FRIENDS FROM COLLEGE

Article first published as TV Review: FRIENDS FROM COLLEGE on Seat42F.

First, there was Seinfeld. Then It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Happy Endings. Now, we have FRIENDS FROM COLLEGE, premiering tomorrow on Netflix.

FRIENDS FROM COLLEGE is another comedy about a group of pals who aren’t all that likeable, and yet, because of terrific actors and magnetic, entertaining personalities, we’ll want to keep watching them, if not rooting for them.

This series isn’t a retread, though; it’s the natural evolution of the trend. Seinfeld was a light, fun, nonsense sitcom, and proud of it. Sunny took it a bit dirtier, while Happy Endings matured the emotional heft. FRIENDS FROM COLLEGE deals with real issues and isn’t laugh-a-minute with one-liners, but it is amusing, and it does feel like a premium cable comedy, something that would also be at home on HBO, as well as its berth on Netflix.

We begin with Ethan (Keegan-Michael Key, Key and Peele) and Sam (Annie Parisse, Person of Interest), carrying on an affair they’ve been having since college. Both are married, but both unions have some serious problems, so they regularly hook up when they can. It’s that not often, since they live in different cities. As the pilot begins, Ethan announceshe’s moving back the Big Apple, restoring their friend group from their Harvard days, but complicating the tryst.

Ethan and Sam are the most central characters at first, so even though they may not be likeable, they need to be people we can relate to. And they are. Ethan loves his wife, but he doesn’t always want what she wants. He’s an author considering breaking into Young Adult fiction, tired of his award-winning novels not selling, but detests the genre for reasons that perfectly describe him. Sam thinks her husband is dumb, and is a little more desperate for escape, though she clearly likes her (rarely seen on screen) children.

Yes, these are people with arrested development, lacking the emotional maturity they need to progress. We all remember times like that, or may still be struggling with some of the emotions (although hopefully making different choices). I am eager for the affair to become public knowledge to see what happens, but at the same time, I worry what that would do to the friend group at the center of FRIENDS FROM COLLEGE.

The other four primary players are: Ethan’s wife, Lisa (Cobie Smulders, How I Met Your Mother), who has just taken a job at a horrible hedge fund; rich trust fund lothario Nick (Nat Faxon, Married); aspiring (and failing) actress Marianne (Jae Suh Park, The Big Short); and oft-overlooked book agent Max (Fred Savage, The Grinder, Wonder Years). Lisa has the most material of the four in the first half of the season, and Cobie excels at it, but Max has the funniest bits, and Marianne seems like a simmering cauldron ready to erupt.

Yes, they are all too involved in one another’s lives, and it’s not entirely realistic they are all still so close, but it’s a premise one can overlook to enjoy all of these great actors playing together. Toss in Max’s partner (Billy Eichner, Difficult People), who doesn’t like Max’s friends, and Sam’s husband (Greg Germann, Ally McBeal), who seems to have levels that haven’t yet been explored, and this is the makings for a long-term series I’d enjoy watching. I hope Eichner and Germann are promoted to series regular in season two, as I love how they are outsiders who don’t get the friend group, which is a valuable thing to have when telling this story.

While this may not be completely original territory, and as I’ve said, it’s hard to like most of the characters, I could not stop watching, plowing through half the season before pausing to write this review, and eager to watch the second half as soon as I’m done. This is a great cast, and the story, while at times frustrating, is compelling. I hope it runs a good, long time.

FRIENDS FROM COLLEGE will release all eight episodes of season one tomorrow exclusively on Netflix.

"Coach" Is the NEW GIRL Now

Article first published as "Coach" Is the NEW GIRL Now on TheTVKing.

Way back in the fall of 2011, FOX's New Girl introduced us to Jess (Zooey Deschanel) and her three new, male roommates. Lest we forget, though, the initial trio are not the ones we've come to know and love so much over the past couple of years. One part was replaced in episode two, never to be heard from again... until now.

Coach (Damon Wayans Jr.) was not dropped from the cast because his character didn't work. On the contrary, while Winston (Lamorne Morris) is his own person, not the same role Coach would have had exactly, many lamented that Wayans was committed to Happy Endings, a bubble show that ended up lasting three seasons (and should have gone on longer). Thankfully, because New Girl went for the slight retool, rather than the usual recast, and looking towards the bright side of Happy Endings' unfortunate demise, the opportunity is now ripe for Coach to return.

