Check out Emily Owens

Don't let the goofy poster fool you. The CW's new drama Emily Owens M.D. is good. It's very good. In fact, it's so good, that it feels like it belongs on another network. No offense to the CW, as I do enjoy much of their programming, but it's target viewing audience skews young, and Emily Owens could easily be enjoyed by people of all ages.

I understand why it's on the CW. The concept is that a hospital is just like high school, with the various cliques filling in various departments, and peers treating one another just as meanly as teenagers. This is definitely a pitch that belongs on this network, and would feel right at home among their other shows.

But the fact of the matter is, this idea plays very little into what Emily Owens M.D. actually is, and it would not be surprising if it's pushed to the back burner or abandoned as the series plays out. Instead, we get a Grey's Anatomy style series, with a main narrator, story for all of the doctors closest around her, and a focus on their interactions and relationships. Patients pass through quick enough to avoid being a procedural, and instead, it is a mature series, overall.

It also helps that Emily Owens M.D. stars Mamie Gummer (Off the Map) in the title role. Gummer channels her mother, Meryl Streep, beautifully in so many scenes. She is clearly a very good, very experienced actress who could be doing roles far more demanding than this. By bringing her serious gravitas, incredibly impressive to see in one so young, she raises the level of the entire project. Can you imagine if Meryl Street had starred in a medical drama a couple of decades ago? That's what you're getting in Emily Owens M.D.

If this seems to clash with what I laid out as the main idea of the series, that's because it does. Gummer's internal monologue is sometimes great, but at other times, usually when she feels awkward, it becomes out of place. Scenes at the high school across from the hospital aren't great. Emily should be confident and brave, like Gummer. The opposite of most shows, I think the character will have to grow into the actress.

And the thing is, the rest of the cast is also really good. Justin Hartley plays Will, Emily's best friend whom she has an unrequited crush on. But he does so while proving that he can do better than running around in a hood and tights, as he formerly did on Smallville. Emily's new pal Tyra (Kelly McCreary, White Collar), who happens to be the chief's (Harry Lennix, Dollhouse) closeted lesbian daughter, is a complex character of the type that you might see on a network series. And even the villain, Cassandra (Aja Naomi King) already has depth after only one episode! This is done with making Emily look foolish in a moment where she actually deserves to look foolish.

With a solid cast, which also includes Michael Rady (The Mentalist) as a superior and real love interest for Emily and Necar Zadegan (24) as a gruff boss, and well developed characters, it's up to the writing to sell it. If the patients in the first episode are indication, challenging Emily and the other characters, and teaching them lessons, this will work out, too.

There isn't much to complain about in the "Pilot" of Emily Owens M.D. It's a great hour of television, highly enjoyable and engaging. Gummer is meant to be a star, and while this may not be the absolute best showcase for her to shine in, being a standard medical drama, it's a not a bad package, and she is definitely going to make the best of it.

 Emily Owens M.D. airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on the CW.

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

Web Therapy has no trouble getting it up

Showtime's Web Therapy, which mysteriously moved to Sundays a couple of weeks ago, ended its sophomore run last night with a delightful installment entitled "Electile Dysfunction." Robin (Julie Claire), to get even with a rude Fiona (Lisa Kudrow), released the sneakily recorded sex tapes featuring Kip (Victor Garber) and Ben (Michael McDonald). The result is that Kip is forced to drop out of the race. This is fine with Fiona, who is ready to be done with politics and her gay husband so that she can fly away with Austen (Alan Cumming). Unfortunately, there is a snag in that plan, too.

I want to say poor Fiona, as she is the protagonist of the show, and her luck seems to be bad, but I can't. Kudrow makes the character so detestable that, every time there might be an inkling of sympathy for her, it's quickly quelled. This isn't a complaint, but rather an observation about the way the lead is built. Her husband is gay. That sucks. No wonder she is uptight and repressed. But then Fiona sends her possibly dangerous stalker (David Schwimmer, Friends) after her own sister (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Does she have zero moral compass?

