Saturday Night Live sees Baldwin break hosting record

      In the quest to make an epic thirty-seventh season premiere, Saturday Night Live enlisted Alec Baldwin to host for a record breaking sixteenth time last night. A few years ago, Baldwin tied with Steve Martin for most times hosting, then Steve returned to keep upping the record. Finally, Baldwin not only tied, but broke it. Martin showed up to playfully challenge him, though seem none too upset to lose his title.

     In the monologue, Martin inquires whether Baldwin might be on any performance enhancing drugs. To figure out this fact, Martin brings a full medical team and Seth Rogen, a "drug expert." It's all for showmanship, because Steve only needs to taste the yellow sample to determine if Alec has been taking drugs. Baldwin is declared clean in a very gross, but hilarious, bit, and the show moves on. Unfortunately, that's as funny as it ever gets.

     Baldwin has been on long enough that he has a number of recurring characters. Yet, none of th memorable ones are trotted out in this episode. There is mention in the monologue of Schweddy Balls now being a Ben & Jerry's ice-cream flavor. To celebrate, wouldn't a return to that sketch be appropriate? Or something to remember him by?

     In fact, it's really odd that only Martin and Rogen guest star. Steve and Alec's contest has been littered with many celebrities popping in, as they are always big event episodes. But last night, that fanfare and gravitas of the legendary moment were absent. The record was broken with little of the ceremony expected from such an occasion, especially considering how long the title has been in contest.

     It wasn't a wasted evening. There were a handful of amusing sketches. A goodbye to All My Children really captured the soap opera spirit, as plenty of "startling twists" were revealed by various crew members. The game show "Who's On Top?" asked which celebrity would be the top in a gay sex encounter, suggesting straight men as choices. And, of course, Weekend Update had some great zingers from Seth Meyers. But other than that, there wasn't much to fawn over.

     Undoubtedly, though he has mostly left comedy behind, Steve Martin will host again. Perhaps even before Baldwin does, so Alec can once more break the record. But if Saturday Night Live's best days are over, what's the point? The bright spot on the horizon is the 2012 election, though the GOP debate sketch was more dud than laughable. But the 2008 election was the last time the series really worked. So maybe...

     Saturday Night Live continues to air Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

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Fringe is "Neither Here Nor There"

    FOX's Fringe is back! The fourth season premiere, "Neither Here Nor There," finds Olivia (Anna Torv) and Fauxlivia (also Torv) exchanging Fringe files. Olivia is interrupted from studying them when an agent is killed. The agent's partner is Lincoln Lee (Seth Gabel, now a series regular), whose alternate version works with Fauxlivia. Olivia and Lincoln track the killer, who claims many more bodies. They are disturbed to discover it is a new type of shape shifter, casting doubt on their truce with the other side. Also, the Observer (Michael Cerveris) is tasked with wiping Peter (Joshua Jackson) completely out of existence when a flash of him keeps appearing to Walter (John Noble).

     It is a little odd to not have Peter on Fringe. Yes, it's only going to be temporary. And sure, while Walter and Olivia are a bit different without ever having had him in their lives, they are still recognizable characters. But what Peter brings to the team, the compassion, and calming influence, is missed. He is more than just his effect on people. He is an important element in solving the Fringe cases. Without him, Olivia may still save the day, but she won't have as easy a time of it.

     Perhaps that explains why Lincoln joins the Fringe team in "our" universe. Besides already being a familiar face, he has some of the same characteristics as Peter. Plus, there wasn't a Peter on the other side, so fans have already gotten to see what Lincoln brings to the table. Surely he is a welcome influence. He won't be the same as Peter, of course, and doesn't share the history with Walter. But he does care about others, something Olivia needs in a partner.

     It is likely there are other things that are different without Peter around that aren't immediately obvious. What those things are is hard to predict, but they will probably show up little by little as this season plays out.

