THE COMEDIANS Funny, Not Fresh

Article originally published as THE COMEDIANS Review on Seat42F.

FX’s new series THE COMEDIANS stars comedy veterans Billy Crystal (When Harry Met Sally) and Josh Gad (Book of Mormon) as themselves. Or, rather, they play versions of themselves that are hired to do a sketch show for FX called The Billy and Josh Show. There is not actually a Billy and Josh Show; THE COMEDIANS is a fake documentary about two people who have the same backstory as the actors who play them, but with (presumably) more antagonistic personalities.

My first thought upon watching THE COMEDIANS is that it is not in the slightest bit original. The mockumentary style has certainly been done many times before, from The Office to Modern Family to Christopher Guest films. The person-playing-themselves hook has also been used a lot lately, some examples being James Van Der Beek in Don’t Trust the B- in Apartment 23 and (the gold standard) Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm. The format here is most like Showtime’s Episodes, which stars Matt Leblanc as Matt Leblanc, in that Josh and Billy are like the writers of Pucks who are forced to work with the former Friends star against their will. They clash and bicker, and yet they are stuck together by circumstance, to keep careers alive, and because of financial need.

The Comedians is funny, though. In the pilot, we see a couple of their sketches, or aftermaths of the sketches, and they work. The story provides ample opportunity for humor both big and small, with some physicality used sparingly, yet well. I don’t know how much of the sketch show-within-a-show we’ll end up seeing, and honestly, I hope it’s not a lot, but what we do see if terrific.

Josh and Billy themselves are great. Both can make the room uncomfortable very well. Crystal is the more established, and so his actions are more predictable. Josh plays expertly off of him, presenting someone that both represents a generation and who can also be quite his own person. Both have undeniable talent with differing sensibilities, and the others in the cast realize that, but Billy’s long resume gives him the upper hand in most situations, at least for now.

More so than Episodes, though, which has a strong ensemble, The Comedians is going to need to rely on its guest stars. Billy and Josh are great, but they can’t just interact with one another all the time. Their go-between, Kristen (Stephnie Weir, MADtv), is not a likeable, relatable character, and while playing to Weir’s strengths, is just not that essential a part. The other two main cast members, Mitch (Matt Oberg, Hart of Dixie) and Esme (Megan Ferguson, also Hart of Dixie), don’t make much of an impression, though whether that’s because of the actors or because they haven’t been given meaty material yet remains to be seen.

Because of who Billy and Josh are, it will take some very strong players to rise to their level. Luckily, THE COMEDIANS, while failing to stock their home team, has a strong roster of visitors in both recurring and guest capacities. I won’t spoil who all of those are, but two of note are Dana Delany (Desperate Housewives, Body of Proof), who plays Billy’s wife, and Steven Weber (Wings, Helix, Studio 60), as a director hired for The Billy and Josh Show. The former, we only hear, not see, in the pilot, and latter doesn’t show up until the end of the first half hour. Weber’s presence, though, and the part he’s playing are the main reason I’m excited to watch episode two as soon as possible.

I’m cautiously optimistic about THE COMEDIANS. I wish it had taken more chances and gone in a bolder, fresher direction. But what is present is entertaining, and it definitely feels like a show that can grow into something really cool given time. Or not. We’ll see.

THE COMEDIANS premieres Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

CSI CYBER a Virus on the Airwaves

Article originally published as CSI CYBER Review on Seat42F.

I have long been against crime procedurals. Any decent one is entertaining for a few weeks, but soon, by their nature, the shows devolve into repetitive drivel. When the characters are restrained form exhibiting any real growth and the story must wrap up neatly in an hour every week, the storytelling is extremely limited, making for very flat television. That’s why I watch very few of them.

With the premiere of CSI’s latest spin-off, though, CSI: CYBER, I figured I’d keep an open mind. After all, CSI is the mother of the modern crime show, and the cast is stacked with such greats as Oscar-winner Patricia Arquette (Boyhood, Medium), who already did a decent procedural, hilarious, talented James Van Der Beek (Dawson’s Creek, Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23), and the greatly underrated Peter MacNicol (Numb3rs, Sophie’s Choice). Surely, if there were ever a show in this genre to appreciate, even if only watched briefly, it would be this one.

