TRANSPARENT Show Something New

Article first published as TRANSPARENT Show Something New on TheTVKing.

Recently, Amazon released several new pilots, and I've been working my way through the dramas and comedies, reviewing as I go. The fourth of the five on my list, Transparent, is the first one this year I've found something good to say about. It's a dramedy, leaning more towards the heavy side, about a father with a secret and his three grown children. How will they cope when they learn the news he's trying to work up the courage to deliver?

The patriarch of the family is Mort (Jeffrey Tambor, Arrested Development), a caring individual who doesn't understand how he could raise three such selfish kids. He finds it hard to open up because they don't seem to care, more concerned with who gets what when he starts giving out things. It's hard to imagine how the trio grew the way they are under Mort, unless Mort has changed significantly in ways the viewer has not been made privy to, or just didn't enforce discipline.

The problems the children face could stem more from their mother (Judith Light, Who's the Boss?). We don't see a lot of her in this pilot, despite being one of the five names on the 'Starring' card, but what we do see isn't all that likeable a woman, scolding her daughter and sort of steamrolling her current beau, even as she tries to make it seem the opposite.

At the center of the show are Mort's kids. Josh (Jay Duplass, The Mindy Project) is a music producer who sleeps with the various artists he manages, a horn dog who acts soulful. Ali (Gaby Hoffman, Girls) has no house and no steady job, and has decided to get her body into shape in the hopes that it will help her overall situation. Sarah (Amy Landecker, Dan in Real Life) has a nice home, husband (Rob Huebel, Childrens Hospital), and kids in the suburb, but is tempted to betray them when she runs into former girlfriend Tammy (Gillian Vigman, Suburgatory).

I'm not sure exactly where the story would go if ordered to series, but since the main cast comprises only the five main family members, no spouses or friends or anything, one assumes it will be a character study of the particular clan. They all have their secrets and flaws, and so much time could be spent exploring those, perhaps growing them into better people, but only after much trial and suffering. More than likely, they won't change much, but that works, too, seeing authentic reaction to real issues.

The tone is definitely HBO-esque, and not just because of nudity (which there is plenty of) or the cursing. It's got an indie-vibe, including in the music selection, not fitting into a typical structure or formula, meandering, in a good way, through seemingly only loosely connected threads. It's pretty dark, with few laughs to be found, but evokes plenty of feelings from the viewer.

Tambor, as usual, is excellent, bringing a quiet dignity to the role, and evoking sympathy in his plight. He is surrounded by other excellent performers who are much less sympathetic characters, so the burden of likability will be on his capable shoulders. While Tambor has shown range in the past, never being one-note, I did feel like I saw something new yet again from him in the episode, exposing some raw vulnerability, and it made me want to watch more.

With only one more pilot to go, Transparent is the only new Amazon premiere I've been able to solidly recommend so far this year. Check it out, available streaming on their website now.

BURNING LOVE Burns Again

Article first published as BURNING LOVE Burns Again on TheTVKing.com

E! presents the second season of Burning Love beginning this week. Initially a web series, Burning Love is a parody of reality dating competitions, like a comedy version of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, with what is a likely a similar scripted to improv ratio. Contestants of one gender compete for the love of a single person of the opposite sex.

Watching seasons one and two, a viewer would be forgiven for thinking there have been at least four cycles of Burning Love. Season one began by profiling the winner of the previous year (which wasn't actually filmed), and in the continuity of the show, another season takes place between one and two, subtitled Hot for Teacher, which again, was never made. This confuses things a little bit, and sent me running to the internet to make sure I hadn't missed anything. But it's hard to blame the writers for extending the mythology without wasting our time with filler.

In season two, the main woman whose affection men are competing for is Julie Gristlewhite (June Diane Raphael, NTSF:SD:SUV), a dental hygienist who was in season one, and was last seen in a lesbian relationship. Ditching her partner, Carly (Janet Varney, The Legend of Korra), Julie is ready to try the penis again, and the producers are happy to oblige.

Host Bill Tundle (Michael Ian Black, Ed) is back, as is the house and set up. While season two definitely has some differences in the way the initial premiere unfolds, there is also consistency in the structure of the show and some of the players. This provides a satisfying through-line for the series.