Last night's episode, "Coach," finds Coach dumped by his girlfriend, the reason he hadn't been around for awhile, and he comes to seek solace in his friends. Schmidt (Max Greenfield) and Nick (Jake Johnson) are still at odds, but they set that aside to comfort Coach, along with Winston. However, Coach's idea of coping is for the young folk, and Nick and Schmidt soon realize that isn't something they can handle any more.

Everyone has a friend who disappears while in a relationship, so this is a credible explanation of Coach's disappearance. It also resets the series, as Jess is the one lonely and abandoned at the start of the show, while Coach is now in that boat. I didn't love Coach's dynamic with Nick, Schmidt, and Winston, though. The other three already have a patter down, and Coach doesn't gel, playing the old friend who hasn't grown with them.

Normally, this would be a recipe for a one-off guest appearance, perhaps a very occasional recurring part. New Girl, however, is considering letting Coach stick around long enough to explore the full implications of such a reunification. "Coach," is the first of four installments Wayans is signed on to do, though if negotiations can be completed successfully, he may stick around full-time. As much as I think Wayans belongs on a series, I am torn as to whether this would be the right move. It depends on where the writers go with him next.

Coach brings out the worst in Nick. Desperately seeking Coach's approval, Nick not only disses Jess, but misspeaks about the status of their relationship, spurring her her to go out and flirt with a very forward man (a hilarious Taye Diggs, Private Practice). It's the first real test Nick and Jess have had since officially committing to coupledom, and it doesn't go well at the start.

However, true love wins the day and Nick and Jess make up before anything too bad can happen. While it might have been more interesting and lasting for Jess to sleep with Diggs' character ("we were on a break," anyone?), there's been enough depressing material lately, given Schmidt's plot. Because of this, I'm glad the series goes with the safer, but happier, route of having Nick and Jess confess their love for one another.

Will a Nick / Jess pairing grow stale in time? Some shows avoid putting together their leads too early, and while I've argued against this action time and again, I'm starting to see how this could be a problem. The comedy Nick provides is because he cannot grow up, and as gratifying as it is to see him rise to the occasion when a woman demands it, it makes me wonder where he will go from here.

Schmidt's isolation is his own choice, but it's very clear it's going to be temporary. He is constantly around his friends, finding excuses to come home often, and still hanging out with the others. He is going through something very painful, and he needs those he loves around, even Cece (Hannah Simone), if she can forgive him even a little. I love that things aren't instantly all right and the story is taking its time fixing the rifts, giving it a sense of realism.

There may not be room for Schmidt to return to the apartment if Coach stays, but allowing the cast to take over two units opens up multiple possibilities, including space for a permanent couple to get some private time. So overall, having Schmidt move across the hall is a very smart idea.

CeCe is deeply wounded by what Schmidt has done, which is why she encourages Jess to forget about Nick. But that's more about Cece's feelings than what is actually right for Jess, and CeCe thinks better of it soon enough, a sign that CeCe's condition is definitely improving. I look forward to when she can be a true part of the group again.

Winston's part of the half hour is, as usual, the weakest link. Accidentally buying a bunch of strip club dollars is a problem, but it's way too much money to seem at all believable, even for Winston, who tends to go big. And why won't his friends help him out at all? Not to mention, why waste a ton of the cash on unwanted clothing when you can just return to the place and use it little by little until it runs out? This is especially weird once we see the club offers a vast menu of takeout food, something that would definitely be a better purchase than a crappy hoodie. It's not like the cash expires.

"Coach" is a fairly typical entry of New Girl, in spite of the two big developments that occur. It isn't as funny as other installments, but it does serve the characters and the established arcs in an entertaining way. Hopefully, as Coach integrates with the others, we'll get some better episodes in the near future.

New Girl airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.

Happy Endings Visited By "Brothas & Sisters"

Article first published as Happy Endings Visited By "Brothas & Sisters" on TheTVKing.

ABC's Happy Endings completes its third season with "Brothas & Sisters." The gang attends the wedding of the eldest Kerkovich sister, the unseen-before-now Brooke (Stephanie March, Law & Order: SVU). Hijinks ensue as sibling rivalry rears its ugly head, and rumors spread like wildfire, whether they are true or not.