Sadly, I was sorely mistaken. CSI: Cyber is by far one of the worst television pilots I’ve watched in a long, long time, and that’s saying something.

For one thing, there is not even the pretense of character development. Despite this being episode one, we are introduced to the crime first and the characters second. The action goes right into a kidnapped baby, and all of the running time is devoted to stopping the infant kidnapping ring. A brief nugget is very heavy-handedly forced into the final scene in which we’re told something about the team leader, Avery Ryan’s (Arquette), past, but it’s far too little, too late, and handled poorly.

Secondly, CSI Cyber doesn’t stop to introduce us to anyone. They are all on the job, and while we get a couple of very small hints about their personalities as the hour unfolds, no time is spent setting up their relationships or how they fit on the team, nor is there anything to indicate these players are at all unique. Everyone is brought in in a very straight forward manner, and who they are now is probably still who they’ll be in one hundred episodes, should the show survive.

Third, the dialogue is horrendous. Absolutely terrible. Time and time again, characters utter the most trite, stereotypical, cliché lines. Many of these seem to be delivered merely because it’s time to say them in the story. Someone who has never watched an episode of any incarnation of CSI could predict what the characters are going to say next. There’s an utter lack of imagination present in the script.

Fourth, the effects are cheesy. When Ryan gives CPR to a baby, it’s incredibly obvious that there’s a doll in her hands. When she sits outside the Lincoln Memorial, it feels very staged. Several times throughout the hour, graphics pop up to show us technology, but it’s all superfluous. None of these give any insight into how a piece of equipment works, and the tech is talked about in such general terms that one wonders if these ‘experts’ know anything more than a customer service representative at Best Buy, or worse, your parents.

Fifth, the supporting cast is not strong. Our stars are joined by Charley Koontz (Community), Shad Moss (formerly known as the rapper Bow Wow), and Hayley Kiyoko (The Fosters). None have distinguished themselves before this, and arguably Koontz is the only one who does a serviceable job in this.

I did watch the entire pilot of CSI Cyber, and I am loathe to find a single reason to recommend this show to anyone. Even if you’re into this type of program, this is just about the worst example imaginable of how to make a series in the genre. Even the good actors don’t get to do anything anywhere near worthy of them. CBS is not known for their groundbreaking dramas, but CSI: Cyber represents a new low, forever tarnishing a respected brand and giving a bad name to the type or series it represents.

If you want a good laugh in the spirit of those who watch bad SyFy movies, as this show is barely a notch above them, and by taking itself seriously, may prove to be even worse, then check out CSI: Cyber, airing Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.

FRIENDS WITH BETTER LIVES Could Be Better

Article first published as FRIENDS WITH BETTER LIVES Review on Seat42F.

Ever wish there was a sitcom on the air about a bunch of friends hanging out together and talking about their love lives and foibles? Ever wish there were thirty-two of them? FRIENDS WITH BETTER LIVES, premiering tonight on CBS, seeks to answer that latter dream, yet another of a long tradition of Friends-esque shows. And like most of the copies of that popular series, this one seems doomed to be quickly canceled and forgotten.

The cast is made up of stock stereotypes. Bobby (Kevin Connolly, Entourage) and Andi (Majandra Delfino, Roswell) have been married seven years and are stuck in a rut. Their sex life has almost completely dried up. Andi feels comfortable pumping her breast milk not only in front of Bobby, but in front of their friends as well. Neither remembers their anniversary. They seem doomed.

But there’s always someone who will envy any given situation, and Bobby and Andi’s comfortable relationship is one envied by some; namely, Bobby’s business partner Will (James Van Der Beek, Dawson’s Creek). Not only do Will and Bobby share an OBGYN practice, but also a home, as Will has been kicked out by his wife and wants nothing more than to go home. Until he can make that happen (or, more likely face reality), he is crashing with Bobby.

At least Will had a spouse, though. Kate (Zoe Lister Jones, Whitney) is the one in their group that is still single and hates it. This could be because she is superficial and super picky, willing to shoot a guy down for the smallest (pun intended, which you’ll understand after viewing the “Pilot”) reasons. So unless she can loosen up, she probably won’t find her Mister Right.

