Go On's First Year an "Urn-ed Run"

Article first published as Go On's First Year an "Urn-ed Run" on TheTVKing.

Plagued with doubt about herself after dumping her fiance, Lauren (Laura Benanti) turns her focus on making progress with the group in NBC's Go On season finale, "Urn-ed Run." It's not that she didn't pay attention to them before, but has now decided that she has more time and energy to give to the group, and so is going to make a difference.

Yet, she apparently fails, with no one having made any break throughs lately, so Yolanda (Suzy Nakamura) and Sonia (Sarah Baker) stage a fake death in their work place so that Lauren can come in and quickly "heal everyone." Of course, the truth comes out.

I do think "Urn-ed Run" goes too far by having Lauren buy Sonia and Yolanda's plan for even a minute. She has been a grief counselor for awhile, and to think that she can fix people in a day is ludicrous. One actor hired is even "healed" in five seconds flat. Yes, losing a co-worker is not the same thing as losing a spouse or sibling, and so does not rate the long-term commitment, but a day is awfully quick.

That aside, this is a really nice plot because it demonstrates Lauren's inclusion as a member of the group, not just as the leader. Were she a trained professional, she should keep an emotional detachment. Since she is an amateur, every bit as screwed up the people she helps, she should be counted among their number, and here we see that her charges think of her in that way. Which means, she will be helped with her issues, too, over time.

Go On has a central theme of healing through the love of others, and a group's support being a boost in a time of trouble. No one ever makes a major change sitting around the circle. The real stuff happens when the group is out in the world, still in each others' lives, showing their affection.

Even Ryan (Matthew Perry) admits out loud in "Urn-ed Run" that he loves and needs the group. Ryan is an aloof man, and for awhile, considers himself above the others. He probably still will to some degree, as his ego is part of his character. But this week shows that he also cares a great deal for them, and their affection is not a one-way street. It's something that had to happen for the story to progress, and it is well handled here.

Ryan faces Janie's (Christine Woods) demise hugely in "Urn-ed Run," flashing back to his wedding day. While trying to figure out a way to pay tribute with her ashes, he remembers the way he screwed up, and then fixed, their nuptials. It is a very well thought-out bookend episode, giving us the beginning and the end. Only in remembering Janie and doing what she would want, can Ryan begin to move on.

It's these raw, powerful moments that set Go On apart from other sitcoms. Everyone in the show is very, very sad. The writers understand that tears and laughter are closely related, and how to give respect to the feelings without trivializing them. I never thought I would see a comedy with such dark subject matter on network TV, but it's executed so, so well, there is little room to complain. It's definitely my favorite new sitcom this year.

Besides the touching stuff, there are also funny moments this week, because when dealing with sadness, human nature also needs a laugh. I love how bad Steven's (John Cho) singing is, and how he doesn't realize it. Janie's ashes mostly ending of the highway is as amusing as it is heart breaking. Mr. K. (Brett Gelman) continues to push the envelope, helping Anne (Julie White) steal Janie's ashes, and also being the one to figure out Ryan fakes ashes early in the half hour. Fausta (Tonita Castro) has some of the best lines, per usual. And Sonia's "book" allows her to cut on the others a bit. These people are bickering siblings, which keeps the chemistry sparkling and the opposite of boring.

The one thing I would like to see change for season two, which is likely to be ordered soon, is the upgrade of the rest of the biggest recurring characters to main cast. I know that Go On has a huge cast for a sitcom, but it can handle it. I am tired of George (Bill Cobbs) and the others taking episodes off. I miss Danny (Seth Morris) in the finale, and I worry that Carrie (Allison Miller) quitting her job last week because of her feelings for Ryan is the end for her, mostly. Every one of these people, save George, appeared in more than three quarters of the episodes. I want them locked into a contract before we lose them, even if some weeks they just sit there and deliver a couple of zingers.

That being said, someone will eventually have to get better and move away from the group, and the group will likely eventually see new faces. This is OK, a natural part of the process. Go On may even kill George (or someone else) off at some point, providing more reason for the characters to stick together. But until the series is ready for a real finale story for someone, and it needs to be a doozy of an installment, with an honorable send-off, they all need to be kept around on a more regular basis.