Many of the faces are familiar, too. Damien (Adam Scott) was a therapist in the first cycle and is now competing, but that's not exactly what I'm talking about. Basically, most of the actors are either stars or major guest stars in projects such as Childrens Hospital and NTSF:SD:SUV, two Cartoon Network shows that also trace their roots to the web. Raphael, Ken Marino, Rob Huebel, Martin Starr, Nick Kroll, Malin Akerman, Michael Cera, and others have that connection. Various other cast members have worked with this group in other projects, too, such as The League, Party Down, and The Greatest Event in Television History.

Perhaps I'm wrong, but seeing all these people pop up alongside one another over and over again makes me think they're an extremely talented troupe who weren't getting enough work and so starting creating some of their own, inviting friends they made along the way to participate, constantly expanding their call sheet. Honestly, I think of them as doing their own, both more and less cohesive, multi-platform version of Saturday Night Live, and I'm loving it.

Burning Love, like all of those I've mentioned in the past couple of episodes is hilarious! From Bill mispronouncing Julie's name and the word 'gentlemen,' to Julie throwing herself all over a disinterested Blaze (Ryan Hansen, Veronica Mars), to Teddy (Nick Thune, Knocked Up) repeating the same song lyrics, to Khris (Nick Kroll) getting tossed out for being drunk, to Allison (Colin Hanks, The Good Guys) defending his name, there is a constant string of laughs packed into the half hour. The best bit may have even been the show-within-a-show's last minute minimal effort to add diversity to the cast. I can't wait to see more.

Burning Love airs Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. ET on E!, and more webisodes are available through Yahoo.

CHILDRENS HOSPITAL "Going" Away Again

Article first published as CHILDRENS HOSPITAL "Going" Away Again on TheTVKing.

Cartoon Network's Adult Swim's Childrens Hospital brings their fifth season to a close this week with "Coming and Going." Feelings are in the air. Or rather, lack of feelings, as the cast splits into twosomes to deal with their issues. Owen (Rob Huebel) has never had an orgasm and has the urge to feel what that's like, so Lola (Erinn Hayes) reluctantly agrees to help. Glenn can't experience emotional feeling at all, so Blake (Rob Corddry) makes it his mission to fix Glenn. And Sy (Henry Winkler) tricks Chief (Megan Mullally) into going out with him in the hopes of sparking some romantic feelings from her, meaning they miss the war zone at the hospital, but their opera provides a beautiful soundtrack for the disaster.

Each episode of Childrens Hospital completely stands on its own, with almost no continuity from each week to the next, except in the vaguest of terms. For instance, in the fourth main plot this week, the one that doesn't fit into the theme mentioned above, Cat (Lake Bell) helps Valerie (Malin Akerman) give birth, even though we've never seen Valerie pregnant until now, and it's been well established in multiple installments that Valerie is actually Derrick Childrens (Jon Hamm), a man in disguise. Doesn't quite add up, does it?

Yet, that has never stopped the show from being funny. Instead of worring about continuity, it frees up the characters and writers to do whatever they find amusing in the moment. This has led to a lot of strange, stand-alone episodes, like the Shakespeare-esque entry a couple of weeks ago, yet never a shortage of laughs. Each episode is like a mini play or sketch put on by an extremely talented group. The ensemble is excellent across the board, and they only let in the best guest stars, which this week included Jack McBrayer and one of the show's writer/producers David Wain, who plays Rabbi Jewy McJewJew.

There are some connecting threads through most (not all) of the episodes. Season five finds the cast shipped off to Japan to work a hospital on an army base. This has been a recurring setting, and so informs the stories. It has made this season a little different overall from the first four, in terms that there have been new things that didn't necessarily lend themselves to the old set, but quality and tone have been maintained.

"Coming and Going" fully takes advantage of the place in a big way when, due to a series of unfortunate mishaps, the base is attacked by the American military. Yes, the base is made up of American military already, but somehow those outside of the base think that terrorists have taken over. It's kind of a loose premise, not at all believable, but one that works for the bits.

This means that each of the four main plots unfold as bombs explode around them. Maybe giving birth or having sex near a battle isn't completely unheard of for a TV drama, but who dares use such set ups for a comedy? Even as men go down, there isn't anything serious about the proceedings, with raising a flag being the way to stop the fighting, as bizarre as anything else.

It's also the small touches that make the episode. From Owen later admitting that he has had orgasms before, and was just confused by what the term 'orgasm' meant, to Glenn being killed, only to find out it was the hospital's previously never-seen "other Jewish doctor" who dies, despite it being obvious that Marino is the one going down, there are quirky, weird, unexpected touches all over the place. Valerie asks a little girl to deliver her baby, whom Cat immediately accepts as "Doctor Littlegirl." It's all as bizarre and wonderful as that.