Many great modern television series are built on the antihero, but almost none of those are comedies. That makes what Web Therapy is doing so original and genius. If one if watching a dark drama and the main character is a baddie, that's one thing. When one is laughing at the antics of the principal person, who then takes things way too far, it's hard to keep laughing. Somehow, this show manages to make the cruel funny, and therein lies its brilliance.

Besides all of the actors mentioned above, the cast is stuffed with familiar faces like Victor Garber, Lily Tomlin, Rashida Jones, Molly Shannon, Minnie Driver, Selma Blair, Rosie O'Donnell, Conan O'Brien (as a douche-y version of himself), and even Meryl Streep. What would attract such an elite group of performers to the small screen? When is the last time Streep guest starred in any television show, other than an award-winning miniseries (Angels in America) or a couple of quick voice cameos (The Simpsons, King of the Hill) in the '90s?

But it's not just those the audience already knows that sell the work. Web Therapy boasts a wonderful supporting cast which includes Dan Bucatinsky, Jennifer Elise Cox, and Tim Bagley. They may not may as instantly recognizable, but they're every bit as good as the more famous people, which is necessary to make the show gel together the way it does.

Season one of Web Therapy ended with Fiona being selfish (unlike the actress playing her, who allows everyone a chance to shine), giving up the chance at love with Austen to stand by Kip, hoping that would bring her status and political acumen. Is Austen's betrayal with Gina (Cox) payback? Would it have happened anyway? It's hard to say, but given the way that Fiona treats Austen, it's hard to believe their union would have been a happy one.

As much as Fiona stops in a dark place, the rest of the characters are looking pretty good. Gina has a great new job and is being pampered, Kip and Ben are happily off cavorting somewhere, and Fiona's mother, Putsy (Tomlin), has launched the competing Net Therapy, stealing Fiona's formerly loyal assistant, Jerome (Bucatinsky), away, paying him a more fair salary. So it's not a bad ending, since these are all better human beings who deserve good things more than Fiona. Let's see how Fiona can wreck their happiness next.

Web Therapy has not yet been renewed for a third season, but if there is justice for good TV, it will be. And if not, season two provides some nice closure.

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

Web Therapy is "Getting It Straight"

I admit it. I wasn't a big fan of the first season of Showtime's Web Therapy. Perhaps that is because those early episodes were just shorter webisodes edited together, and didn't have as cohesive a story for each half hour. As season two begins last night, though, with "Getting It Straight," all that changes. Though the episodes are still based on web clips, a number of new characters are introduced, and the story immediately seems more comprehensive.

Season two of Web Therapy is exactly what it should have been from the beginning, and sort of was, but really hadn't come fully together yet. It's about a self-obsessed online "therapist" named Fiona (Lisa Kudrow), who alienates everyone around her, but insists on being a contributing member of society anyway, in that she wants society to revolve around her. Things usually don't go her way, of course, but through manipulation and denial, Fiona chugs along, somehow getting by at the end of the day.

Kudrow is fantastic as Fiona. She makes Fiona so easy to hate, which I imagine is hard to do, considering that Kudrow is the brains behind the show. Who would intentionally make themselves come across as a terrible person? Kudrow does it so believably, and in a very funny way. She surrounds herself with talent, and really, plays as a springing board to make others look good. The actress must be the opposite of her character.

In "Getting It Straight," Austen Clarke (Alan Cumming, The Good Wife) sends Fiona's husband, Kip (Victor Garber), to an anti-gay camp in order to "fix" him, as he is campaigning for national office. Clarke was introduced as a love interest for Fiona, and seems intent to get Kip elected so that Fiona can leave her hubby for him. His motivations may be selfish, but he sure is working earnestly to help Kip!

Of course, in 2012, most people realize that gay cannot be "cured," nor should it be. But then again, the characters appear to know this, too. Actually beginning to talk about Kip's homosexuality is nice, instead of continuing to dance around it, as it reveals that Fiona isn't completely oblivious to others, and helps explain the state of her marriage, as well as, perhaps, some of personal issues. The straight camp seems to be more for image, much like Kip's play of making up a pet named Scruffy, rather than to change his personality. Which is a very tongue in cheek and smart approach to the subject.