Now that we've met the entire Kerkovich clan, I'm not sure I'm satisfied with the casting. Jane (Eliza Coupe) and Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) are great, but their chemistry with Brooke is cold and stilted. Part of this could be because Brooke has such an off-putting personality in the first place, but it just doesn't feel like she has the same sister bond with them as they do with each other, which is disappointing. It's also understandable, given she isn't around, and yet still seems off.

Their parents (Harry's Law's Christopher McDonald and Airplane's Julie Hagerty) also don't gel with their daughters. It makes one wonder how Jane is as put together as she is, given such flighty parents. Alex's personality, on the other hand, makes sense.

That being said, it is fun to see Jane struggle to please someone who is unpleasable, like Brooke is. The characters say early in the half hour that when Brooke appears, Jane reverts to Alex and Alex stays the baby. I disagree with that assertion. Jane never gets dumb and silly, she just gets clumsy and frazzled. She's a whole different kind of mess than Alex is, and it's a new side of Jane we've yet to see, which makes it surprising and fresh.

Penny (Casey Wilson) is just as thrown off her game as Jane by Brooke, who continuously pretends she doesn't know Penny, though they have met many times. However, this is nothing new for Penny, who is rarely on her game, and so while amusing, it isn't quite as exciting as seeing Jane act that way.

I really like the dynamic between Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.) and his new brother-in-law, Elliot (James Lesure, Las Vegas). Though not really similar people, Elliot brings out both insecurity and kinship in Brad simultaneously as they try to relate to one another. It's a fine line that Wayans walks in his handling of the role in "Brothas & Sisters," yet he succeeds in creating a new relationship that I hope is explored further on Happy Endings in the future.

Penny and Max (Adam Pally) can't keep their mouths shut at the wedding, spilling the beans to many attendees that Alex and Dave (Zachary Knighton) have broken up. They then try to cover themselves by making up other lies. What results is a very large comedy of errors, combining with Jane's screw ups to disastrously ruin the ceremony.

All of this is too much. Happy Endings skews cartoonish from time to time, but "Brothas & Sisters" takes this to an extreme. I wonder if part of the failing of this episode is its attempt to include guest stars in a meaningful way. I find the series is best when concentrating on the main group. However, even a weak episode of Happy Endings, which I consider this season finale to be, compared to other outings, is still more entertaining than most sitcoms, given the excellent chemistry among the core cast, and it still earns laughs.

It's depressing that Alex and Dave break up, though. Their reasons are solid, that they've never really been with other people, and they're not sure they should be together, romantically. Yet, just getting them back together this year, after witnessing their falling out in the series premiere, it's sad to think their relationship is over again. Hopefully, this is temporary.

Happy Endings has not been renewed for a fourth season, and that's why the hanging Dave/Alex plot, as well as Penny's unresolved crush on Dave from last year, makes me uneasy. I do hope they get to come back, whether on ABC, TBS, or somewhere else, as it's a show I always look forward to watching, and there are easily many more stories to tell about this group of people.

Happy Endings not just for dummies

Grade: 89%

ABC’s HAPPY ENDINGS returns this week with “Cazsh Dummy Spillionaires.” This being a sitcom, there aren’t a lot of huge, game-changing moments. But there are some really amusing moments, great one-liners, and plenty of laughs courtesy of one of the best comedy casts on television. I guess what I’m saying is, it’s funny. Very funny.

It will not be surprising to learn that Max (Adam Pally) and Penny’s (Casey Wilson) plot is the most outlandish of the three in the season premiere. Penny is hurt falling down a bunch of stairs, and Max takes advantage of her injuries to move in on the hot physical therapist. This goes as far as drugging her and putting off her doctor’s appointment, keeping her in a body cast longer than necessary.

Does this stray HAPPY ENDINGS away from realism? Yes, yes it does. Unlike Better Off Ted and Community, sitcoms that paint in broad strokes, and never try to pretend they are real, HAPPY ENDINGS has the illusion of reality because it’s just about a bunch of friends, bringing to mind shows like, well, Friends. But it straddles the line between being relatable and being hilarious. Somehow, it manages to stay a series that people believe, even after outrageous events occur. What’s more, it manages to not always be completely obvious that what is happening would never happen, until one stops to think about it.

