHANCE premieres Wednesday, October 19^th on Hulu.

Wilfred The Complete First Season bounds onto Blu-ray

FX's Wilfred was one of the big surprises from last summer. A much-changed American remake of a popular Australian show, it's about a guy named Ryan (Elijah Wood) who, after a failed suicide attempt, begins seeing his neighbor's dog, Wilfred (creator of both versions, Jason Gann), as a man in a dog suit. This dog smokes pot and encourages Ryan to do illegal things, causing trouble. Or does he? Maybe Wilfred is just getting Ryan out of his comfort zone, so that Ryan can improve as a person.

No one else sees Wilfred a man. This can create some issues when Ryan interacts with Wilfred a little too naturally in public. And Wilfred himself spends a lot of time acting like a dog, from humping teddy bears to digging holes, though he usually uses a shovel to do the latter. So the line between reality and fiction is pretty fuzzy.

Obviously this is the recipe for a comedy, and Wilfred is that, albeit, a very strange one. However, it's also the kind of mix that opens up a bunch of philosophical questions, forcing one to confront questions about oneself. What does it mean to be crazy? Is Ryan insane, or is he just freed from the shackles of conventionality? What should a person want out of life? What should one do to get what one wants? Does pot destroy your brain?

None of these questions are answered in The Complete First Season, which may make the show a bit inaccessible to a widespread audience. Viewers aren't accustomed to thinking too deeply about television, especially in the comedy vein. Without knowing what the series is really about or what is going on, it turns into a strange presentation. Perhaps fans will commit to such mysteries on a series like Lost, but will they do the same for a cable half hour?

Obviously, Wilfred did something right, earning itself a second season, which is currently airing Thursday evenings. It could be the talent of Wood and Gann, who ably carry what is basically a two-man buddy show. It could be the writing, intelligent and witty. It could be the absurd situations Ryan finds himself in, which are the hallmark of any sitcom, and which Wilfred crafts well. Or perhaps the mystery really does draw people in and make them want to keep watching, hoping that someday Wilfred will get around to explaining its conceit.

Each episode has a one word title, which explains an emotion or character trait that is explored within. Among the highlights of the first season: "Happiness," the pilot that kicks off all the craziness; "Trust," in which Ryan learns that Wilfred may have ulterior motives for his actions; "Acceptance," where Ed Helms (The Office) plays a creepy doggy daycare owner; "Pride," which features Wilfred forcing Ryan into a relationship so that he can have his own tryst; "Anger," where Wilfred acts possessed; "Compassion," in which Ryan's mother, Catherine (Mary Steenburgen, Bored to Death), who is also nutty and sees a woman in a cat suit (Rhea Perlman, Cheers), is introduced; and "Identity," the finale that questions if anything viewers have been watching is even really happening.

Besides the mentioned actors, Wilfred has a rich guest cast of recurring characters that really help the high quality impression the show gives off. The series co-stars Fiona Gubelmann as Wilfred's owner and object of Ryan's affection, Jenna, and Dorian Brown as Ryan's controlling sister, Kristen. Additionally, in smaller roles, Chris Klein (American Pie) plays Jenna's boyfriend with anger management problems, Ethan Suplee (My Name is Earl) is a scary neighbor, and John Michael Higgins is Ryan's mom's somewhat unethical doctor.

For a show about being the best person one can be, many of the characters featured are not good people. Is this an excuse to make Wilfred and Ryan not seem as bad as they are? Or are these negative images offered up as excuses to get into amusing situations?

The two disc set of Wilfred The Complete First Season has a handful of special features. Six minutes of Wilfred's Comic Con panel is enlightening, showcasing the cast, especially Wood, speaking about the process of making the show. Even better is the ten minute "Fox Movie Channel Presents Life After Film School With Jason Gann," which has Gann talking lovingly about his creation. There are also fifteen minutes of deleted scenes, many of them, thankfully, from the episode "Compassion."

Less valuable are two featurettes that are basically sixty second mash-ups of clips. "Wilfred & Bear: A Love Affair" is just a bunch of sex scenes between the two, while "Mary Jane Mash-Up" shows some humorous moments had under the influence of drugs. Neither is very valuable, being too short to justify whipping them out at a party, and having no value for any other setting.