Janie appears in five episodes in season one, and yes, as much as I adore Woods, she must appear less frequently as the show goes on. But maybe only one episode less per season, and never less than one or two. She's an invaluable contributor, as well.

Go On has not officially been renewed, but will most likely return next fall to NBC.

Go On over to fall's best new sitcom

Episode Grade: 95%

At the beginning of this fall television season, my favorite new sitcom was The New Normal. What can I say? It spoke to me on an emotional level. But a close second was NBC's Go On. Featuring Matthew Perry back in fine form, the series presents a group of misfits, kind of like Community, but less weird. Not that weird is bad. Community remains my favorite currently running sitcom. It's just not necessary to go super-weird in every show, and for Go On, more moderate levels are appropriate.

The point is, Go On exhibited seeds of something special. As the initial run of episodes has played out, that opinion has only been cemented more and more firmly, pushing it into first place status on my list. The series features one of the best ensemble casts ever assembled, and their interplay with each other, exhibited in varying pairs and groups, as well as the genuine warmth they feel for each other, a connection made in a very raw emotional state, raises this show up to another notch.

In the latest episode, "The World Ain't Over 'Til It's Over," Ryan (Perry) takes Anne (Julie White) on a trip to the vineyard with himself, Steven (John Cho), and a girl that Steven just met. Perhaps there is some selfishness on Ryan's part, not wanting to be alone, and finding Anne a charming companion. But there is also a desire to help Anne, who is having trouble forgoing a daily visit to her lover's grave. This is Ryan putting himself out there, inviting one of the group into another aspect of his personal life, and finding new understanding as he goes for, and achieves, a laugh, a drink think, and a cry.

What is really cool is that there is no sexual chemistry. Anne is a lesbian, and while other shows may ditch that when convenient (cough, Glee, cough), Go On never seeks to build anything more than a platonic relationship between Ryan and Anne. She calls him on his stuff more than anyone else in the group, and the two also seem the most "normal," compared to the others, most of the time. This allows them a bond, and it gives Ryan an opening to go deeper into his support circle, something he really needs to begin to heal.

Of course, there is a love interest for Ryan on Go On, and that's the leader of the group, Lauren (Laura Benanti). Ryan is definitely interested in her, and has even made some little attempts to thwart Lauren's relationship with Wyatt (Hayes MacArthur, Perfect Couples) in order to keep the possibility open. In The World Ain't Over 'Til It's Over," Ryan advises Lauren not to accept Wyatt's proposal unless she is sure it is right, partly because he likes Lauren, and partly because he is remembering his marriage through rose colored glasses.

Lauren does take Ryan's advice to heart, at first, having doubts about whether she is ready for marriage. But then she ends up accepting anyway, seeing how much Wyatt cares for her and wants to make her happy. Which is good, because Ryan soon rushes off to take his advice back, once he remembers the reality of being in a couple.

Which makes one wonder if the Lauren / Ryan pairing may ever happen. Maybe it won't. Maybe Ryan is just projecting a romantic interest onto Lauren, the same way every other member of the group has done. Maybe Lauren only looked at Ryan twice because she was getting cold feet about committing to a long-term relationship. Maybe Wyatt will die after the wedding, leaving Lauren open to be a true member of the group once and for all.

I really love the scenes of Yolanda (Suzy Nakamura) and Sonia (Sarah Baker) helping Wyatt plan the proposal. I like that Wyatt doesn't fall for their poorly disguised attempts at sabotage, which makes it all the more rewarding when he wins them over. Yet another small branch off that works, one among many, many possibilities with this cast.

While Ryan and Anne are away, the rest of the misfits gather for Mr. K's (Brett Gelman) end of the world, party, hence the name of the episode, "The World Ain't Over 'Til It's Over." It's sweet to see them all support the least likable member of the support group even when they don't agree with his opinions. And the only reason Ryan isn't there is probably because he's helping Anne. Which, as I've said, will only bring him more involvement with the others, and lead to his attendance of such functions in the future. So it's all good.