At the camp, Kip is treated by Camilla Bowner (Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada, Doubt), NOT pronounced boner, who is sincere about helping Kip recover. Interestingly, this center does not have a specific religious affiliation, thus avoiding alienating certain viewers. However, Streep brings to life a very specific character who not only wants to help Kip, but can also see how toxic Fiona is, and would like to remove her from Kip's life. It's a sincere attitude, and one that Fiona takes umbridge to. A battle of wills has been set up, and who will win?

It's such a rare treat to Streep on television, let alone in a recurring role! Not to mention, she is talking about boners, and in an outtake, her bra comes undone. For a legendary actress such as her to commit to a sitcom in a role like this is a testament to how good Web Therapy has become. This is a serious A-list get! And Kudrow holds her own against Streep! What a fantastic set up of an antagonist!

Also rubbing Fiona the wrong way in "Getting It Straight" is Austen's right hand woman, Maxine DeMaine (Rosie O'Donnell, Drop Dead Diva, The Flintstones). Austen promises to publish Fiona's book, which she makes Jerome (Dan Bucatinsky) write for her, but Maxine is the strong arm who will have none of it. That is, until she learns about Kip's campaign, and then she agrees to fix the book and put it out. This is a delightfully awkward situation, with Maxine walking the fine line between business woman and bitch. Another fine performance to help enrich the tapestry of Web Therapy.

All of these great actors, new additions and established leads from season one, coming together in such unexpected and humorous ways really give new life to Web Therapy. It's definitely a show that should begin to garner more attention and accolades, having found its stride.

Watch Web Therapy Mondays at 11 p.m. ET on Showtime.

Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com  If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Article first published as Web Therapy is "Getting It Straight" on TheTVKing.com

Smash does not deserve the haters

NBC's Smash faces "The Coup" this week, as Derek (Jack Davenport) has a musical number developed without the input or knowledge of Tom (Christian Borle) and Julia (Debra Messing). He isn't the only one facing loyalty issues, though. Ellis (Jaime Cepero) is only too happy to jump Tom's ship and go work for Eileen (Anjelica Huston). Also, Eileen's daughter, Katie (Grace Gummer, yes, Meryl Streep's daughter), comes to visit, and scolds her father, Jerry (Michael Cristofer), for how he is treating Eileen. Not to mention, Ivy (Megan Hilty) is totally jilted when she learns that Derek's new number stars Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee) as Marilyn. 

Smash has been getting a lot of flack lately from critics. They complain that the drama feels forced and the musical numbers aren't good enough. This seems odd, given the quality of the show. Glee still gets praise, and it is far campier, with less consistent characters. Perhaps that's the problem. Trained by two years of Glee to expect fluff, Smash presents more realistic situations, fewer spontaneous songs (though there are some), and lots of original music that has to be good. It is.

And if one still isn't happy, take heart there will be a new show runner when the recently renewed Smash returns for season two next year.

That doesn't mean Smash is without any problems. For instance, the kid playing Leo (Emory Cohen) is just not up to the task. Perhaps that is why the writers have Julia overact in the courtroom in "The Coup." Playing opposite of Cohen, Messing tends to run circles around him, so they lower her to his level. Or she is just an upset, concerned parent, and that could excuse a bit of an emotional outburst, too.

The Ivy vs. Karen plot has been pivotal to Smash up to this point, but it now appears to be over. Karen shoots herself in the foot with Tom and Julia by being sneaky with Derek, and Ivy is out because Eileen feels a star is needed if Marilyn's production is going to continue.

Eileen is probably right. As talented as Ivy (and Karen, for that matter) is, she isn't the audience bait that a famous person would be. One might think that Marilyn Monroe is the draw, and there's something to be said for the bold step of choosing a newcomer to capture Marilyn's early persona. That might still happen. But for selling the show to investors, having a big name attached will go a long way to making things easier, and ease is a desirable concept, with all of the other problems being faced. Along those line, Uma Thurman will soon be joining the cast.

The only thing really not working in "The Coup" is Ellis. He is a shifty, despicable character, but that it not the problem. Every show needs a villain, and Ellis fills that role nicely on Smash. What is hard to believe is that Eileen is not hip to his antics. Maybe Ellis lied and told her that Tom was cool with the job switch. But without seeing that, it feels wrong for Eileen to poach him. The characters are wise enough that they should be noticing his too-obvious behavior, and he should be cut out completely. Also, Cepero has absolutely no chemistry with the woman playing Ellis's girlfriend.

