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

Web Therapy is "Exposed!"

     Things on Showtime's Web Therapy may be progressing a little slower than expected. In last week's episode, Fiona (Lisa Kudrow) discovers that her husband Kip (Victor Garber) is gay. But in the latest installment, "Exposed!," she does not actually expose him, as one might assume she might. Instead, she tries to get her mother Putsy (Lily Tomlin) to see that the son she thinks she's found after many years is an imposter. So the "exposed" of the episode title refers to the "son" and not to Kip. It's still Fiona doing the exposing, just not who viewers might expect.

     Too bad Putsy isn't willing to listen to reason (or even DNA test results). What's more conclusive than DNA testing? Perhaps whatever Putsy is smoking has something to do with her delusion, considering that she seems higher and higher in each subsequent scene.

     Thank goodness Tomlin is a comedy queen, or this silly plot might fall flat. Instead, not only does it work, but it's very easy to see where Fiona gets many of her less endearing characteristics. Hopefully Putsy will begin to see reason before Tic removes everything of value out of her house. On the other hand, if she doesn't, maybe she might move in with Fiona! That would be hilarious!

     But back to the original point: why isn't Fiona pressing Kip's secret more? True, discovering something as startling as discovering a partner's hidden homosexuality after many years of marriage is a trauma. Fiona may still be in shock.

     So why doesn't she confront Kip? The strange nature of Web Therapy, showing only scenes that take place at computers, may mean that Fiona already has already spoken with Kip before or during "Exposed!" If so, though, doesn't Kudrow owe it to the audience to discuss the effects of that conversation?

     Or maybe Fiona hasn't even brought the subject up to Kip because she's afraid that it will drive him away and ruin the one caring relationship she has in her life.

     Of course, Fiona isn't holding back because of scruples. She has few of those. Convincing Jerome (Dan Bucatinsky) to do illegal things as part of his "therapy," just so she can investigate her husband, proves that Fiona has little regard for most of those around her. While it is Jerome that takes things too far and gets not only fired, but escorted out by security, Fiona should know how fragile his psyche is, and what she is doing by manipulating him. Her behavior is unethical, at best.

     Now Jerome is actually worse off, working for Fiona. With Kamal (Maulik Pancholy) refusing to do any more of Fiona's dirty work without compensation, Fiona turns to the desperate Jerome and gives him a job. While not expressly stated, it is hinted that Fiona sabotages other interview opportunities to drive a frustrated Jerome close enough to the edge to accept such an arrangement. That she even charges him a supply fee for toiletries shows how little regard she has for him.

     Which is why Fiona doesn't really deserve a happy ending. Unlikeable main characters, who are still interesting enough to watch, are a relatively new thing on television. Kudrow seems to take things a little further than most other attempts, as Fiona is completely self-involved and has an annoying tenor to her voice, making her almost impossible to sympathize with. Yet, the actors in Web Therapy, pros, all of them, are plenty talented enough to hold a viewer's attention. It's what makes the web series version of Web Therapy so popular, and it's what will keep this television series running.

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

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

     Click here to purchase Web Therapy.

Article first published as TV Review: Web Therapy - "Exposed!" on Blogcritics.

Login to Web Therapy

     Now on Showtime is Web Therapy. Web Therapy began life as a series of short webisodes available online. Now Showtime has ordered it to series, so what is airing on television is a compilation of the shorter bits, edited together with connecting scenes. In the first two episodes, we meet Fiona Wallace (Lisa Kudrow, Friends), who is starting a new "modality" for therapy - offering three minute sessions via web cam. This works for her, as she is lazy, and would rather avoid the human contact that comes with fifty minute meetings in person. To begin, Fiona calls upon some people she already knows in the "real world," hoping to establish a brand, then franchise it and become rich. Ideally, this will happen within a couple of months. The series is made up completely of web cam shots.

     Two episodes in, Kudrow has banished Phoebe from the minds of viewers. A different voice and mannerisms assure virtually no connection between the character Kudrow is most famous for, and the one she now inhabits. Fiona herself is odd, with an annoyingly lilting tone, and her own, distinct pattern of dialogue. One episode in, she is easy to despise. Two half hours, and suddenly she is incredibly enjoyable, even though it is still apparent she is a horrible human being. For instance, she tries to exploit a patient named Jerome (executive producer Dan Bucatinsky), who thinks he was unknowingly sleeping with his half sister (Rashida Jones, Parks and Recreation). Fiona takes the role of victim when it turns out the woman is not related to him. After all, she intends to use his story to get investors! How dare he be boring!

     Part of the reason Fiona may be the way she is could be the lack of affection she gets from her husband, Kip (the great Victor Garber, Eli Stone, Alias). Kips is, to keep with the show's format, only seen via web cam, too, whether he is on Fiona's computer, sitting next to her, or being called while in the bedroom on his own laptop. It makes for an odd communication style between the two, and most moments of their lives are missed by the viewers. However, there is enough insinuation to figure out that Kip wants to stay in the marriage, cares about Fiona, but avoids her sexual advances. Could he be gay?

     To compensate, Fiona acts inappropriately towards other men, but can't bring herself to go through with anything. One in particular, Richard (Tim Bagley, Monk, Will & Grace), she now counsels, and tries to interfere in his new relationship. You see, her departure from her previous job came after she made many advances, but she rejected Richard when he tried to act on them. Now she doesn't want him to be with anyone else, and he is confused. Wholly unethical, it's still a pretty funny situation, and actually exposes a vulnerable side of Fiona. Which is when she begins to be a character fans can get behind, if only slightly. What is shown most of the time is a persona, and this situation peels down into a deeper layer.

     High quality guest stars abound in the first season, including Jane Lynch (Glee), Lily Tomlin (Damages, The West Wing), Alan Cumming (The Good Wife), Courteney Cox (Cougar Town), Jennifer Elise Cox (The Brady Bunch Movie), Maulik Pancholy (30 Rock, Weeds), Julie Claire (24, Dirt), and more. It should be an exciting bunch of whackos, perfectly complimenting Fiona's insanity.

     Web Therapy is nowhere close to realistic, but it is pretty funny. Check it out Tuesdays at 11 p.m. EST on Showtime.


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

     Click here to purchase Web Therapy.

Article first published as TV Review: Web Therapy on Blogcritics.