This is a deft trick that few can pull off. Laughing at Penny falling down the stairs and ending up in a body cast is cartoonish. Yet, because of the way the “ahmahzing” cast sells it, it doesn’t take viewers out of the moment. Max relishing in the fact that he’s mocking the film Misery makes him seem harmless, even when what he’s doing is unthinkably horrible. And the pay off at the end makes it all worth it.

Similarly, Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.) lies to Jane (Eliza Coupe), making her think that he is unemployed, spending his days at home, pursuing hobbies. The lengths to which he must go to convince her of this are crazy, and the fact that he doesn’t get caught sooner than he does (it doesn’t spoil anything to tell you that, as everyone knows she will, Jane finds out) is nothing short of ludicrous. But again, seeing Brad soaking wet in a suit, covered in bubbles, is enough to make you forget that HAPPY ENDINGS isn’t something that could occur if you just had the right group of friends.

I think the reason that the show can sell this is the authentic relationships and strong level of heart. Even when characters are being mean or lying to each other, viewers can totally tell that they love each other deeply. The actors have such fun in the roles, playing together, it’s impossible not to have fun watching them. They interact so well that they come across as real people, even when real people wouldn’t perform the actions that they do.

In the third story this week, HAPPY ENDINGS plays it a bit safer, going with a well-worn thread. Dave (Zachary Knighton) and Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) announce that they are in a casual relationship, sleeping together, but not committing to one another emotionally. This goes exactly how one would expect it to, with both dating other people, and seeing each other dating other people, and then getting jealous. It’s completely predictable, and it’s been done a million times.

Yet, like the rest of the episode, it works with these particular performers. It helps that Penny’s role in the triangle is kept subtle, not overdone, and played sweetly. It also helps that Dave and Alex totally cheese to the camera, providing contrast. But whatever the reason, it doesn’t completely feel like an old premise, even though there is no denying the entire time that it is.

HAPPY ENDINGS is back in its best form, maybe a little goofier than when we last saw it, but every bit as entertaining. New episodes air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

'Happy Endings' gets one of its own

ABC's Happy Endings wraps up their second season last night with "Four Weddings and a Funeral (Minus Three Weddings and One Funeral)." As the long title implies, the gang attends the nuptials of their friend Derrick (Stephen Guarino, The Big Gay Sketch Show). Jane (Eliza Coupe) is the only one not in the wedding party, but after a last minute drop out, she is soon taking charge of the entire event. Penny (Casey Wilson) finds herself stuck at the Skype table, which pays off when she meets a cute guy (Brian Austin Green, Desperate Housewives, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles). And two former lovers consider reconnecting.

Happy Endings continues to be consistently funny, and not just because of the awesome episode title. From the visual of a table full of laptops at a wedding, to crazy Jane making the food and drinks last longer, to Max (Adam Pally) headlining a Madonna cover band, this episode has many high points. The cast is top notch, and have really grown comfortable in these characters, continuing to delight week after week.

Of course, it's not just the humor that hooks viewers. There must also be some emotional punch to the characters that fans have been made to care about. Penny's recent crush on Dave (Zachary Knighton) is one such example, though it is tempered by her meeting the hunky guest star this week. Which is OK, because Happy Endings instead chooses to pursue a possible Dave / Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) reunion in "Four Weddings and a Funeral (Minus Three Weddings and One Funeral)."

Dave and Alex break up in the very first episode of Happy Endings, and that past is constantly hanging over these two characters. Will they be a Ross and Rachel, who get together in the end after years of fans longing for it to happen? Or will they just need some closure to move on? Somehow, Happy Endings has avoided either possibility for two seasons. It seems like Alex and Dave are going to need to get back together at some point, even if only briefly, to answer these questions. Their recent tryst did not satisfy this, and it's gratifying that the series isn't just ignoring that.

Plus, anyone rooting for Dave and Penny to be a couple needs to see Dave get past Alex first, so the sooner a reconciliation happens, the quicker he can begin to move on.