What's impressive about this episode, over the rest of the fantastic weekly episodes, is, given a double-length running time of half an hour, there is not only time to run more stories simultaneously, but also they are all expertly interwoven. Normally, several of the cast sit out for many episodes per year so that a cohesive plot can emerge in less than fifteen minutes. Here, that is not the case, all of the principals present, and their stories are connected by synchronized occurrences and a great soundtrack.

In all, "Coming and Going" is an awesome example of a top-notch series. Childrens Hospital is gone for now, but hopefully a sixth season won't be too far away.

THE LEAGUE Destination "Draft" and "Wedding"

Article first published as THE LEAGUE Review Season 5 Premiere on Seat42F.

FX’s THE LEAGUE, now on FXX, returns for a fifth season this week with “The Bachelor Draft,” followed by the second part of an hour-long story next week, “The Von Nowzick Wedding.” These two episodes find the gang heading out to California for a destination draft / destination wedding. Which is most important depends on who you talk to, and there is one person who is not at all pleased the two are happening on the same weekend.

I don’t know how THE LEAGUE does it, but it seems to get funnier with each and every season. I think it’s because the chemistry between the ensemble has just gelled so well at this point that it feels like catching up with old friends when you sit down to watch an episode. Old friends who mercilessly pick on one another in the best way possible.

We are introduced to another long-time member of the league in “The Bachelor Draft.” Ted (Adam Brody, The O.C.) used to hang with the others, prior to the show’s beginning, but moved to the West Coast. We know he participates remotely, his name having been mentioned before, but this is the first time viewers see him.. Having won last year’s tournament, Ted bids the others come to him for the new draft.

I like Brody’s character. It’s easy to see how he fits, and the relationship he had with the others when he still lived near them. It’s a natural part of life that some friends may move away, but the manner in which Brody picks up with Kevin (Stephen Rannazzisi), Pete (Mark Duplass), Taco (Jonathan Lajoie), and the others feels incredibly natural, as if no time has passed since he’s seen them. I hope he guest stars again soon.

Trixie (Jayma Mays, Glee) doesn’t understand this chemistry. She is marrying Andre (Paul Scheer), the scapegoat of the group, and doesn’t appreciate what fantasy football means to these guys. It’s not hard to imagine how Andre and Trixie might get along away from Andre’s friends; after all, it often seems like Andre doesn’t belong in the gang, having different interests than the others. But Trixie has got to figure out a way to enjoy these people if she wants to stick around, because they are important to Andre.

Will Trixie last as a character? I’m not sure. It’s certain she won’t be another Jenny (Katie Aselton), a valuable main character who appears in each and every episode. But she could be a Sofia (Nadine Velazquez), one who tolerates her husband’s obsessions and just shows up occasionally. She certainly is given numerous reasons to hate the guys in these installments, including during some very odd wedding toasts, but there’s always the chance she may re-occur. Maybe.

Poor Andre is caught in the middle, between the woman he loves, but who is allergic to his sperm, and the friends he loves, but who seem to be allergic to his presence. The latter is hilarious as Andre tries to pick a best man, and each keep trying to shove off the duty on one another. This doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t like Andre, and they would probably be at the ceremony even if the draft wasn’t taking place, but they don’t want to do the things they know Andre will make them do in that role, and it’s not in them to pretend for his sake.

As much as Andre sticks out like a sore thumb among the others, so does Ruxin (Nick Kroll), the heartless, cruel bastard of the group. But through Ruxin in these two new episodes, we see just how important each element is, even if it’s not obvious at first glance.

See, Ruxin is the holder of the Sacko, and being who he is, he does not want to accept the Sacko punishments doled out by his friends. In a pout, he actually quits the league in “The Bachelor Draft,” joining Rafi’s (Jason Mantzoukas) Ultimate League, whose members include some familiar faces I won’t spoil here, instead. But from the moment Ruxin makes this announcement, fans know the situation is temporary.

The other characters will never tell Ruxin that they care about him; it’s just not in their nature. However, we see how they still include him in their gags through the two half-hours. We also see how desperate Ruxin is not to be left out, despite what he says. This illustrates the emotional makeup of the gang far better than words would, anyway.