Making them all gag are Jules (Brooklyn Decker, The League) and her new hippy fiancé, Lowell (Rick Donald, The Doctor Blake Mysteries). These two have been together a scant few weeks, but are all over each other, and somehow decide they’re ready to commit to a lifetime. It’s way too fast, but given the nature of the series and that they’re both main characters, it will probably last at least through the all-but-certain cancellation this spring.

This is a fantastic group of actors. Lister Jones and Van Der Beek, in particular, should absolutely be doing comedy on television. I wouldn’t even mind seeing that pair as a couple, which is set up blatantly in the premiere, though the run might be too short to get to them, because they both have impeccable timing and presence. The rest are well-cast, too. FRIENDS WITH BETTER LIVES could overcome the familiar structure and be something worth watching if the group solidifies into a strong dynamic.

The problem that can’t be overcome, though, is the terrible writing. The “Pilot” goes for the obvious jokes, and even before the viewer can elicit a groan, the laugh track (I refuse to believe a studio audience finds the show this funny) overwhelms. It’s a string of hammy, dumb gags, constantly hammering audiences over the head, in case we can’t figure out what’s funny on our own.

The lack of good material will kill this show. Just in case the program itself wouldn’t flop big enough on its own, it premieres after the series finale of How I Met Your Mother, a long-running ensemble piece that will surely knock the ending out of the park. This stark contrast when viewed back to back will arrest any momentum FRIENDS WITH BETTER LIVES might have gotten out of a lesser lead-in.

There are worse shows on television; there are worse shows on CBS. But with the potential being squandered here, FRIENDS WITH BETTER LIVES is almost criminal in what it robs those involved of.

FRIENDS WITH BETTER LIVES airs tonight at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.

The B in Apt 23 still deliciously untrustworthy

ABC's Don't Trust the B---- in Apt 23 returned for a second go-round last week with "A Reunion..." James (James Van Der Beek) is happy to once more blow off his former Dawson's Creek co-stars' request for a reunion show. That is, until June (Dreama Walker) tells him how much it will mean to millions of girls, and probably bring him new, young female fans. The problem is, as James soon finds out, Chloe (Krysten Ritter) is the one who has been sending the letters to manipulate her pal into giving her things, and James' cast mates want nothing to do with him. What is a washed up television actor to do?

It's a shame that more Dawson's Creek stars aren't available to appear in "A Reunion..." Busy Philipps (Cougar Town, returning on TBS in January) drops by to break the bad news to James about why he is hated, which is great, but as she says, she was only on the show for two seasons. There would be a little more weight to the story if we got to see Joshua Jackson or Michelle Williams or Katie Holmes, even just in a quick cut-scene.

Alas, Don't Trust the B---- is just starting what will hopefully be a many-year run. It's a little too early to bring in those types of cameos, especially considering the success that they have found post-DC. Which means, this plot may have just been done too early in the series' run to fully live up to its potential.

That being said, "A Reunion..." is pretty darn funny. James Van Der Beek is as excellent as he has been in every episode so far, and focusing on him is a good idea. We get a bit of Chloe being ridiculously mean and self-absorbed, shooting people with a tranq gun, and a bit of June being starry eyed and naive, and then the meat of the episode falls onto James' shoulders, with nary a peep from the other side characters, save some gold from Luther (Ray Ford). This is the winning formula the show should stick with.

The guest stars they do have are well used, too. Besides Busy, Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle) gets to do a JVDB-style version of himself when a reunion-obsessed James tries to force his way into a Malcolm special, and Mark-Paul Gosselaar is fantastic in setting James on the right course, though I do wish some mention had been made of Gosselaar's more recent TV effort, Franklin & Bash. Stars playing unflattering versions of themselves has become the new chic (see Showtime's Episodes), and when talented people are allowed to act in this manner, leaving their pride at the door, they can really shine, both because of the delightful results, and because it shows they are people who aren't afraid of being the butt of a joke, a wonderful quality.

