Lost WRECKED

Article first published as WRECKED Review on Seat42F.

TBS’s latest sitcom, WRECKED, is nothing if not ambitious. It begins with a plane wreck on a deserted island, and then laughs ensue as the survivors get bogged down in petty things, rather than what it takes to survive. If this sounds like the comedy version of Lost, I believe that’s on purpose given the pilot’s title of “All’s Not Lost” and the appearance of the primary Jack-like hero who steps up at the beginning.

But WRECKED isn’t about to just rehash Lost. It can’t, can it? After all, Lost was a deep and complex series that had a lot of mythology. A comedy does not support that kind of structure (unless it’s Arrested Development). So while WRECKED picks at certain elements of Lost, such as the ghost of a dead father showing up to chastise his son, or lampoons a scene of a survivor trying to get a radio signal, I don’t expect it to commit to flashbacks and smoke monsters in any real way.

Still, the fact that someone is even going after Lost, a cultural icon of television no matter what you thought of its polarizing ending, is laudable. It’s one of those ideas that usually gets the low budget internet treatment, and I’m delighted to see this one make it to broadcast with actual money behind it instead. Even when the results are mixed, which does happen in the first few episodes, it still seems ambitious enough to be worth trying.

A couple of faces in the cast look familiar, but none are A-, or even B-, list stars, which may work in WRECKED’s favor. At the center are flight attendant Owen O’Connor (Zach Cregger, Guys With Kids, The Whitest Kids U’Know) and a fat (for TV) passenger lazy Owen was told to interact with, Danny Wallace (Brian Sacca, The Wolf of Wall Street). They are the odd couple who step up to lead when they’re not sitting on the sidelines making fun of their fellow survivors. And they work just fine as the focus of the show.

Along with Owen and Danny are geeky agent Pack Hara (Asif Ali, Mr. Robinson), scary survivalist Karen Cushman (Brooke Dillman, Bob’s Burgers), hippie Florence Bitterman (Jessica Lowe, Blended), Florence’s put-together doctor roommate Emma Cook (Ginger Gonzaga, Togetherness, Legit), shallow Todd Hinkle (Will Greenberg, The Grinder), Todd’s dissatisfied girlfriend who could do better Jess Kato (Ally Maki, Step Up 3D), and injured comic relief Steve Rutherford (Rhys Darby, Flight of the Conchords). It’s a pretty good ensemble, each given significant screen time and storylines, and hits just about all the archetypes one wants in such a series.

There are plenty of extras milling around in such a way that new people can be added to the group at any time, and I expect that to happen. A lot of the writing focuses on spoofing the genre, from comments such as pointing out the relative unattractiveness (for TV) of the castaways, to the way a boar is easily slaughtered. The rest goes for typical sitcom fodder, such as mistaking a golf club for a child, that seems crazily out of place under the circumstances.

WRECKED isn’t the best comedy on television; not even close. But it may be the boldest, taking a huge risk to commit whole-heartedly to such a bizarre concept. I applaud that fully, and as such, am definitely willing to give this show a chance to find its footing. The first few episodes aren’t bad overall, and each have some really clever elements to them that prove why this program should be made. I hope it gets a second season just because I believe the first one will likely be a hit-and-miss learning experience, and I am very interested to see what could happen if this is taken further.

WRECKED premieres June 14^th at 10/9c on TBS.

Guys With Kids throws a "Divorce Party"

Article first published as Guys With Kids throws a "Divorce Party" on theTVKing.

Many scoff at NBC's Guys With Kids. At first, I was one of the many. But something spoke to me, perhaps because I am (emotionally, not financially) at the point in my life where I am ready to have kids myself, so I kept watching. And week after week, the series grew on me. By last night's season, likely series, finale, "Divorce Party," I realized I am going to miss this show.

Now if the target audience is only wanna-be dads, I admit, this is a limited demographic. It's not like it's a particularly smart or high quality show. I find bad sitcoms much easier to tolerate than boring dramas, and the overacting and cheesiness that Guys With Kids brings to the table does lump it in the bad column. However, there is also some heart, and the characters are likeable.

Lately, a through-line is given to Gary (Anthony Anderson), who, tired of being "just" a stay-at-home dad, decides to start his own business. How many parents in their houses all day with only children for company long to contribute something more creatively to the world? Gary's story is the "have it all" inspirational tale, and because it's TV, rather than real life, he will surely succeed, at least in some fashion. Get it? Because his product sort of relates to fashion? Yep, it's  a groaner, but the type that fits with the tone of this series.