Interestingly, for those keeping count, season two of Happy Endings comes up one episode short, even though "Four Weddings and a Funeral (Minus Three Weddings and One Funeral)" is billed as the season finale. If one remembers, last summer a random episode of the show aired. Only people with DVRs really caught this, and other fans may still be unaware of it. It looks likely to happen again, as there is currently no room on the schedule to stick this half hour. Either that, or it will be shoved into next season somewhere. Sometimes things like this just happen, but it's a curiosity, to say the least.

Happy Endings also stars Damon Wayans Jr., and will return to ABC next fall.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy Happy Endings streaming episodes, please click here.

Happy Endings - 'The Butterfly Effect Effect'

This week, on ABC's Happy Endings, "The Butterfly Effect Effect," the gang wait for Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.) and Jane (Eliza Coupe) to have their annual fight to signal an end to winter. Assuming that they have grown past that phase, Brad and Jane instead stage a fight for their friends' benefits. But with their hearts not in it, it does not have the intended effect, as everyone can sense something off about the situation. Though, soon enough, a real fight between the couple breaks out, and balance is restored.

It's a little weird that everyone is so involved in Brad and Jane's relationship, isn't it? Sure, on ensemble sitcoms where two of the ensemble are married, their private lives are always minimized in favor of group dynamics. Happy Endings has done a pretty good job balancing the parts up til now, but the events of "The Butterfly Effect Effect" just seem a bit too intrusive into the union. Of course, friends will be there to comfort Brad and Jane during any rough patch. But when everyone else gets involved in the fight so much, it just feels wrong.

Not to mention the fact that Penny (Casey Wilson) and Dave (Zachary Knighton) actually try to goad the fight into existence. Other shows have proved that selfish, uncaring characters can be funny (see Seinfeld and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia). Happy Endings is different because the group is infused with a sense of loving warmth. They may tease one another, but they don't actively try to sabotage the others for their own gain. Again, until "The Butterfly Effect Effect."

Meanwhile, Max (Adam Pally) has gone into a bear-like state of hibernation. He stumbles around the apartment with a full beard, bundled up, eating honey with his hands. There's also a cheap gay joke in here somewhere that, thankfully, the episode avoids. This whole thing is very, very funny, allowing Pally some of his best visual gags yet, but it doesn't make sense for his character. Where is his boyfriend? How long has Max been allowed to hide in the apartment? Surely, not for long. Just last week he was shown out and about. Then he just drops the whole act when the others tell him to. It's a great one-note joke, but doesn't fit in the continuity.

It's not that "The Butterfly Effect Effect" is a bad episode; the main actors in Happy Endings are far too good for that. It just feels like it's an episode of a different series. It loses the spirit of many of the characters just for the sake of a few laughs. This could be chalked up to winter doldrums setting in, and the characters not feeling like themselves, but if so, there needs to be some explanation of that on screen. Instead, winter is touched upon, but not used as an excuse for personality changes. In this, Happy Endings fails to live up to the generally high standards that the series has been setting.

That is, until the last minute of the episode. When everyone makes up, and they all force Brad to buy them dinner at the Chop House, the true tone of the show returns. Which is why it is so glaring that most of the rest of the half hour doesn't match up. The series remembers its identity at the last moment, and pulls itself away from this side trip. Good course correction, but it's a shame it needs to be made at all.

Happy Endings airs Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy Happy Endings streaming episodes, please click here.

"Grinches Be Crazy" on Happy Endings

     ABC's Happy Endings celebrates Christmas in a fashion true to itself in "Grinches Be Crazy." Jane (Eliza Coupe) accidentally gives housekeeper Gita (Jamie Denbo, Suburgatory, Terriers) her and Brad's (Damon Wayans Jr.) Christmas vacation money, rather than the intended tip. Jane tries to steal it back, but feels guilty as Gita proclaims her an angel. Max (Adam Pally) agrees to play Santa for Penny (Casey Wilson), and discovers some true benefits to the persona. Dave (Zachary Knighton) cashes in all of the coupons Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) gifted him over the years, including one for a kiss.