What this means, though, is that viewers are treated to a number of over-the-top jokes at Ruxin’s expense, eventually leading to, as we know it must, sweet revenge had by Ruxin. That’s just the way THE LEAGUE works, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

One thing both “The Bachelor Draft” and “The Von Nowzick Wedding” do effectively is use their celebrity athlete cameos with wonderful results. Normally, I am not a fan of football players showing up on the series. While I’m sure there are many football fans watching out there, including those that make THE LEAGUE themselves, I hate sports and these bits don’t do anything for me, especially because it usually feels like the appearances are gratuitous and the players can’t act. I have to believe I am not alone in that opinion. However, in this two-part season premiere, THE LEAGUE finally makes the spots work for them in a wonderful way, so this should satisfy both types of fans, those who like football and those who do not.

Basically, what I’m saying is that both of these installments are incredibly amusing, with several laugh-out-loud scenes and some interesting developments. Enjoy them as THE LEAGUE helps launch new network FXX, airing Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. ET.

Don't forget Childrens Hospital

Adult Swim's Childrens Hospital returns for season four with "The Boy with the Pancakes Tattoo." A young boy comes into the hospital with the word 'pancakes' tattooed on his arm. The doctors quickly realize that this boy has also brought a form of airborne amnesia with him, and then they forget. Soon Glenn (Ken Marino) is left alone to figure out a cure before he, too, succumbs to the virus.

Even though Childrens Hospital is only a ten minute show, a lot is crammed into "The Boy with the Pancakes Tattoo," including a ton of non-specific movie references. Glenn wakes up in a supply closet with no memory of what has happened, but his name written on his hands. A virus takes down the staff one by one. There is a twist ending, revealed through flashback. The world descends into chaos.

It is also a supremely funny episode. One-liners zing one after the other in a constantly flood of humor. Some of the best moments: Lola (Erinn Hayes) talking her way through the process of losing her memory; Glenn asserting than an eleven year old is too young to be douchey; Nurse Dori (Zandy Hartig) figuring out her name through the context of Glenn's question; the brain scans being different only in color; the amnesia virus being defeated by being given amnesia; Lola's line about this being one of the craziest Tuesdays she's had all week; sound effects of a door being sealed, even when it's clear that it's still open a crack; Chief (Megan Mullally), Owen (Rob Huebel), AND Lola all thinking they are at a restaurant after losing their memories; Sy (Henry Winkler) randomly fingering a 'code' into the keypad behind him as he slips into his panic room; the fact that clowns can't catch amnesia.

Yes, that is right. For some strange, unexplained reason, clowns are immune. Which means that Glenn isn't the only one who doesn't immediately go down. Blake (Rob Corddry) also remains sane. But rather than helping Glenn, he crowns himself King and tricks Val (Malin Akerman) into believing she is his girlfriend.

And with only a ten minute running time, these are only some of the wonderful jokes. Wow.

Now there are inconsistencies and flubs in "The Boy with the Pancakes Tattoo." Some of them are listed above as the best parts of the episode. In a show like Childrens Hospital, continuity doesn't matter, as long as the actors play their parts well, and this bunch does, better than just about anyone else out there. The only thing that bothered me about the episode was that the virus is airborne, yet Glenn removes his mask when talking to Blake, and it takes Blake shoving Val's spit into Glenn's mouth to infect him.

But that can be overlooked, especially considering how many dots are connected in this episode. There are so many little things, like the pancake through line, or Val's arc, or the guest stars popping up in multiple places that lend such credibility to what they're doing here. It's like someone realized this 'mistake,' and decides the sight of Blake fingering mouths was silly enough to override any concerns. And that person or persons is right.

The point is, Childrens Hospital is crammed with very, very funny jokes and site gags pulled off by amazing comedic actors, an ensemble without exception, all at the top of their games. "The Boy with the Pancakes Tattoo" is a non-stop riot, and it amused greatly. Really, what more can you ask from a show like this? Absolutely nothing.

Childrens Hospital (not a cartoon) airs Thursdays at midnight on Cartoon Network.

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

Childrens Hospital The Complete Third Season checks in to DVD

Cartoon Network's Adult Swim isn't just for animated shows anymore. One of their best live action shows is Childrens Hospital. Originally a webseries doctored to deliver episodes running around 10 minutes each, The Complete Third Season, includes 14 installments from the first season created just for television.

Childrens Hospital is a unique, odd comedy. Although all the doctors and patients are white and speak English without an accent, the setting is Brazil. The story revolves around a staff of health care professionals who heal sick people and sleep with each other. But despite being as good looking as the more serious shows of the same description, these performers double as comedians. One doctor only heals through the power of laughter. Another is the owner of the facility in disguise.