Gary needs help, though, so his wife, Marny (Tempestt Bledsoe), arranges for her lazy sister (Tempestt's sister from The Cosby Show, Keshia Knight Pulliam) to help Gary out. It doesn't go so well, since Gary's sis-in-law doesn't understand the meaning of a work day, but of course, this being a feel-good comedy, she ends up helping out in an expected way. I could have done without this too-neat ending to the plot, but it's nice to see TV sisters reunited, their excitement at getting together again feeling genuine.

What Guys With Kids does best is couple chemistry. Gary and Marny may go back and forth with one another, but they are on the same level, and are in it for the long haul. Similarly, Nick (Zach Cregger) and Emily (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) may just be comic relief in most episodes, but they have a similar tone to the characters, and just feel right together. The makeup of these pairings, actors and actresses well attuned to what their TV spouse is doing, helps with believability. All four are fun characters.

The third couple is a little more rocky, and this makes sense, since they are divorced. When first we meet Sheila (Erinn Hayes) she is just Chris's (Jesse Bradford) stuck-up ex-wife who makes Chris miserable and Nick pull out his claws. Yet, after her role beefs up midway through this first season, viewers may start to feel some sympathy for Sheila, who does seem to care about Chris, but may just not know the correct way to show it. Plus, Hayes is always terrific in every role she does, bringing some ineffable quality with her.

Late this year, Sheila and Chris decide to have another baby so theirs doesn't get only-child syndrome. At first, they look into artificial insemination, but then Sheila decides they should go the old-fashioned route, making it pretty clear that she's looking for a reconciliation, not just another infant. At least, Nick thinks it's clear, so he arranges for Chris's ex-girlfriend, Sage (Fiona Gubelmann, Wilfred) to re-enter the picture to try to stop Chris from going through with it.

In a show that is all about relationships, I think I might just like the Sheila-Nick dynamic best. Nick doesn't hate Sheila; he's mad because she broke his best friend's heart. Thus, he is determined to prevent her from doing so again. Yes, they are two different people who will never be friends. But I do think their sparring comes from a place of love, and Sheila engages in it so fully because it makes her feel like a part of the larger group.

"Divorce Party" ends on a cliffhanger, with Chris torn between going home with Sheila, or staying at the party with Sage. Sage seems better for him, but television shows never allow their characters to have easy relationships. As the single guy on the series, Chris isn't going to get remarried anytime soon; that would take away the dating angle, which, for some reason, every show must have. Which means he'll probably choose Sage, which won't last. Though, if the series is canceled, as it likely will be, we'll never know.

Will the television landscape be poorer without Guys With Kids? Maybe not. But it's a heartwarming, somewhat amusing tale of young people who really care for each other, who also happen to have young children. Perhaps the run would be limited at the kids grow older, but for now, it's something I enjoy watching. I hope it gets a last minute reprieve.

Also, Guys With Kids has a fantastic theme song, in my opinion, which is a rarity on TV these days.

The "First (Good) Word" on Guys With Kids

When NBC's Guys With Kids began, I thought it was absolutely terrible. I still kind of do, in fact. The kids that the title refers to usually play only a supporting role in the story, and are, more often than not, seen, rather than heard. Also, the mothers in these relationships play a pretty large role, so it's weird that the title only mentions the fathers. Plus, the jokes are corny, the humor is frequently low brow, and there isn't really anything to keep drawing one back week to week.

And yet, there is something about it that has kept me watching this long. Maybe it's the fact that these guys are doing what I want to do, as I am young and married, but not yet a dad. Maybe it's the amusing theme song. Maybe it's the fact that the actors are selling the chemistry, even when they have to spout out nonsense lines. I cannot pinpoint what exactly I am starting to dig about the show, but for some reason, recently, it has become a small pleasure, rather than a chore, to watch.

That's not to say that there isn't still work to do for this to be a good show. It has plenty of weak spots. The point is, there is a certain charm present, and it has been steadily getting more enjoyable with each new episode, so it's on the right path.

This week's installment, the first of 2013, is called "First Word." The gang is hanging out, as usual, and Sheila (Erinn Hayes) joins them because she is sure that Ernie will soon be saying his first word. Nick (Zach Cregger), of course, is not happy at Sheila's inclusion, but Chris (Jesse Bradford) attempts to prove, through a series of flashbacks, that Nick is the one responsible for Sheila's presence in the first place.

Then Ernie does finally speak, with a word that doesn't quite make sense, but definitely earns a laugh.