Overall, it's an entertaining and original series, even if the special features are a little lacking. Buy Wilfred The Complete First Season, on sale now.

Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com  Click here to read every review of Wilfred I've ever written. If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Article first published as Wilfred The Complete First Season bounds onto Blu-ray on TheTVKing.com

Raising Hope engages in "Sheer Madness"

FOX's Raising Hope goes for "Sheer Madness" this week. Sabrina (Shannon Woodward) and Jimmy's (Lucas Neff) relationship is still new, so they hide their embarrassing habits from each other. This doesn't sit right with Virginia (Martha Plimpton), who encourages them to be themselves. To do that, Sabrina goes off her meds, which reveals her irrational fear of spiders crawling into her ears at night, which she solves by wearing pantyhose on her head. As this plays out, Burt (Garret Dillahunt) feels guilty for hiding his own shameful secret from Virginia, but is scared of what she might say if he does come clean. To this end, he seeks advice from Andrew (Ethan Suplee). 

Raising Hope did the bold thing last week by putting Sabrina and Jimmy together. A year and a half is enough dancing around the issue. The series deserves praise for taking the chance, something many shows why away from. While their relationship is only one week old in "Sheer Madness," it is already showing signs of working well for the series. Now that she is with Jimmy, Sabrina gets the chance to reveal a little more of her character. Woodward is a constant delight, and any opportunity for her to be even funnier on the show is appreciated.

How will the couple progress from here? Making it through this first trial is a valid test, though it's a simple, easy one that just covers the onset of being together. Jimmy accepts Sabrina the way she is, which is just a more pronounced version of the personality she has already shown. But he also cares enough to help her try to get over her fear. It's telling that Jimmy doesn't ask Sabrina to go back on the meds, but rather, tries to help her work on her issues in a healthy way. This doesn't end well for Jimmy's face, but it should prove just fine for his heart.

There are signs already that Jimmy and Sabrina's relationship is similar to Virginia and Burt's. Both care a great deal about each other. They overlook flaws, and love the other person for who they are. They understand each other. This is evident on Jimmy's part over the past year and a half, but it's gratifying to witness that, with Sabrina, this just may be a two-way street.

In this story, Virginia is arrogant in her assumption that she and Burt are the perfect couple, with nothing to hide from each other. They have a very open, honest relationship, but that doesn't mean that they are perfect, as "Sheer Madness" soon reveals. This isn't a bad thing. It makes them relatable and normal. The fact that Burt goes to great lengths to hide his foot shaving habit speaks to his continuing desire to be adored by Virginia. When she finds out, she handles it wonderfully. This is certainly a couple in it for the long haul, and one who shares deep love. And if Jimmy and Sabrina continue to follow their example, as they seem to be doing, there could be a second pairing just as good on Raising Hope soon.

Maw Maw (Cloris Leachman) is a strange character, in that the humor she plays up in the series is divisive. This reviewer, for one, does not usually find her character amusing, which is a shame, given the actress's long body of excellent work in film and television. However, in "Sheer Madness," it's hard not to like her. The way that Leachman goes for the gusto in describing the foursome that she lost her virginity to is quite impressive, and it dares anyone not to appreciate her in that moment. She proves once more why the term 'comedy legend' is apropos in describing her. Well done!

"Sheer Madness" is not quite as good as last week's episode, but considering how epic that particular one was, how could it be? Instead, the truly excellent cast and writing staff (and surely everyone else involved) deliver the consistent, funny, touching content that few series can do week after week, and that's plenty.

Watch Raising Hope Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy Raising Hope DVDs or streaming episodes, please click here.

"Fear" the Wilfred

     FX's Wilfred continues with its third episode, "Fear," a direct followup to the first entry. In Episode 1, "Happiness," Wilfred (Jason Gann) convinces Ryan (Elijah Wood) to break into the annoying Spencer's (Ethan Suplee, My Name is Earl, Mallrats), house, poop in his boot, and steal his weed. Wilfred leaves Ryan's wallet at the scene. In "Fear," Spencer comes to confront Ryan, who lies, claiming his house is also broken into, and his wallet stolen. Spencer, none too bright, believes him, and decides they should be best friends, which in Spencer's mind, means watching lots of porn and going to strip clubs. In the end, Ryan must tell Spencer the truth in order to get rid of his constant presence, which is worse than a punch in the face, the result of confessing the real story.