     The Observer was tasked with making sure Peter served his purpose, and then was gone. Since the first part happened, but the second didn't, is it possible that the Observer has something to do with why Peter keeps appearing? Might he have done something improperly to preserve Peter, intentionally or otherwise? Could he have formed an attachment to the man he has watched all of these years? The Observer seems to be readying himself to wipe out Peter once and for all, but maybe, just maybe, he has another plan.

     And what of these new shape shifters? Is Walternate (Noble) moving against "our" universe, or is there a new villain that has not yet been revealed. Either possibility is intriguing, and could have far reaching consequences. The thing with Fringe is that it is never predictable. Which is fine, because it certainly keeps stories interesting.

     Plus, cool new yellow theme song!

     Watch Fringe Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.

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A Gifted Man might be a gift

     CBS's newest Friday night drama is A Gifted Man. The titular guy is Michael Holt (Patrick Wilson, Watchmen, Phantom of the Opera), a very talented and successful brain surgeon. Michael is visited by ex-wife, Anna (Jennifer Ehle, The King's Speech), only to learn that she died two weeks ago. Michael's sister, Christina (Julie Benz, Angel, Dexter) is excited, knowing that Michael was a better person than with Anna, and definitely buying the whole "visited by the dead" thing. Michael asks Christina's friend (Pablo Schreiber, Weeds, The Wire) to extract Anna. But as Anna pushes Michael to help those in need at her clinic, Michael decides to let her stay.
 
     A Gifted Man brings to mind the too-quickly-canceled drama Eli Stone. Both involve messages from the supernatural world pushing the main character to be a better person, even though their life is going quite well up til then. There are major differences between the two, to be sure, so this new series cannot be called a copy. But for fans still mourning the loss of Eli, this might just be the best they're going to get.

     It's not that Michael is a terrible person, exactly. He's just a bit of a jerk, and is just now realizing that maybe replacing living a life with living a career is a mistake. As such, he soon begins helping patients from Anna's clinic. To what extent Michael will go remains to be seen. He does not seem anxious to quit his own practice, probably a good thing, considering that is what is making him all the money. But maybe he can start funneling some of the profit, or his seemingly large salary, into avenues to assist the less fortunate. It's likely to be a slow process. Otherwise, A Gifted Man would be a movie instead of a television show. But there is plenty of room to grow.

     All of this means A Gifted Man will not be a standard procedural. It is on CBS, so there are sure to be elements. Michael may end up helping a new patient every week. But there are also bound to be many other elements. Considering it wasn't too long that Ghost Whisperer occupied the same slot, and it was allowed to be character driven, this bodes well for A Gifted Man.

     Wilson is a gifted actor, and handle the plot very well. Ehle doesn't seem to be as good, but perhaps the qualities that can appear weaknesses to some, will be chalked up by others as her talking from the "other side." It will be interesting to see how Schreiber's character fits into the fix, perhaps helping Anna and Michael connect and better communicate will be his mission.

     The only real regret going into this is that Margo Martindale is locked into a main character role as a secretary. Just coming off her Emmy-winning, layered performance on Justified, this definitely seems like a step backwards. Surely, her talents are far above this level. However, since only the "Pilot" had aired, it is possible that there something much deeper planned for her, as unlikely as that might seem.

     The fifth main character, Kate (Rachelle Lefevre, Off the Map, Twilight), will join the cast next week. Watch A Gifted Man Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

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Prime Suspect not prime

     NBC's Prime Suspect follows Detective Jane Timoney (Maria Bello, ER), a homicide detective who is not exactly welcomed into her new department, even having her cases stolen. Things get even worse when, after a colleague dies, she secures his position, putting her in a leadership roll. The boys club that runs the show doesn't trust her, though Lieutenant Kevin Sweeney (Aidan Quinn, Weeds) has faith that she will get the job done. And she does, without much help and support from her team. Though she may warm a few of them up slightly.