Overall, the story in "The Coup" feels authentic. Derek's background with Tom, the details of which slip out this week, explains their animosity. Derek's lack of people skills justify the mistake of going behind Tom and Julia's backs. His idea isn't horrible, he just presents it the wrong way. Gossip does spread like wildfire. Ivy's friends would cheer her up with song and dance, though a few annoyed looks from other bowlers should have been included, and a slip on the slick lane would have been nice.

But a show bound for Broadway never has an easy road. These are things that need to be shown for Smash to work, and hopefully the angry voices will quiet time in time. Watch Smash Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.

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

Oscar stars also grace smaller screens (part II: the gals)

     The line between television and movies has been getting thinner and thinner for years. While once movie stars were seen as something above their television counterparts, that has long since ceased to be the case. There is so much crossover now between the two groups, that it is almost unnoticeable. Furthermore, the awards shows for movies are carried on television. Movies air on television all the time, especially on premium channels such as HBO and Showtime, which in turn now make their own television shows. Although almost all of this year's Oscar female nominees have some television parts in their past, and though their small screen background isn't as established as the man, here are some of their parts:

Sandra Bullock (Best Actress,The Blind Side) ~ Bullock starred in the short lived television series Working Girl, based on the film.  She was also in three episodes of George Lopez.

Meryl Streep (Best Actress, Julie & Julia) ~ Her most famous small screen part was in the award winning miniseries Angels in America.  Not that long ago she also played Abigail Adams in Freedom: A History of Us, and in 1978 she won a lead actress Emmy for Holocaust.

Carey Mulligan (Best Actress, An Education) ~ Mulligan has starred in Bleak House and The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard for PBS.  She also guest starred on the latest incarnation of Doctor Who.

Vera Farmiga (Best Supporting Actress, Up in the Air) ~ She tried several series such as Touching Evil, UC: Undercover  and Roar before making it on the big screen.

Anna Kendrick (Best Supporting Actress, Up in the Air) ~ Although she has very few credits to her name at this time, besides, of course, the Twilight movies, Kendrick has appeared in Fear Itself and the quickly canceled Viva Laughlin.

Mo'Nique (Best Supporting Actress, Precious) ~ Much of her exposure has been television, including spots in Moesha, The Bernie Mac Show, Nip/Tuck, and Ugly Betty, as well as a starring role in the series The Parkers.

     The Oscars will be given out during the Academy Awards ceremony Sunday, March 7th at 8pm on ABC.

Julie & Julia is jaunty & joyous

     Released on DVD this Tuesday was Julie & Julia, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams (who also costarred together in last year's Doubt).  I was lucky enough to have it delivered the day it was released from Netflix, and though I had heard mixed reviews, I loved it.  It has been mentioned for possible Oscar nods, though it is not expected to take any big awards.  Led by two plucky actresses (even if they both had terrible hair in this movie), the twin stories sparkled.  It had great pacing; I never once got bored.  The movie is based on two true stories, as it says in the opening, and it is nice to note that the movie is fairly rooted in reality itself.

     Bouncing back and forth between Julie Powell, an insurance worker in New York City a few years after 9/11, and Julia Child, the famous American-French chef, the transitions never seemed forced, and it was always easy to follow.  There were no outlandish twists, and I was pleased the writer didn't feel the need to force more connection between the two than there actually was.

     Adding to the pleasure were the husbands, played by Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina.  Supportive, yet different.  Both couples, though much more so the modern one, had their share of martial disputes, and yet the viewer was left with no doubt that they were part of solid, lasting love stories (at least as portrayed on screen).  There was much effort made to let the audience feel what it must be like to be married to such a powerful woman, and it added to the realism and the charm.

     Do I think it will be a dark horse in the Oscar race?  Not really.  But I do recommend this film as a feel good movie for some cold, winter night.  You will not be disappointed, and it is probably better than many of the movies that will actually take home the prizes.