     It is curious that "Fear" airs third instead of second, as "Happiness" flows right into "Fear," and there is no relevance of the second episode to this story. However, it is just nice to get that closure and continuation, so no complaints.

     After "Happiness," it is hard to see where the series is going. Three episodes in, things are a bit clearer, and it's looking good. While still a very strange show, and no effort is being made at this point to explain why Ryan sees Wilfred as a man in a dog costume, and everyone else sees Wilfred as a normal pooch, that's not the issue at hand. Instead, Wilfred is about Ryan discovering himself with the help of an insightful and ornery new chum. Whether Wilfred is real or in Ryan's imagination, he serves that purpose quite capably, and the series manages to make the premise both humorous and seriously emotionally good.

     Wood is slaying the role, which seems perfectly tailored to the type of character the actor usually plays. He's a not-so-confident man, who realizes he must gain acceptance of himself, or make himself better so that he can get to that place. Gann, who had a hand in creating the show, is much less known, but holds his own equally well against the established co-star. He uses many of the same tricks he did in the Australian version, but with more talent to play against. And, of course, a much higher production value.

     "Fear" is a wonderful episode, as not only does it deal with the titular concept, but honesty, trust, friendship, and consequences are touched on with equal insight. Ryan let fear prod him into lying, thinking his best option to handle a scary man is avoid physical confrontation, but it's not. Ryan learns a valuable lesson, that one should deal with problems head on, instead of trying to wiggle around them.

     Of course, Wilfred is a comedy, so viewers will want to laugh, too, which they can do in spades. Suplee is hilarious as the boob-obsessed neighbor, both simple and crude, but wholly inoffensive in his worldview, even if one does not wish to spend too much time with him. As Ryan scrambles to keep his secrets, Wood does the type of physical comedy that few can pull off. A bit where Wilfred is bringing up Spencer's stolen pot to smoke with him is particularly amusing.

     If you are still on the fence about Wilfred, hopefully "Fear" will help you make up your mind. Watch Wilfred Thursdays nights at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

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     To catch up on Wilfred with streaming episodes online, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Wilfred - "Fear" on Blogcritics.

Wilfred - "Happiness"

     FX's Wilfred premiered "Happiness" last night. In it, Ryan (Elijah Wood, Lord of the Rings) tries to kill himself, not knowing his sister, Kristen (Dorian Brown, NCIS, Roommates), has prescribed him sugar pills. After spending a sleepless night waiting to die, Ryan's new neighbor, Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann, Blades of Glory) asks him to watch her dog, Wilfred (Jason Gann, who co-created the original Australian version, and reprises his role here) for the day. While everyone else sees Wilfred as a shaggy mutt, Ryan views a man in a dog suit. This version of Wilfred has insight into Ryan, and encourages him to not only blow off the job Kristen has secured for him, but also break into an annoying neighbor's (Ethan Suplee, My Name Is Earl) house, poop in his shoes, and steal his pot. Ryan thinks Wilfred is saving his life, but Wilfred also plants Ryan's wallet at the scene of the crime.

     Now obviously Wilfred is just a dog in reality. How could he plant Ryan's wallet the way he does? This speaks to the big question of the show, what exactly is Wilfred? Is he something Ryan is imagining? Maybe Ryan did kill himself, and this is some sort of afterlife or purgatory to make him realize what a mistake he has made? Is Ryan going crazy? Each of those has their own set of larger queries to raise, and obviously that is something to be explored as the series goes on. But then, is Ryan the one putting his wallet underneath the broken window, or did Wilfred do it? Knowing that will speak to whether Wilfred, in any incarnation, is actually helping Ryan, or being self-destructive.

     It's not often a half hour comedy show raises such issues, and gets one thinkig about the meaning of life, the power of the brain, and fate versus self-direction. Wilfred raises each of these subtlely in "Happiness," and will likely explore them more in depth in later episodes. It's not just a man in a funny suit. It's about a guy's journey to figure out what he is. The fact that the episode opens with a quote from Mark Twain, "Sanity and happiness are an impossible combination," sets the tone for the rest of the thirty minutes perfectly. Which puts Wilfred heads and shoulders and snout above most of its kin on television.