Don't Trust the B---- in Apt 23 may still be trying to find its audience. But if any of the above sounds appealing to you, and it should, check out the show Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 still not trusthworthy

Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 brings its super short, seven episode, freshman run to an end this week with "Shitagi Nashi." It's an interesting end to the initial arc, with June (Dreama Walker) finally finding her new, hard-hitting lifestyle catching up to her. See, since she has befriended Chloe (Krysten Ritter), she has taken to doing what the cool kids do, which involves a lot of drinking. And poor June's liver isn't equipped to handle such copious amounts of alcohol. In a surprisingly realistic development, this lands June in the hospital, where she has to get her stomach pumped.

Many shows would not take the time to do this plot. At first, it may seem strange that Don't Trust The B---- is the type of series that would pay attention to what would really happen, when plenty of others let their characters do whatever they want without consequence. Then again, a large part of the draw of Chloe's character is her outrageousness. Seeing June go down trying to follow in her footsteps makes total sense, from that perspective, and helps play up who Chloe is.

Even better, Chloe and James (James Van Der Beek) continue throughout the episode to think June is faking her illness. Of course they do; that is a scheme they would totally use to trick someone. They don't care about others. It's a little odd they even care about June, but apparently, she has managed to get inside of their exclusive bubble. So, while taking the path of June being hospitalized may be realistic, the reaction that comes after doesn't quite gel with everything else shown about the characters thus far.

Don't Trust The B---- is a study of contradiction in its characters. It's about a girl with good morals who goes wild, struggling with two opposing sides of herself. It's about an actor, working desperately to stay relevant and escape his past. And it's about another girl who has major insecurities, and lives loudly to try to overcome that uncertainty be being as large a personality as possible.

Insecure, Chloe definitely is. "Shitagi Nashi" finds her grow jealous after June replaces her as the subject of a comic. June, true to her homey charm, does her best to make Chloe feel better, cementing the friendship they have developed. Believe it or not, it actually feels strange to see Chloe laid bare a little bit. Obviously, something is behind the front she puts up. But her cover is so effective that it's only in retrospect when one begins to truly wonder what makes her the way she is. This episode is the first true attempt to delve into this matter.

While there are more than three main characters, only a trio of players are essential to the plot of the show, while the rest are more in a supporting role. Rounding out this threesome is James, who in "Shitagi Nashi" feuds with Dean Cain (himself) when he realizes Dean's Dancing With the Stars dressing room is six inches bigger. The DWTS arc has been quite amusing, really giving James a chance to play with his arrogance and narcissism. It's one of the most ridiculous, and funny, stories he's been given yet, and he nails it, as usual! Hopefully, it will continue into next season, and parts of the competition shown.

It's hard to judge Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 yet, as it still isn't clear where it's going. However, many series stumble a bit in the first season, and with the way the three main actors really sell their schtick week after week, there is definitely something here. Cartoonish, yes, but in an amusing way. It'll be interesting to see what they do with the second season.

Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 will return to ABC next fall. Article first published as Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 still not trusthworthy on TheTVKing.com

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30 Rock poses the question, "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?"

NBC's 30 Rock is drawing to a close, with only thirteen episodes left to air next year before going off the air forever. This knowledge hangs over last night's season finale, "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?" Several of the major characters begin new stories, or reaffirm old ones, that could lead to a complete ending for them. It's bittersweet, as it's great the series is going out before it loses what makes it so good, but it will be missed.

With Avery (Elizabeth Banks) home, she and Jack (Alec Baldwin) decide to renew their vows. But neither heart is really in it, so they have Liz (Tina Fey) officiate, knowing that she will likely screw it up, and they refuse to let her remove the part of the ceremony when she asks if anyone objects. No one does, as the three people in attendance who have reason to butt in all back down at the last minute. But that just sets Jack and Avery off, and they end things themselves.

It's sad to see Jack and Avery's marriage come to an end, even if it is never built on a solid foundation in the first place. They seem like such a terrific match, but because both are uber stubborn and competitive, their daring behavior goes right up to the edge, with neither one being willing to step in and be the reasonable one. In a way, it's a more extreme version of Jenna (Jane Krakowski) and Paul's (Will Forte) relationship, strange as that may seem.