     Prime Suspect is based on a very successful British series of the same name. The themes of the original involve a woman trying to make it in a man's profession. Given that this is 2011, those don't seem quite so relevant any more. Yet, somehow Jane's treatment at the hands of her co-workers rings with a bit of truth. Is it possible, even in this day and age, there are still some jobs that women are not expected to do? Other television shows rarely address this, and there are plenty of cop shows around to choose from. But perhaps taking this different stance gives Prime Suspect a leg up on the competition.

     The cast is fantastic. Bello shines as Jane, even if she should consider losing the stupid headwear. Quinn does a decent job, and Brian F. O'Byrne (Mildred Pierce, FlashForward) is terrific as Jane's main protagonist. The other guys don't get a lot to do in the "Pilot," but recognize Kirk Acevedo as Fringe, so hopefully he will have a large role. The feel is also pretty decent. It's a grittier show than many, and the cinematography isn't completely typical.

     Unfortunately, that will probably not save it from being a rote procedural. Though Prime Suspect airs on NBC, not CBS, it has many of the familiar staples of the million other crime series already airing. There isn't much story apart from the case of the week. Unlike the original version, each case will be solved by the end of the hour. These are not the makings of a bold new show. It may be too soon to tell if Prime Suspect can hold interest, but it's not exactly off to a promising start, despite a couple of intriguing characters.

     The best thing Prime Suspect has going for it are the scenes that Maria spends with Matt Webb (Kenny Johnson, Sons of Anarchy, The Shield), the guy she lives with. Matt is trying to get partial custody of his son, but his ex (Lena Georgas, Kingdom Hospital) doesn't make it easy. She has a new guy, but still seems jealous of Maria. Maria steps in, behind Matt's back, and makes sure that Matt gets to see his kid. This bit really makes the character of Maria, demonstrating what she is like off the job.

     Also nice is the time that Maria spends with her father, Desmond (Peter Gerety, Mercy, Brothers & Sisters). If Prime Suspect can keep a major focus on Maria's family, as it sort of does in the "Pilot," then perhaps Prime Suspect will make something of itself.

     Prime Suspect airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. on NBC.

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Community enrolls in "Biology 101"

     The third season premiere of NBC's Community finds the study group enrolling in Professor Kane's (Michael Kenneth Williams, Boardwalk Empire, The Wire) "Biology 101" class. But there is no room for Pierce (Chevy Chase), who claims to be reformed and wants to join the group. That is, until Kane kicks out Jeff (Joel McHale). Unfortunately, Pierce was telling the truth about being away from the "magic" of the study table making one crazy, as Jeff soon begins to lose it. Pierce lies, looking like the bad guy, so that Jeff can rejoin his friends. In return, Jeff makes sure Pierce isn't kicked out again.

     It's nice to have Pierce back. While it was kind of fun to see him as a villain, that story has run its course, and it's time for something new. There are enough outside forces working against the study group, that there is no need to alienate one of their own to find something to fight against. Pierce's re-inclusion should not be instant, but the healing process has begun, and that's important.

     Community opens "Biology 101" with a huge musical number, claiming that they will "be less weird" this season. Perhaps that is the hope of the characters, but the manner in which they deliver the message ruins that dream as soon as it begins. Thankfully, since the weirdness and originality inherent in the series are what makes it such an awesome show. If Community were to become less weird, it probably wouldn't be worth watching any more. Gladly, there is no sign of that.

     Dean Pelton (Jim Rash, finally a series regular) is arguably the weirdest character on the show. Yet, he turns over a new leaf, growing a goatee and wearing a suit in "Biology 101." This lasts for a few minutes, until he tries to exert his authority over Vice Dean Laybourne (John Goodman, Treme, Damages) of the air conditioning repair annex. Turns out, 80% of Greendale's funds come from annex alumni donors, and now that Dean has poked the dragon, he loses his goatee and much of the school's money. This sets the character back, not an unwelcome development, but the ramifications to the rest of the series, and the college's programs, remain to be seen.