     But lest you worry Wilfred is too metaphysical to enjoy after a hard day of work, rest assured it is funny, too. When asked by a waitress if Ryan always serves his dog nachos, he deadpannedly replies that Wilfred worked out today. Much of the humor will be had at Ryan's expense, and go over Ryan's head. That's OK. It doesn't make him stupid. Sitcom is short for situation comedy, and there is plenty of comedy to be had about this situation.

     It should be testament to how good the series is that it attracts many large guest stars. Ethan Suplee, who is easily recognizable from the Kevin Smith movies, is merely the first in a long line. Among the familiar faces in this first season are Ed Helms (The Office), Chris Klein (American Pie), Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation), Nestor Carbonell (Lost), and many more. I wouldn't want to spoil all the surprises, but it's certainly worth tuning in for.

     Wilfred airs Thursday nigths at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     To catch up on Wilfred with streaming episodes online, please click here.

The Good Guys is doing pretty good

Not in the ratings, sadly.  But creatively, summer's funnest show, FOX's The Good Guys, has gotten even better this fall.  Following the buddy cop formula, Bradley Whitford plays Dan Stark and Colin Hanks is Jack Bailey.  I've said it before, but I think Whitford, a fabulous actor, as proven by his long stint on The West Wing, is just plain having fun in this show.  That makes it enjoyable for the audience, when you see a guy clearly loving what he is doing.  Stark is obnoxious, backwards, sports a 70's 'stache, and goes on about the good old days.  Bailey is straight-laced, mostly by the book, though Stark has been rubbing off on him.  Hanks plays it wonderfully, too, finally a role that really suits him.

     The plot the last few weeks has gone a little further into character development.  Two weeks ago, we finally met Stark's old partner, Frank Savage (Gary Cole, Entourage, Office Space), who has long been retired, and given up his antics.  He lives a quiet life with wife, Cynthia (Rachael Harris, The Hangover, My Boys, Notes From the Underbelly), who does not approve of Dan coming back and upsetting their balance.  Also in that episode was Ethan Suplee (My Name is Earl, Chasing Amy) as Andy, the now-grown little boy that Stark and Savage saved back in the day, and a TV movie was made about it.  As the plot unfolded, one could see that Savage and Bailey are two quiet different partners for Stark.  Bailey tries to reign him in, while Savage lets the crazy fly.  They both clearly care about Dan though, with Bailey's affection grown into unwavering loyalty in just the short time they've worked together.  Do you blame him though?  Dan is nothing if not loyal, and while he can be a screwup, he is sincere and honest.  Obviously, while Stark and Savage have fun, with Bailey's influence, Stark can be a better cop than ever.

     This past week the guest talent kept coming, with Ed Begley Jr. (Gary Unmarried, Veronica Mars) as Jack's crooked but charming Uncle Nate, and Method Man (The Wire, How High) as an arson-happy villain.  Nate brought some needed background and depth to Jack, as usually the past we hear about it Dan's.  Dan also managed to drag his favorite snitch, Julius (RonReaco Lee, Worst Week, The Shield) into the fray, though Julius wasn't too happy about it.  It's always a pleasure to see Julius, and hopefully the series will keep him coming back.

     The show isn't all great guest casting, though the past two weeks have been among the best in the series.  It's about the characters that star every week.  There are two women in the opening credits, too, and though they don't often get much plot, they are wonderful actors.  Diana Maria Riva (Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip, The West Wing) plays the boss, Lt. Ruiz, while Jenny Wade (Reaper) is Jack's ex-girlfriend, whom he is still smitten with, A.D.A. Liz Traynor.  The two girls were featured a few weeks ago, as they attempted to bring down a Senator (Wade's former Reaper co-star Ray Wise) on their own.  It was nice to see the two out of an office, and while Bailey and Stark and definitely the heart of the show, hopefully the women will get more to play with, as they can certainly handle it.

     I highly recommend you check out The Good Guys, as they can really use a ratings boost.  The show is way better than many other shows with higher numbers, and one of the most laugh-out-loud cop dramas ever made.  It's not high quality television, but it's loads of fun.  The Good Guys airs Friday nights at 9pm on FOX.

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