So will Jack find a happy ending? Maybe in the arms of Avery's mother (Mary Steenburgen), as creepy as that would potentially be to date his daughter's grandma? Will we even see Avery again, as she is not a main character? And will she find love, as both the man she adores and her Korean "husband" Kim Jong-Il (Margaret Cho) are not right for her?

In contrast to Jack's dissolving union, Liz breaks her terrible cycle in "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?" Instead of dropping Criss (James Marsden), she affirms her commitment to him, and starts actually talking about having a baby, instead of a plant, as she has been saying. It's a healthy, mature step that shows major growth in the character of Liz Lemon. It's also one that sets her up to finally achieve her dreams. If the fictional TGS gets canceled at the same time as the real 30 Rock, that might even be better for her, allowing her to pursue a project that doesn't drive her crazy!

This new dynamic, of Liz having her life together, while Jack's is falling apart, makes for a big change between this central pair. Despite Kim Jong-Il's assertions, the two should not end in a relationship, something not even hinted at regarding them since early in the show's run. But it's hard for Jack to be a mentor to someone who is doing better than he is. Liz understand this, but with her new wisdom, asks for his advice anyway. Now she is the propping Jack up, but she is doing so in a way that lets him maintain his pride and dignity. Smart, and sweet.

Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) finds love, too. Hazel (Kristen Schaal) may originally try to sabotage Kenneth, but before the episode ends, they are making out. Has Hazel come around, or is she just desperate to keep living with Kenneth, rather than be out on the street? How will having physical relations change the uptight and super conservative Kenneth? This is a rich mine to dig in!

Tracy (Tracy Morgan) also faces a crossroads in "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?" Cornel West (himself) visits and tells Tracy that he needs to find a black role model to look up to. Dot Com (Kevin Brown) and Grizz (Grizz Chapman) try to lead Tracy towards some historical figures, but, in the end, Tracy is more drawn to Tyler Perry. Is that such a bad thing? True, Tracy may not live up to his potential doing cheap comedy. But then again, Perry makes a good living, and provides black-centric entertainment that fills a serious void left in pop culture. Tracy doesn't usually stick with things anyway, so this could all be for naught. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Lest anyone think otherwise, "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year" is incredibly funny, on top of all the other stuff that's been discussed in this review. Kim Jong-Il really is the best waiter in the world. Liz has a fantasy sequence where she raises a plant, and even sees it have its own plant grand babies. Criss claims to have seen everything James Van Der Beek has done except for Dawson's Creek, yet names his van after the series, and basically quotes the theme song to Liz. Hilarious!

30 Rock will return next fall to NBC to complete its final season.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to read every 30 Rock review I've ever written. To catch up on 30 Rock with DVDs and streaming episodes, please go to amazon.com. Article first published as 30 Rock poses the question, "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?" on TheTVKing.com

Trust me about "...The B---- in Apartment 23"

This week, the second episode of ABC's new Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 is called "Daddy's Girl." June (Dreama Walker, The Good Wife, Gossip Girl) is hesitant to let Chloe (Krysten Ritter, Breaking Bad, Veronica Mars) set her up with a guy named Scott (Michael Landes, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, 11-11-11). But Scott turns out to be perfect for June! Except that he's Chloe's dad. And he's still married to Chloe's mom.

It is hard to judge any series by its pilot, and having had the benefit of watching the first two episodes at once, it felt better to review "Daddy's Girl" instead. Now the characters are pretty firmly established, and getting into the groove of what the show will be.

June is a good girl, a tad naive, but willing to stand up for herself. She arrives in the city full of hope, and the trials that confront her do not tear her down. Instead, she might freak out a bit, but she's strong enough to rise above and keep going with a sunny spirit. In fact, June may even treasure the obstacles because they help her to grow.

That's good, because Chloe is going to be June's constant thorn in her side. It isn't that Chloe is malicious. Well, she is, but only before she gets to know someone. Now that June has already passed that barrier, she gets to find out what being Chloe's friend is like. And it's not pretty. Chloe is self-centered to the point where she misses the obvious if it doesn't directly concern her. Which doesn't stop her from meddling with other people anyway.