If you're searching for the next great comedy, look no further than Go On, which airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, beginning again on January 8th.

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Article first posted on TheTVKing

Go on, Go On

Grade: 88%

GO ON is about a popular sportscaster named Ryan (Matthew Perry, Friends, Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip) who wants to return to work a month after the death of his wife. Ryan’s boss, Steven (John Cho, Star Trek, Harold & Kumar Go to Whitecastle), tells Ryan to attend ten counseling sessions first, to make sure he’s mentally up to the task. But Ryan doesn’t believe in therapy, making a mockery of the situation, to the delight of the rest of the troubled group. His new therapist, Lauren (Laura Benanti, Eli Stone, The Playboy Club).

This is an excellent series, fully worthy of Perry’s talents. While the actor has struggled in recent years to find a show that stays on the air, GO ON might just be the one to do, if the “Pilot” is any indication. It’s very funny, but the story also goes very dark, allowing Perry to play drama and comedy, sometimes simultaneously. It’s a winning mix, showing vulnerability while making people laugh, and one that should prove popular with television viewers.

Were the series riding on Perry’s wave alone, as excellent as he is, that might not be enough. Instead, Perry is surrounded by a very talented ensemble. Playing the members of his therapy group are Suzy Nakamura (Dodgeball, The West Wing), Brett Gelman (Eagleheart), Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris), Seth Morris (Happy Endings), Tonita Casto (Funny People), Sarah Baker (Free Radio), Bill Cobbs (Night at the Museum), and Julie White (Grace Under Fire, Transformers). Each plays a pivotal role in the first episode’s success, and coming together, make for a heck of a team.

This therapy group plot does make parts of GO ON seems a little like another NBC sitcom, Community. There is a feel good style of helping each other out and bonding, even though they are brought together from different walks of life. These people may not have sought each other out as friends, but thrust together, they are stronger for the relationships. While GO ON will probably not be goofy and meta like Community, there are a plethora of ways the plot could go with such a strong ensemble.

Of course, there is romantic tension, too. This exists between Ryan and Lauren. At first, this results in a slight bit of ickiness, considering she is the mental health professional assigned to treat him. Until we learn that she’s not exactly so professional. Then, things quickly become acceptable. Ryan is in no position to rush into anything just yet, but the groundwork is already being laid between the two.

Which doesn’t make the series predictable. In fact, nothing about the “Pilot” is all that obvious. There are subtle moments and deep understandings mixed with startling drama and great jokes. It’s hard to predict each zig and zag, but the developments feel natural and flow well. It’s some seriously good storytelling, perhaps more sophisticated than most half hour comedies.

GO ON lags when focusing on Ryan’s job. Cho does OK, and Allison Miller (Terra Nova, Kings) is fine as Ryan’s assistant. But every time these characters are on screen, and Perry goes back to reality, the story lags just a bit. Sure, viewers need to see how Perry will cope with the real world, as he can’t stay in his happy bubble forever. These parts just aren’t developed as well as the group scenes. Perhaps this will change in time, or maybe Ryan’s work just won’t be a huge focus.

In all, GO ON works extremely well, for all of the aforementioned reasons. There is a broad enough appeal that it should have no trouble finding an audience, and avoids serving any niche too fully. Yet, it still has a very high addictive quality because it is so well made, so it’s not just fluff for the masses. Check out GO ON tonight after the Olympics, and when it premieres on September 11^th.

How I Met Your Mother Has "A Change of Heart"

     CBS's How I Met Your Mother is riding a wave of creative resurgence, turning out better quality episodes these past couple of months than they have in the past couple of years. A large part of this success can be attributed to the fact that they've gotten more dramatic. While comedy has been the show's strong suit, playing just for laughs doesn't a great sitcom make. Pathos are needed to care for the characters and develop a stake in the going-ons. The series used to be really good at that, but waned in recent years. With Marshall's dad's (Bill Fagerbakke) death, and Barney's (Neil Patrick Harris) search for a father and a real relationship, there has been plenty of emotion evoked, and done right this time.