Sometimes episodes build upon previous installments, and sometimes they are stand alone artistic pieces. The only constant in the Childrens Hospital universe is that viewers never know what to expect when tuning in, and no matter what it is, it will be funny.

The show's strength comes from its extremely strong ensemble. From creator Rob Corddry (The Daily Show), to Henry Winkler (Happy Days, Royal Pains), to Megan Mullally (Will & Grace), to Malin Akerman (Watchmen), each star has serious acting chops and plenty of screen experience. Also in the cast are Lake Bell (How to Make It in America), Erinn Hayes (Worst Week), Rob Huebel (Human Giant), and Ken Marino (Party Down). These people know what they're doing, and how to really sell their parts, rolling with whatever twists each new script throws at them.


Of course, when the playground looks as fun as Childrens Hospital, everyone else wants in on the action. Which means that the show has an unusually high number of familiar faces popping in for recurring roles and guest spots. Among those featured on this DVD are Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Tom Lennon (Reno 911!), Nick Offerman (Parks & Recreation), Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program), Kate Walsh (Private Practice), Paul Scheer (The League), Jordan Peele (Key & Peele), as well as many other veterans of Ken Marino's previous shows, The State and Party Down. Plus, Michael Cera (Juno, Superbad) gives voice to the hospital PA.

Honestly, the list above of people involved in Childrens Hospital is far from comprehensive. That alone should tell you what kind of quality you're getting. But if famously talented people aren't enough to entice, the show has great, sharp writing covered, too. Medical cases range from a boy stuck in a box of quicksand, whom only Lola (Hayes), who is not at the hospital, can save, to Blake (Corddry) needing to transplant an executed killer's heart into a boy before he turns 18 at midnight.

Watching the characters be doctors is cool, but it's the special episodes that really kick Childrens Hospital up a notch. Season three has several that qualify. "The 70's Episode" is a "lost" episode from the 1970's, still featuring the same cast "way back when." "Childrens Hospital: A Play in Three Acts" is a piece in the style of Thornton Wilder. "Party Down" has the cast of canceled series Party Down catering a bar mitzvah. And "Newsreaders" is a "what if?" that gives almost all of the characters their own spin-offs.


I understand that a lot of this review sounds like gushing. There is a good reason for that. This show deserves great things said about it and a much bigger audience than it currently has. However, it's also hard to break down in detail what makes it so good because each episode is so different, and the writers seem to reinvent the characters constantly. It's an ever-shifting universe that defies pinning down. However, the overall tone and extremely high quality serve the show well.

As awesome as the episodes are, the special features on this single disc DVD set are lacking. The special features include more than 30 minutes of deleted scenes, bloopers, and gags, but they are very oddly organized. And without the context of the episode they belong in, they just aren't as funny. The extras also include six minisode promos in which Dr. Owen Maestro (Huebel) shrinks and goes inside of a body to teach kids about medicine, but these, too, lack much of the show's magic, likely because only one actor from the series appears.

Overall, this DVD set is definitely worth the buy, despite the lack of satisfying extras. Whether you're a loyal fan or a newbie, this is a great batch of episodes to purchase and watch over and over again. It is clever, creative, and fresh in a way few comedies ever achieve. Childrens Hospital The Complete Third Season is available now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Please click here to buy the first two seasons of Childrens' Hospital on DVD.  Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as DVD Review: Childrens Hospital The Complete Third Season on Blogcritics.

Childrens Hospital presents "Children's Hospital: A Play in Three Acts"

     On this week's Childrens Hospital, the regular story is abandoned in favor of an old-style play, evoking Thornton Wilder or Tennessee Williams. While the episode title is "Children's Hospital: A Play in Three Acts," it is not divided into acts, though it is a narrated play. The plot follows Owen (Rob Huebel) as he leaves his friends and fiance to take a hospital job in the big city. Owen soon realizes that the city hospital is cold and heartless, as does the audience, because of lighting and music. Our hero returns in time to save Sy (Henry Winkler), who has taken ill quite rapidly.

     This episode of Childrens Hospital is special because it is a departure from the normal scenario. While the series has done this before, including going back to the 1970s a few weeks ago, it never gets old. The point of Childrens Hospital is not to tell a narrative, but to deliver pure, belly-aching comedy. Allowing an entry to take place in a different universe, with odd clothes and dialogue patterns, only let the cast stretch, expanding their source material to draw upon. As such, "Children's Hospital: A Play in Three Acts" is yet another great episode in the series.