     One change that is already occurring is Chang (Ken Jeong) finding a new job and place to live. After Chang was the teacher of the study group in season one, season two found the writers sometimes struggling to come up with plots for Chang. Sure, he has an intense longing to join the gang, but they don't want him, and despite indications that eventually they would break down, they haven't. The newest development in this saga is that Chang will serve as a security guard at Greendale. Will he use his newfound power to force them to include him? Or he will he just continue to be an annoyance? Either way, at least he'll be sticking around.

     Also, Abed (Danny Pudi) goes into serious withdrawal when his favorite series, Cougar Town, is pushed to mid-season. While Cougar Town has been schedule that way since spring, and Abed would not just be finding out in the fall, it's nice that the very funny sitcom on another network gets yet another shout out from Community. They are both great shows, and any attempts to pull the two closer together is always welcome.

     Britta (Gillian Jacobs) tries to solve Abed's problem by introducing him to the "British series on which Cougar Town was based," Cougarton Abbey. There is no real Cougarton Abbey, unlike Cougar Town, but the brief glimpses we get of this "original" show are definitely worth a few laughs. Also welcome is the way the characters kill themselves after a mere six episodes, a poke at the way television shows across the pond are made completely differently. Except Doctor Who, which ran for years decades ago, and has been back on the there past six seasons. So a parody of Doctor Who is perfect for Britta's second attempt to distract Abed. And it works.

     Community also stars Alison Brie, Donald Glover, and Yvette Nicole Brown. Don't miss it, Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC.

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Grey's Anatomy is "Free Falling" and "She's Gone"

     ABC's Grey's Anatomy returns this week with two hours of new material. In "Free Falling" and "She's Gone," Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) worries about the consequences of screwing up Derek's (Patrick Dempsey) clinical trial, including being fired, losing her husband, and having her baby taken away. Richard (James Pickens Jr.) looks for a way to help her, while Alex (Justin Chambers) wants to make up for turning her in. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) pushes the residents to work as a team. Owen (Kevin McKidd) considers forgiving Cristina (Sandra Oh).

     Meredith's mistake is made with the best of intentions, but will have lasting effects. Derek's trial is over, and even though Derek knows why Meredith did what she did, and others are urging Derek to get over it, he just can't. His stubborn streak is ruining the marriage. He is willing to be civil to her in front of the case worker so that perhaps they can keep their baby, whom he does love. But he won't even look Meredith in the eye, let alone talk to her. Is this something they can survive as a couple? It certainly doesn't appear that way.

      Professionally, Meredith's screw up kills her career. She is fired, and no matter how many phone calls Richard makes, he can't find her another one. Alex is willing to lie and take the blame, since after all, he is the one that reported her, but Richard refuses to let him. Instead, Richard decides to take the fall, since Meredith's actions helped his wife, Adele (Loretta Devine).  Unlike Meredith, Richard probably won't be fired. He is near the end of his career, and can blame age and love of his wife for it. But he certainly will not get to stay chief of surgery.

     In the end, Alex does manage to get back in Meredith's good graces by lying to help her keep her baby. Unable to solve her professional problems, he assists Cristina in staging a cover story for why Meredith steals her baby and goes off the grid for four hours. Derek is forced to go along with the lie, but isn't happy about it. Then Alex is there to comfort Meredith, and she lets him, indicating that he is forgiven. Alex will never be her lover, and won't replace Derek, but at least something in Meredith's mess is beginning to heal. The baby is gone, but probably only temporarily.

     Unlike Derek, Owen is able to begin to repair his own marriage. Meredith points out that Cristina truly loves him, and that's why she keeps putting off her abortion. By relating her own experience as an unwanted child, Meredith is also able to make Owen see that having the baby is a mistake for Cristina. Owen does love Cristina, and that is why he is able to put his dream of being a father aside for her. While with her, he cannot have kids, and that's just the way it is. This is a nice story, since Grey's Anatomy already had to convince one unwilling parent to change her mind last year. Now we get to see the other side.