     As promised in interviews, though the death was back in early January, the feelings brought up by it have continued to permeate the series. In last night's episode, each of the series regulars visits a doctor (comedian Suzy Nakamura, practically wasted here) to have their heart checked, concerned about an unexpected heart attack like the one that took out Marvin Eriksen Sr. Marshall (Jason Segel) even goes back a second time with a mustache, supposedly a disguise, in his opinion, though the doctor was no more fooled than the viewers. The appointments reminds us of the drama, while the mustache lets us laugh. It may sound a little corny, but the mustache joke really made this thing work.

     Also, the episode brought back the gag of substituting 'sandwich' for marijuana, as they have done several times before. It works for both network censors AND the fact that the whole show is a story a father is telling his kids. I'm not complaining, as I find it incredibly humorous whenever any character mentions smoking a sandwich. Plus, eating a sandwich makes them hungry? Priceless!

     The other really funny stuff this week involves Robin (Cobie Smulders) being denied a dog, so she dates a man who acts just like a dog. The actor playing her date is forgettable (did anyone else think this would be a good part for Taylor Lautner?), but the cast really sells the bit, and it leads to many good puns. Plus, the guy is called Scooby, and with the pot connection in the episode, it adds another layer referencing a certain cartoon often associated with drug use, in which sandwiches were also more subtley substituted.

     Zoey (Jennifer Morrison), who is Ted's (Josh Radnor) love interest this season does not appear in this episode. She is finally becoming likable, after months of just being annoying, but the show has confirmed on screen that she is not the mother referenced in the title. Was this always the intention, or did it come about because fans did not respond positively to her? Discuss.

     The main arc in the episode was about Barney finding love. In flashbacks, we have seen that Barney was a sweet, sensitive soul until his heart was ripped to shreds by an unfaithful girlfriend. Previously, Barney pursued love with Robin, but for whatever reason, the show's writers decided to drop that pairing, at least for now. Instead, Barney is now falling for a girl named Nora (Nazanin Boniadi, General Hospital).

     Nora likes who Barney really is, assuming that the womanizing lecher he is seen as almost every week on the series is a facade. I think it is safe to assume that, though, both because of the long-ago scenes we have been shown, and the flashes of Barney that glimmer through when he thinks no one is looking. Nora enjoys laser tag and hanging out with our guy. Last night, she confesses wanting to get married and raise children. Barney readily agrees, before later claiming that he lied.

     Did Barney actually lie about his wish for happy ever after? Lily (Alyson Hannigan) doesn't think so, and dares him to man up and go back to her. Barney finds Nora, but only daydreams about confessing the truth to her before sadly walking away. IMDB lists Nora as scheduled for the next new episode, so hopefully Barney will get another chance.

     I want Barney to find love. His character has seemed less and less authentic as time has ticked on in the series, and I do not attribute that to bad acting. On the contrary, I think Neil Patrick Harris has the true spirit of the character pinpointed. Barney created his persona because of hurt, but one can only live a lie for so long. I feel like Barney is getting tired of conquests himself, and so it may be time to take the character in a new direction. His upcoming arc where he will meet his father (John Lithgow, Dexter) will hopefully heal some of his past hurt enough to move forward with a new love.

     The question remaining, though, is will Nora be able to get past Barney's behavior? He hasn't told her about the way he has been living yet. If they have any chance of working out, he has to. While I like Nora, and I wouldn't mind seeing Barney date her for awhile, I don't feel like she is the one Barney will marry. Instead, I want her to help him grow as a person so that he is ready for Robin.

     Once Robin is ready for him, of course. While Robin has dabbled with long-term relationships, including a very serious one in the past year, she is still finding herself, too. With her career finally working out in a way she wants it to, her own transformation may be closer to an ending than a beginning. I don't think that the series will get them together again until near the end of its run, if ever. But I'm not expecting that to be more than a year or two away, so perhaps a Barney and Robin reunion is in the cards sooner than you think.

     I do not know when the next new episode of How I Met Your Mother will air, as many shows take some or all of March off from airing new episodes, but it still has some more stories before bowing for the season. The series airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. on CBS.


Article first published as TV Review: How I Met Your Mother - "A Change of Heart" on Blogcritics.

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