Guys With Kids has greatly benefited from giving Sheila more screen time lately. Hayes is terrific, and while I originally lamented her being on such a lackluster show, as her talents are better than this material, she is proving to have a fantastic chemistry with Cregger. Every series needs some conflict, and the two of them going at each other provide many of the best moments of the series. Sure, there will eventually have to be some sort of movement in their relationship. But for now, their snippiness is really working for me.

I also like the flashbacks. They are a bit silly, with most of the characters appearing quite different from their current selves, which is not a common trend in realistic growth, though it has practically become a sitcom cliche. At the same time, the flow is decent enough to keep viewers into the story. The writing doesn't go so far outside the established realm that events aren't plausible, nor do they leave any glaring plot holes that are not explained away over the course of the half hour. As such, the better-than-expected results satisfy.

My favorite couple, aside from Nick and Sheila, is Marny (Tempestt Bledsoe) and Gary (Anthony Anderson). The affection between them feels authentic, even when not having any time to themselves, and I like their attitude on parenting. At first, they seemed neglectful, but after further examination, including in seeing how Gary becomes a stay-at-home-dad in "First Word," they suddenly seem very invested in their children. They are also the most established couple, so they are more in sync with one another than the other pairings.

Overall, I could see Guys With Kids becoming a less-funny, but still entertaining, version of Friends (with kids), should it continue to improve. Perhaps the pleasant surprises come because expectations began so low. But I'll continue to watch for now, and if they stay on track, I could actually find words to praise the show down the line, something I did not expect to say at the start of the season.

Guys With Kids also stars Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and airs Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first published on TheTVKing

Guys With Kids a throwback

NBC's new sitcom Guys With Kids does not belong on modern network television. It would have fit right in with the lineup twenty years ago. It would also work on a cable channel like TBS, which has similar series. But it isn't anywhere near fresh or edgy enough for most viewers nowadays, and it probably won't last very long in its current position, surrounded by higher quality fare.

Guys With Kids follows three men who have a varied number of offspring. Chris (Jesse Bradford, Bring It On, Outlaw) has one infant,  whom he battles to raise the way he wants with his ex-wife, Sheila (Erinn Hayes, Childrens Hospital, Worst Week). Nick (Zach Cregger, The Whitest Kids U'Know, Miss March) has two of his own, and still manages to keep a little magic alive with his wife, Emily (Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Entourage, The Sopranos). Gary (Anthony Anderson, Law & Order, Barbershop) is a stay-at-home dad with four wild ones, which leaves both him and his wife, Marny (Tempestt Bledsoe, The Cosby Show), exhausted.

Somehow, despite the differing responsibility levels and places they are in their lives, the three guys find time to hang out and have a beer on a regular basis, with kids in tow. Is this a common practice among dads these days? They are able to carve time out of their schedules to drink during daylight hours as long as they bring their children with them?

Not that they're paying much attention to the kids, who are little more than set dressing. Many scenes in the "Pilot" feature young boys running around, out of control. The parents completely ignore them, not exactly the picture of responsibility. The youngsters are not the focus of the plot, though, this belongs to the guys. Which makes it feel like Guys With Kids wants to be a very different comedy, but saddled with watching over children, decided to stick with their original plan, just dragging the kids along.

Luckily, the relationships are a bit better. Anderson and Bledsoe have wonderful chemistry, and Cregger and Sigler work just fine, too. It's hard to see what might have been with Chris and Sheila, but since they're divorced, I guess that works. Sort of.

Hayes is the best part of the show. Surrounded by performers who fit perfectly in a second-tier sitcom such as this (though they could also likely rise to better material), she deserves so much better. It's almost as if she's a bit beaten down, like her character, Sheila. Hayes has already shown what she can do in Childrens Hospital and Worst Week, and it's time for her to have a starring vehicle of her own. Asking her to bring that honed craft into such a small role feels like such a waste.

Guys With Kids may make it if people want mindless entertainment, and don't mind the complete ignorance of what a parent does. But for those who look for something a bit more in their shows, it falls way short.

Guys With Kids airs Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

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

The Whitest Kids U'Know ends series

     IFC's odd sketch show The Whitest Kids U'Know came to an end last night after five seasons. In the final, there were four sketches. In the first, a kid yelled for his mom to come to the phone very loudly and repeatedly, only to discover she was at the grocery store. The second has a new news reporter starting who is very ditsy, and coupled with an airhead field reporter, drive the veteran anchor to quit. Thirdly, a college sophomore comes out to her parents, who shrug it off, but go ballistic when their son says he's gay. And last, the season-long continuing sketch, "The Civil War on Drugs," ends with the heroes getting to speak to President Lincoln, only to find out the entire thing has been a huge misunderstanding.