     Jane is a true type-A personality, and because of that, she can be a little cold sometimes. But viewers get to see what Brad sees in "Grinches By Crazy," in that Jane does the right thing in the end. Yes, she goes to great lengths to steal poor Gita's gift back, which leads the police to try to arrest Max and Brad for the crime, the latter hilariously, because of race stereotypes. This is OK, and really funny, because the arresting officer (Gary Anthony Williams, Boston Legal, The Boondocks) is also black. But Jane also cannot disappoint anyone, so she lets Gita take the trip. It's to Brad's credit and maturity that he doesn't get upset with Jane, recognizing that she only makes a mistake, and does her best to make up for it.

     Max's turn as Santa is pretty hilarious, too. It is well documented that Max does not like kids, but sometimes can relate to them, under the right circumstances. Of course, he does relate to them in "Grinches By Crazy," touched by a moving story from a child. But the true greatness of the subplot comes when he, just by being in costume, saves Penny from a mugging, then the two cluelessly ignore the mugger hitting someone else right behind them. Bonus points for Alex falling into the donation bin in the background of another scene featuring Max.

     The chemistry between Alex and Dave is palpable. Alex runs a little crazy, and Dave is neurotic, so it's realistic that they didn't work out. But they must also have great sex, and affection for each other, because they can't seem to stay apart. They've tried, but they also keep being drawn back together, which means they probably have a little growing to do, but will eventually get a happy ending with each other. How can they not, after that higly charged kiss?

     In "Grinches Be Crazy," Dave and Alex bond as Alex goes to great lengths to fulfill her coupons. They are goofy ideas that she never expects to have to do, especially not all at once. But give the girl credit for throwing herself into the tasks whole heartedly. The thing about Alex is that commits. This is reflected in Cuthbert's acting. The actress is the least funny member of the ensemble, but it's clear that she tries really hard, so she remains likable and sympathetic.

    Happy Endings is a series that deserves to be watched, and it's not out of line to consider it this decade's Friends, given the consistent talent and success it is currently enjoying. It will return in January to ABC.

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     To buy Happy Endings streaming episodes, please click here.

Some Happy Endings for "Blax, Snake, Home"

    The second season premiere of ABC's Happy Endings, "Blax, Snake, Home," finds Penny (Casey Wilson) buying herself a new home to kick off "Year of the Penny." Unfortunately, the place might be cursed. Max (Adam Pally) feels left out when Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.) blows him off to hang out with his "black friends." Jane (Eliza Coupe) unwisely suggests that Dave (Zachary Knighton) and Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) could use some honesty in their friendship, now that they've been split a year.

     To get viewers up to speed on who the characters are, "Blax, Snake, Home" is a worthy episode. Penny over thinks things and has trouble with confidence, while staying overall upbeat. Dave and Alex work better as friends, instead of in an open, communicating relationship. Jane likes to get into everyone else's business. Max is very insecure. Brad loves his friends, but sometimes also loves some time apart from them. He also has a great marriage to Jane, as they forgive each other their eccentricities. Each of these core character elements are focused on in the season premiere, a wise move for a still-new series.

     Happy Endings is some pretty funny stuff. These distinct personalities all love each other, but still clash from time to time. The six actors who portray this update, new version of Friends have perfected the roles in the short time they've played them, so the timing and delivery of punch lines, as well as the chemistry in the group, are already locked in. It's a rare feat for a sitcom to be so finely honed in such a short amount of time, as Happy Endings premiered last spring. But once done, the writers and producers can relax a little bit. Happy Endings has reached that point.

     Of course, I'm not saying to get lazy. It's just that the show has already begun to look effortless, a vital element in a comedy that may run for at least a few years. It's business as usual, with no need for stunt or unnecessary drama. The characters do what they do, and everyone sits back and enjoys it.

     It's hard to name a standout in the group because they are all so good. Wilson is proving why Saturday Night Live cast her, though they never used her effectively. Coupe matures into a much more dynamic actress than allowed on Scrubs. Wayans is so good, one wishes he had time to do both this series and The New Girl, a pilot he made that was picked up. Pally stays just north of the annoying line, managing to stay likeable enough, which playing a very selfish character. Cuthbert and Knighton have the harder, straight man roles, but both also the the opportunity to play around, and reveal unexpected weirdness.

    If you're not watching Happy Endings, you should be. It airs Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

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

     To buy Happy Endings streaming episodes, please click here.