     Interesting, Ken Marino plays two roles this week. Not only does he tackle his usual main character, but he is the seducer from the city who lures Owen away from his home. Is this done because Marino plays a close friend of Owen's character, and the familiar visage better tempts Owen than a total stranger would? Not likely. Though that could be a possible explanation for anyone who would likely to deeply analyze the situation, Childrens Hospital defies critical thinking. Looking for explanations only prevents total enjoyment, and should be avoided. Normally, that would be a negative mark against a show, but in this case, Childrens Hospital works so well that it would be folly to question their techniques.

     Do not miss Childrens Hospital, Thursdays at midnight on Cartoon Network.

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

     Please click here to buy the first two seasons of Childrens' Hospital on DVD.

Article first published as TV Review: Childrens Hospital - "Children's Hospital: A Play in Three Acts" on Blogcritics.

Childrens Hospital goes back to "The '70s Episode"

     Cartoon Network's Childrens' Hospital goes back in time this week in "The '70s Episode," visiting a story shown only in brief flashes thus far. When Dr. Brian (Jordan Peele) "returned" to Childrens' Hospital, the series gave viewers a glimpse of his tenure in the 1970's, but "The '70s Episode" is set completely in that time. Among the highlights of the episode are a much older looking Dr. Childrens (NOT Jon Hamm), Dr. Lola Spratt (Erinn Hayes) arriving as the first lady doctor, Glenn (Ken Marino) starting work after returning from Vietnam, and learning that Chief's (Megan Mullally) real name is Chief because of she is a full-blooded Native American, despite not appearing as such. Like most episodes of Childrens' Hospital, there is little overarching plot, but it is another funny ten minutes.

     Apparently, Brazil is good for the skin, because all of the main characters, aside from dates hairstyles and costumes, look exactly the same. It is great seeing them in this manner, and is likely wonderful fun, not just for the actors, but also the costume and set people that get to transform the entire hospital. Every second of the episode is packed with 1970s references and memorabilia, including an entire operating scene with the dialogue ripped from a commercial for the game Operation. The 'previously on' features many characters just saying the names of things from the '70s with no context. Childrens' Hospital seems to set out to inundate the viewer with as much period-specific detail as possible, until it's over the top and in your face. In a hilarious way.

     "The '70s Episode" also ends with an orgy among the staff. While many previous episodes have featured various doctors hooking up with each other, never before has everyone engaged in such a crazy act all together. Are they saying that people were more free about sex in the 1970s? It's possible, but doubtful that orgies were common place then. 

     Childrens' Hospital works, though, because of the hilarious cast and witty jokes, not because of continuity or complex storytelling, both of which are mostly lacking. The only thing I wish was different is by the end, it would be cool if Owen (Rob Huebel) quit the hospital to become a police officer, as it has been revealed and referenced many times that he once served in law enforcement, so if he works in a hospital in the 1970s, it would be conceivable that he quits being a doctor to be a cop, then later goes back.

     Sad as it is, news broke recently that the hospital where much of Childrens' Hospital is shot, the same one used in Scrubs, has been torn down. While a similar place may be found, maybe even one that looks more like it's in Brazil, the country where supposedly the story takes place, even though practically every actor in the series is white. But none will have the charm of the building that has carried several television shows through. It will be missed.

     Childrens' Hospital, unlike the hospital, should not be missed. Watch it Thursday nights at midnight on Cartoon Network.

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

     Please click here to buy the first two seasons of Childrens' Hospital on DVD.

Childrens' Hospital returns for a third hilarious season

     Cartoon Network's Childrens' Hospital began its third season this week with "Run, Dr. Lola Sprat, Run." At the Brazilian-set hospital, though clearly the show is filmed in Los Angeles at the same place where Scrubs was shot, with no attempt to make anyone or anything seem South American, a boy comes in trapped in quicksand. The rescue workers managed to put part of the quicksand in a trough, and that's what they bring in. Because it is Saturday, no one is working at the hospital, so administrator Sy (Henry Winkler) must call the team in to save the boy's life. Dr. Childrens is revealed. None of the doctors can figure out what to do, until Dr. Lola Spratt (Erinn Hayes), who has been delayed, arrives. Meanwhile, Dr. Owen Maestro (Rob Huebel) and Valerie (Malin Akerman), also a doctor, attempt to figure out why Nurse Dori (Zandy Hartig) has suddenly been getting fat these past nine months.