     The "Mom Phone" sketch is compeltely dumb and pointless. While The Whitest Kids U'Know sometimes does sketches along these lines, they are rarely welcome, and it makes for a terrible opening to their finale episode.

     "It Was Pretty Good," the name of the second segment, as well as the catchphrase the field reporter keeps uttering is a bit better, but far from great. It's not a bad concept or commentary on the state of local news, but runs on a bit too long, and becomes a tad boring. It would work better as a much shorter sketch.

     "Sophomores" is laugh out loud hilarious, easily the best part of the night. Not only does it poke fun at the stereotype that many women go through a lesbian phase that doesn't last in college, but it also exposes a double standard, as well as pervasive homophobia in an older generation. There are many layers and aspects to this seemingly straight forward bit, and it makes viewers think as well as chuckle. It's a brilliant example of social commentary, something The Whitest Kids U'Know touch on from time to time, but rarely committ to, as they seem to be more about random giggles than changing the world. Sure, the characters do go a bit over the top, but it's a fine piece of writing.

     It's hard to decide if "The Civil War on Drugs" is a huge accomplishment, certainly being the longest running sketch ever to be done on the series, or waste of time banality. In the end, (spoiler alert!) the North wins the war, and it's about slavery, not legalizing pot. Opinon begins to sway towards the former conclusion as President Lincoln berates the two men in his office for thinking pot might be illegal. After all, it's against every thing our forefathers stood for to impune personal rights without just cause. Another commentary of current society, it points out that idiocy of making marijuana against the law. It should resonate well with loyal fans of the series.

     Thank you to Trevor Moore, Sam Brown, Darren Trumeter, Zach Cregger, Timmy Williams, and anyone else working on the show for five mostly funny years. The Whitest Kids U'Know will be missed.

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     Please click here to purchase DVDs, streaming episodes, MP3s and more from The Whitest Kids U'Know.

The Whitest Kids U'Knew on IFC

     IFC's sketch comedy series, The Whitest Kids U'Know, began its fifth and final season last night. Known for being a bit 'out there', their humor can be at times offensive and gross. This is best exemplified by last night's recurring gag when a phone sex worked named Baked Beans did commercials. Troupe member Timmy Williams played Baked Beans, with a long wig and women's lingerie. He poured cans of baked beans all over himself and made corny, baked bean-related sexual innuendos. it was disturbing and provoked nausea. What's more, Baked Beans popped up no less than three times during the episode.

     Fortunately, the rest of the half hour was much funnier. Most of the bits had the members of the comedy troupe, Trevor Moore (Breaking In), Sam Brown, Zach Cregger (NBC's as yet unaired Friends with Benefits), and Darren Trumeter, playing various characters, sometimes multiple ones in the same sketch. Only one sketch moslty just contained the central cast, though. While sometimes others have assisted, last night's episode was one of the most extra-heavy ever made by the group. Will the rest of the reason have others besides the five men in it? Is it because by season five people know who they are?

     The Civil War on Drugs found a couple of boys in the late 19th century befriending a Jamaican slave who introduces them to pot. The bit plays on stereotypes, and meanders, beginning with one boy being kicked out of a school house, long before he finds his friend and meets the slave. In fact, the entire thing runs for almost a full act, and ends with 'to be continued...' Will it pick up next week? Without having seen all the episodes, it's not certain if they have done this before, but no other example springs to mind. The show has had long sketches before the seem to switch direction a few times, but this is definitely one of their windiest.

     Another bit found Trevor playing a dying soldier who narrates a letter to his wife. This one has a few fun twists, with the switching back and forth from the man on the battlefield to the wife reading the note happening at strange times, keeping you guessing what exactly happened to the solider. He is dead, but there are a couple of misleading moments before the real cirumstances surrounding death are revealed.

     As far as offensive material goes, the worst may have been Songs of Olden Times, which is a commercial for a made up collection of songs evoking values from an earlier period of history. Among the tracks was a duet between a child bride and her adult groom, with an actual child singing with Trevor. Another song spoe of banishing women on their periods into the woods.

     But the funniest two sketches of the night seamlessly combined some really hilarious material with drug references and, of course, more sexual innuendo. One was a black and white sitcom-like video portraying a young, charitable Adolf Hitler who is corrupted by drugs into being the evil man history remembers him for. Another sketch was a commericals for the Finger Ring Friends. Just try sayting 'finger ring' out loud, and it's easily possible to imagine where this joke went.

     If any of the above sounds like your type of humor, and granted, the show is not for everyone, be sure not to miss the finale season of The Whitest Kids U'Know, airing Friday nights at 10:30 p.m. ET on IFC.

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     Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.