      Speaking of Arizona (Jessica Capshaw), she and Mark (Eric Dane) are finally in a good place, sharing parenting responsibilities. This means that Callie (Sara Ramirez) is no longer in the middle of a feud, and they can all move on and happily raise their child together. It's a relief, after so much fighting, to see the three working as a unit. After all, any tension between them can only be bad for the impressionable infant.

     As the Grey's Anatomy premiere begins,. Lexie (Chyler Leigh) is happily in the arms of Avery (Jesse Williams). How long might this last? Mark is already hinting once more to Avery that he's coming back for Lexie. Lexie and Mark have been broken up for quite awhile, but Mark's feelings still haven't cooled. Considering that it was his daughter that drove them apart in the first place, a reunion will not be easy with this three-way parenting experiment Mark is now involved in. But perhaps, since there are all already so many adults to raise that baby, Lexie can be with Mark without having to take on the role of mother. Because, really, she belongs with Mark much more than with Avery.

     Also growing in a family way, Teddy (Kim Raver) is head over heels in love with her husband, Henry (Scott Foley). Theirs was a marriage of necessity, but has become one of love. When Henry goes back under the knife, a not uncommon occurrence with his medical conditions, Teddy acts like any other worried spouse. She questions everything, and wants to know how he is at all times. Even the brief amount of time she gets into the OR, she makes herself a nuisance, not a help. It's actually pretty sweet, because it shows that she really cares for him, and not just the way she kind of did before.

     Finally, Dr. Bailey is tired of the residents not getting along. This can be at least partially blamed on the selection of April (Sarah Drew) as Chief Resident. None of the others respect her authority, or listen to her when she tries to implement new systems. This leads to an almost tragic mistake, so Bailey forces them all to work together. Surprisingly, the exercise does not force leadership in April, but it's Avery that steps up. That doesn't mean he should replace April. But if he's got her back, she's bound to start doing better after a very rocky start. That's good, because Bailey needs to focus on taking over Richard's study, not worrying about fighting doctors.


     Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

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New Charlie's Angels is an "Angel With a Broken Wing"

    ABC has rebooted Charlie's Angels. In the first episode, "Angel With a Broken Wing," one of the Angels, Gloria (Nadine Velazquez, My Name is Earl, The League) is killed. The remaining two, Abby (Rachael Taylor, Grey's Anatomy) and Kate (Annie Ilonzeh, General Hospital), must team with Gloria's childhood friend, Eve (Minka Kelly, Parenthood, Friday Night Lights), to take down the man that killed her (Carlos Bernard, 24). A man that wants Eve dead, too, and doesn't mind if other Angels end up as collateral.

     This series is a popcorn drama, pure and simple. There are plenty of action packed fight sequences, and hot girls wearing sexy outfits. Even Bosley (Ramon Rodriguez, The Wire) has been made younger and much more attractive in this newest version. Considering no incarnation of Charlie's Angels is high brow drama, this works just fine. It's an updated version that stays true to the spirit of its origins. On that level, the show works pretty well, and fans should not be disappointed.

     Too bad that's really the only level it has. Taylor, Ilonzeh, and Rodriguez are very decent actors, and Kelly is no slouch. Add to that that Victor Garber (Eli Stone, Web Therapy, Alias) is Charlie, a last minute addition, and there is potential here for something really great. Just because a show is remade doesn't mean it needs to confine itself to limits of the source material. With the ingredients present, a much more delicious, satisfying recipe could come out. But it doesn't. That's not to say that Charlie's Angels isn't worth watching. It's light fair, but it's still tasty. It's just regrettable that it doesn't go the extra mile that it could. It doesn't even keep the cheeky humor of the film versions that made them work so well.