     The opening credit sequence this week is goofy, as it has fake actor names for all of the people playing the main characters, except Rob Huebel. Why Huebel didn't get a psuedonym, too, is a mystery, but it's funny for some reason.

     Even better, we get to see what all the doctors are up to un the weekend, since they certainly wouldn't be practicing medicine. The Chief (Megan Mullally), who can barely walk with her ailments, is a super hero, flying around town, saving lives. Owen is an airplane pilot who doesn't wear pants or underwear. Glenn (Ken Marino) is dating Lisa Edelstein from House (herself) in a hilarious cameo. And Valerie is actually Dr. Childrens (Mad Men's Jon Hamm reprising the bit from last season's finale), the hospital's namesake in disguise. And those are only a few of the beginning scenes. Fantastic cameos really make this bizarre set up work, as Edelstein and Hamm commit fully to the parts.

     Which is why Childrens' Hospital works. Sure, it's just a parody of ER, Grey's Anatomy, House, etc., but it's also one that is so extremely funny because of series star, writer, and creator Rob Corddry. Who else would name the loudspeaker guy after the man who did it on M*A*S*H, and get Michael Cera to voice it?

     One sequence that works a bit slyly is Lola Spratt is taking voice over lessons as the episode begins. There are three main female doctors on the show. Dr. Cat Black (Lake Bell) narrated the first season. Because of other acting commitments, Bell dropped to part time in season two, so Valeria replaced her in both the hospital and the narration, though both work together well enough now. Perhaps season three is Lola's turn, as she is featured in this first episode, the title of which bears her name, and she can do the voice over work. That only leaves one question. Who's turn will it be for season four? Sy?

     Other gags this week include Blake (Corddry) slapping blood on his scrubs purposely before he even goes on shift, giving him the trademark red stains, as well as Glenn adjusting his yarmulke. Valerie only discovers Dori is pregnant because she reads an article in a magazine, not because Dori offhandedly mentions she likes to get high and have sex in opium dens. Of course, the magazine says nothing on if the baby might be a karate instructor, a fear shared by Dori and Glenn.

     The only thing that fell flat in this season premiere is Lola's extended encounter with an ex, who she has to behead. It drags the story down, slowing the pacing and the boyfriend is more dumb than silly.

     Childrens' Hospital works so well because not only is the humor strong, but the performers also commit fully. Despite the ridiculous things they say and do, the characters appears to take everything completely seriously. They freak out, worrying the boy might drown in quicksand, even though all it takes is Lola smashing the trough with an axe (complete with spoken sound effects). It's a show very hard to review, other than to say it will make you laugh more than virtually anything else on television, and you absolutely must watch it.

     Childrens' Hospital airs Thursday nights at midnight.

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

     Please click here to buy the first two seasons of Childrens' Hospital on DVD.

Modern Family ends with "The One That Got Away"

     ABC's Modern Family ended their season with "The One That Got Away," as the family prepares for Jay's (Ed O'Neill) birthday party. Cam (Eric Stonestreet) shoves his baby off on Gloria, then helps Manny (Rico Rodriguez) woo a girl. While shopping at the mall, an old friend of Phil's (Ty Burrell) thinks that Gloria (Sofia Vergara) is his wife, which pleases Phil until the friends points out how luck Phil would be to have Claire (Julie Bowen). Claire and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) sneak into their old backyard to recreate a photo, and get trapped in a treehouse by a dog. The Dunphy kids work together to make Jay a touching tribute video. But as Jay has to save the day repeatedly, and more and more things go wrong, he misses out on the birthday he really wants - a quiet fishing trip.

     Hopefully, this will finally put to rest that subplot of Phil being attracted to Gloria. His old friend (guest star Rob Huebel, Childrens' Hospital, Human Giant) helps Phil remember that he has a beautiful, wonderful wife, and he is lucky to be married to her. While it is reasonable that Phil would find a hot woman attractive, he is, at heart, a family man, and once the show got going, it felt a little silly that he would continue to drool over Gloria. There is little doubt that Phil would never act on those impulses, but as he begins to imagine what it would be like, he is brought back to reality. No offense to Gloria, but Phil should continue counting his blessings that he has Claire, and not allow himself to be disracted any more.