In the case of "Daddy's Girl," Chloe is right that June and Scott will get along great. She would like her mother out of the picture, and has no problem interfering in her parents' marriage, with the only goal being that it will make Chloe happy to not have to deal with Mom. However, Chloe doesn't think through the ramifications, such as that June would be her step-mother. So good intentions, though only towards her own interests, go wrong for Chloe. And people hang out around Chloe because when she's not destroying your life, it can be quite exciting to see the chaos she creates in her wake.

This dynamic is interesting and funny, especially because of the edgy humor. It's too bad Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 doesn't air on a network that can handle the content. One gets the impression that everything is toned down. It's surprising that ABC even allows pixelated nudity! But by flirting with the controversial and not delivering, especially in the title and theme "song," it actually makes the network seem rather unhip. Either ABC should go for a groundbreaking network series or don't, but being a tease doesn't serve anyone as well as it should.

Though watching June and Chloe is fun, the most hilarious character on Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 is James Van Der Beek. Playing a version of himself, Van Der Beek sheds any of his remaining Dawson's Creek image, and shows a maturity as an actor. It's also awesome to watch him poke fun at himself and his situation in a meta way. Being plagued by his past, unable to escape it on the series, actually does the opposite for him in real life. Not to mention, he adds that special something to what would otherwise be an amusing, but not particularly must-see, show. Van Der Beek will be the fan favorite, and if the series gets a second season, he will deserve more of the credit than anyone.

Watch Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Article first published as TV Review: Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 - "Daddy's Girl" on Blogcritics.

Have Mercy on Mercy

     I have found NBC's Mercy to be one of the most interesting new shows this year.  Some may dismiss is at yet another medical show, but the characters seem more genuine than most, and the plots have been fun to follow.  Plus, it's a much more serial show than the standard case-of-the-week, so I like it.  And the Jersey charm is oozing from every pore.  Unfortunately, though the season finale, "That Crazy Bitch Was Right", has already aired, the fate of a second season is still up in the air.  Just look at that episode title.  Doesn't that make you want to tune in?

     Last night, Veronica (Taylor Schilling) was trapped in a collapsing building with two boys, one of whom she had to quickly amputate his arm.  But that was just a distraction, evidenced by the fact that that crisis was over halfway through the episode.  What was really important was the two men who have been fighting over her, and which one she would run to when she got out.  And the consequences of that decision.

     Poor Veronica has been through a lot this season.  After getting home from Iraq, she divorced Mike (Diego Klattenhoff), moved in with her parents, briefly dated war buddy Chris (James Tupper), turned to alcohol as much as her parents do, and was traumatized during an armed robbery in a doughnut shop when the clerk died.  Can you blame her if she's a little nuts?  But Veronica is getting things back together, and has even moved into her own apartment.  So when she ran to Mike, I was very happy for her.  Mike gets her, knows her, loves her, takes care of not just her, but her family as well.  Veronica and Chris always felt a little awkward.  Perhaps what they had in Iraq was real, but it clearly didn't translate so well back in the states.  In fact, should there be a second season, as I hope there is, ditch Chris and make room in the full-time cast for either of Veronica's parents, Dr. Talbot (K.K. Moggie), or Dr. Briggs (James Van Der Beek).  Each was much more interesting.

     Chloe (Michelle Trachtenberg) also got some great plot development, as she decided to go back to school and become a doctor.  Hopefully she will still be featured in the series, staying at the hospital, working between classes, and eventually joining the staff of doctors.  It suits her.  Sonia (Jamie Lee Kirchner) reconciled with her guy.  There are numerous other colorful, rich characters in this show, and I wish I had time to talk about each of them in this article, but I don't.  Just tune in if it airs again.

     My only complaint about the finale was the forced suspense in the final moments.  A bomb went off as Chris landed at the airport, back in the Middle East, and a car appeared to be running down Mike.  Neither one of those scenarios was necessary, and will only serve to anger the audience if the show doesn't return.  Please, NBC, bring it back, and perhaps have Chris die in the explosion, and Mike be perfectly fine.