New Girl "Pilot" has new girl smell

     In FOX's New Girl, Jess Day (Zooey Deschanel, (500) Days of Summer, Tin Man), a quirky, nerdy, adorable girl, catches her boyfriend cheating on her. Sobbing uncontrollably and marathoning Dirty Dancing, Jess decides to find a new place. Responding to a posting on Craigslist, she ends up living with three guys, who reluctantly take her in when one of them, Schmidt (Max Greenfield, Ugly Betty, Veronica Mars), finds out her friends are models. Her best friend, CeCe (Hannah Simone, WCG Ultimate Gamer), take an instant disliking to the new roomies. But it's not long before Jess begins to grow on them, and they not only appreciate her, but sacrifice to come to her rescue when she is hurt.

     Based on early promos, a girl living with three guys, who, let's face it, will probably try to sleep with her, looked dumb. Despite positive reviews, and the fact that Ms. Deschanel is my biggest celebrity crush, I went into this series with low expectations. Imagine the surprise, then, when New Girl turns out to be a charming, witty, clever series. Not only is Deschanel "adorkable," as the network rightly boasts, but her chemistry with the guys is complicated and interesting. They aren't lecherous creeps, but instead, caring friends. Add to that Jess's tendency to make up little ditties for herself, and New Girl is quite a great show.

    Coach (Damon Wayans Jr., My Wife and Kids) is the anger-prone tough guy, who definitely feels like a brother to Jess. Sadly, Wayans is already committed to another funny sitcom, Happy Endings, so he will be replaced next week by a new character named Winston (Lamorne Morris). Hopefully the next guy that comes in to fill his shoes keeps the same dynamic with Jess, as theirs seems the least likely relationship to head towards romance, and that will prove invaluable when she, inevitably, ends up getting with one of the roommates.

     Not that the guys are overbearingly flirting with Jess. Sure, Schmidt can be a bit of a douche, hence the douche bag jar that he must pay when he makes jerky comments, such as saying he would "do" Jess. And eventually, they might, though likely in a drunken mistake fashion. But Nick (Jake Johnson, No Strings Attached) is a caring, sweet individual, whose own recent break up might find him a reason to connect with Jess. Should he do so, he needs to learn from past mistakes. His previous girl, Caroline (Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Perfect Couples, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) tells Nick that she never knew he cared until after they break up.

     While the men are fun, Jess is the true heart of the series. Her cute glasses, tendency to reference Lord of the Rings, and naivety about sexual matters make her even more attractive than she already is. She isn't the typical girl on television type, though her natural beauty does preclude her ever looking too bad. The thing is, though, she has charm and a natural ability to be funny that will help New Girl run long after the original premise falls by the wayside. It's the "it" factor that Zooey possesses that will make New Girl the hit that it deserves to be.

     That, and hilarious writing.

     Watch New Girl Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.

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Happy Endings bears witness to "The Shershow Redemption"

      ABC's Happy Endings started slow, but by the season finale, "The Shershow Redemption," the series is finding its way. Like a modern, more diverse friends, it is establishing itself a fine following for a modern sitcom. In the episode, the gang attends the wedding of their old friend Shershow (T.J. Miller, Carpoolers, Cloverfield). Shershow used to be a screw up, but he has things together, and is marrying a beautiful woman, Melinda (June Diane Raphael, Funny or Die Presents..., NTSF:SD:SVU). While several among the group wonder who has become the new Shershow, others seek to redfine their relationships. The real meaning of love and marriage is explored.

     The series begins with Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) leaving Dave (Zachary Knighton) at the alter. It takes awhile for them to get back to a place of friendship, but they must, because they share the same mutual friends. In "The Shershow Redemption," Alex suggests they play each others' wingman, a move that will totally prove they are over each other. But, she isn't, as is soon revealed when Dave overhears Alex confess she may have made a mistake to Melinda. In most sitcoms, the fact that Alex caught Dave sleeping with a bimbo earlier in the episode would prevent her from being able to reconnect with him. In Happy Endings, they choose the more mature route, not even discussing the other woman. Instead, Alex's confession comes after the incident. It's a real touching moment, not only demonstrating some sophisticated writing and storytelling, but opening the door to a possible season two reconnection, or at least a rexploration of the feelings they have.

     Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.) and Jane (Eliza Coupe) have already been married for a numbers of years, but learn that Max (Adam Pally) was not licensed when he performed their wedding, thus nulling the union. Again, some sitcoms might exploit this fact for some overreaching story where it matters they are not legally wed. Again, Happy Endings goes in a different direction. Jane thinks about planning a huge redo so she can have the perfect wedding she didn't get before, but when Brad goes along with her plans, somewhat reluctantly, but with little complaining, she realizes they already have a solid marriage, whether the government recognizes it or not. It's heartwarming, and together with the aforementioned plot, puts Happy Endings head and shoulders above most other comedies on the air. It is earning its place on the network.

     Finally, Penny (Casey Wilson) gets jealous because Shershow was her safety, so she invents a fiance, and tries to have her flaming gay friend, Derek (Stephen Guarino, The Big Gay Sketch Show) pretend to be him. It goes horribly wrong, with Derek channeling Grease's Danny Zuko, before reverting to his natural self. Penny gets drunk and says stupid things. Perhaps she's a little over the top, but not so much so that it pulls the viewer out of the story.

     Wilson is a rare gem on Happy Endings, perhaps the most enjoyable actress on the show. This comes as a surprise, considering I did not care for her at all during her stint on Saturday Night Live. Now it appears she just needs more suitable material, which she finds in abundance on Happy Endings. Kudos for putting such a talented comedienne to good use
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     Happily, because of how it has distinguished itself, Happy Endings has found enough fans to garner a second season. It will return to ABC in the fall.

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Happy Endings may not have one of its own

     ABC's Happy Endings is reminiscent of many short-lives series that have come before it. It revolves around a group of friends who are involved in each other's lives. They hang out in various combinations and get into funny situations. It's a little Friends with a bit of How I Met Your Mother and a dash of Perfect Couples. Thus, it is not completely original. It's late premiere date also gives it a much smaller chance of sticking around than most shows. That does not mean it is not funny.

     The cast includes some comedy veterans, such as Eliza Coupe (Scrubs), Damon Wayans Jr. (My Wife and Kids), and Casey Wilson (Satuday Night Live), as well as some actors known more for drama, like Elisha Cuthbert (24) and Zachary Knighton (Flash Forward). The final star, Adam Pally, has few credits to his name, so he is an unknown equation. Each of the six main characters conducts themselves well. Coupe is always a delight, and Wilson is far less annoying than she often was on SNL. While not reaching Christine Woods in Perfect Couples awesomeness, Cutherbest and Knighton do just fine alongside their more humorous peers.

     The plot itself is a simple set up. Alex (Cuthbert) leaves Dave (Knighton) at the altar. The other friends, all members of the wedding party, try to comfort and hang out with both. For much of the pilot, it appears that they may have to choose which side to land on in this massive breakup. Then Alex and Dave have a long talk, off screen, and everything seems to work out. By episode two, which aired immediately following the first, it's nearly forgotten. Rather than making this a show about how hard it is for a close knit group post breakup, it's just another comedy about a bunch of buddies. There's nothing wrong with that, per se, but by abandoning the characteristic that made the series different, Happy Endings may have shot itself in the foot.

     The jokes are funny. The pilot is bogged down a bit with Dave's depression, but the four friends of Alex and Dave get laughs right out of the gate. Jane (Coupe) is uptight, 'helping' Alex find the 'perfect' roommate. Alex doesn't listen to her, and ends up on a sexy girls web site. Brad (Wayans) fumbles to explain just how he discovered Alex on the website. Jane also delights when asking a waitress to bring her a vodka, but call it water, and keep 'em coming. Penny (Wilson) isn't satisfied with Max's (Pally) level of flamboyance, so she seeks out a gayer best friend, only to find out that she is, in fact, her own gay man best friend. They all try to break it to Dave gently that his sex life with Alex was bad.

     But then, the characters also fall into familiar feeling traps, like trying to help Dave escape from a woman he just starting dating and has fallen into the quicksand of a relationship. Brad tries to dub it 'chicksand', which apparently the writers hope will be a thing outside of the series, but it doesn't resonate as well as when HIMYM does it. The real shame here is that the series just doesn't set itself apart enough. While those elements may not have been the best part of the pilot, that's not really an excuse to abandon them. Otherwise, with the capable cast, it could be the next hit.

     Happy Endings airs Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.