     It is always hilarious with Mitchell and Claire get together because, like many adult siblings, they revert to childish behavior, both good and bad. They fight and argue, but they still care about each other, and they don't abandon their sibling when things gets rough. And their jealousy over the new "kid" in their father's life is both authentic and amusing, as they don't really hate Manny, but worry of any lessening of their dad's affection towards them. Their latest scheme, to break into a stranger's back yard, ends hilariously bad, and the two of them hiding in the tree ot very funny. This is classic for the Pritchett "kids," and hopefully they will have more fun adventures next year.

     The Dunphy kids are getting older, and beginning to find, in small doses, ways to appreciate their siblings. Last week's graduation speech is the latest in a pattern of sisterly bonding, but this week, Luke (Nolan Gould) is the one who helps his sisters. The result is surely more appropriate for a present from Luke than from either Haley (Sarah Hyland) or Alex (Ariel Winter). Bottom line, though, is that these three children have just as much chemistry and comedic talent as the much more recognizable adults, and it is with grreat credit to the writers that this is noticed and utilized. I'll take a Dunphy children plot any day.

     Poor Jay. He always seems to get the short end of the stick, but like any great father, he sucks it up to help his children. Even on his own birthday, he is denied the things that bring him pleasure. After a horrible day, in which Jay once again puts his family first, the trying-to-be-thoughtful Manny sets up a boat in the backyard swimming pool. As a direct-to-camera interview reveals, this is far from a satisfying resolution to Jay. But once more, he pretends it's exactly what he wants to make Manny happy. If anyone is looking for a paternal role model on TV, look no further than Jay Pritchett. Ironic, as he also played Al Bundy. Who says O'Neill doesn't have range?

     Modern Family is very popular, and so of course it will return next fall to ABC.

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

     Click here to buy Modern Family DVDs and streaming episodes.

What is Childrens Hospital?

     What is Childrens Hospital?  The title of the first episode, which aired last Sunday on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, is "Hospital Isn't a Place".  Wikipedia tells me that it is named after Dr. Childrens.  It also says that it is a web series for TheWB.com created by Rob Corddry (The Daily Show).  Rob not only gets writing and directing credit, but also is one of the stars, playing a doctor who always wears clown makeup.  Disturbing, yes.  Funny, doubly yes.

     Although this started as a web series (apparently in 2008, from the dialogue), two episodes will air each week for the next month or so.  Each episode is about 5 minutes.  The two this week were divide by a faux commercial for a crime show called "NTSF:SD:SUV", or "National Terrorism Strike Force: San Diego: Sport Utility Vehicle."  It advertised a 12 hour season finale special event, so I'm thinking that it isn't real.  Like Childrens Hospital, it mocks a popular television genre.  After all of the webisodes have aired, new episodes will begin running on August 22nd.

     CH spoofs popular medical dramas.  It's biggest source seems to be Grey's Anatomy, as the narration, personal drama, and sex seem to best match that show.  It also pulls from ER and M*A*S*H.  The best M*A*S*H reference was a voice on the hospital loudspeaker asking Captain Pierce to report to Colonel Blake's office, two characters from the old sitcom.  Also, the character who does the announcements is named Sal Viscuso, an actor who frequently did the announcements on the show it copies.  The voice is performed by Michael Cera (Juno, Arrested Development), a big name talent who isn't even seen on screen.

     Cera isn't the only well known personality to populate the medical comedy.  The series stars Lake Bell (How to Make It in America, Boston Legal), Erinn Hayes (Parenthood, Worst Week), Rob Huebel (Human Giant), Ken Marino (Veronica Mars, Party Down), and Megan Mullally (Party Down, Will & Grace).  Some of them have funny names, such as Bell's Cat Black, some have funny mannerisms, such as the Chief's crippling ailment, that seems to be not only undefined, but change throughout the episode.  The first two episodes boasted guest stars the like of Nate Corddry (Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, United States of Tara), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation), and Ed Helms as Dr. Ed Helms (The Office).  Bell will be reduced to recurring status when the season two episodes kick in August 22nd, but the cast will add Malin Akerman (Watchmen) and Henry Winkler (Happy Days, Arrested Development).

     So, what is Childrens Hospital?  Sadly, I cannot tell you that, or even what it's about, and that makes it hard to review.  I'll let all of those names up there stand for the show, and if that doesn't encourage you to watch it, I don't know what will.  That much talent doesn't come together for crap.  I can tell you, the first episodes were hilarious!  Childrens Hospital airs Sunday nights 10:30 on Cartoon Network.