     That being said, the pilot is pretty decent. Kudos to the show for not naming the first episode "Pilot," like almost every other series. Having a title is more interesting. Add to that a nice little origin story of how Eve gets to join the team, and a great guest villain played by Bernard, and it's an entertaining hour of television. There is a definite feel that Charlie's Angels will soon settle into a boring formula. However, given that it airs on ABC instead of CBS, hopefully the writers will embrace some ongoing arcs for the characters.

     Honestly, the best thing for Charlie's Angels would be a swift cancellation, allowing Taylor to return to Grey's Anatomy and the others to seek more worthwhile employment. It's not what's in the show that doesn't work, but what isn't.

     Charlie's Angels airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

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Person of Interest has some interesting persons

     CBS's newest drama is Person of Interest, which comes from J.J. Abrams's production company. John Reese (James Caviezel, The Passion of the Christ, The Prisoner), a former special forces soldier, lost the woman he loved, so now he rides the subway and drinks a lot, looking like a bum. After being picked up by Detective Carter (Taraji P. Henson, Boston Legal, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Reese is recruited by Mr. Finch (Michael Emerson, Lost).

     Finch developed a complex tracking system to determine when crime is going to happen. The government uses it to find terrorists, but Finch builds himself a back door, and gets social security numbers of people about to be involved in something bad, non-terrorist related. These people may be criminals or victims, and Finch would like Reese to help him track them down and stop the bad thing from happening. Reese reluctantly agrees, and convinces a dirty cop with redeeming qualities named Fusco (Kevin Chapman) to be his man on the inside.

     Yes, Person of Interest is a crime procedural, but it's a damn good one, far better than the tons currently polluting the airwaves. One reason is the concept of the super computer that can warn of future events, but many crime shows have unique hooks. Another is the editing that often makes bits appear to come from various cameras, but again, that isn't the whole story. What raises Person of Interest to a whole other level, one that will make it a fantastic series, is the writing and the acting. With a movie-quality cast, and intense sequences that one would expect from film, there is a cinematic quality and weight to the proceedings. Maintained week after week, this could signal a whole new type of procedural.

     The two main characters are both interesting men, with tragic back stories. While Finch remains mostly a mystery, there is a reason he is haunted by the crimes he could prevent, but doesn't. Reese needs a purpose. Though they both understand they will likely die during one of their cases, they don't care. They both need a reason to live, and this gives them one.

     Another positive is that J.J. Abrams is involved. Not all of Abrams's shows run for years, but he's not made a bad one. Remember a unique little procedural called Fringe? It sure didn't stay static for long, and hopefully Person of Interest will not either. Of course, it is on CBS, a network renowned for crappy, same-thing-every-week, crime series. But even if Person of Interest stays in a case of the week format, the talent involved will raise it befor the standard fare.

     In the first episode alone, the show proves its mettle. Reese and Finch follow an assistant district attorney (Natalie Zea, Justified). They assume that she will soon be attacked by a corrupt group based on a case she is working on. Given Zea's usual roles, and the manner in which she plays this part, that seems safe. So when Reese discovers she is the ring leader behind the bad guy gang, it's a shocker. It shouldn't be, given the reminder that the person of interest could be victim or perp, but it is.

     Person of Interest is definitely worth your time. Watch it Thursdays at 9 p.m.ET on CBS.

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The Big Bang Theory examines "The Skank Reflex Analysis"

     When last CBS's The Big Bang Theory aired, Penny (Kaley Cuoco) slept with Raj (Kunal Nayyar). It is appropriate, then, that the season premiere, the first of two new episodes to air this week, is called "The Skank Reflex Analysis." The tone of the gang has been completely disrupted, and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) isn't even sure he can get along with Raj anymore. So Leonard spills Raj's secret love of Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), angering Howard (Simon Helberg), too. Sheldon (Jim Parsons) just doesn't want anything to change, and Penny tries to let down a lovesick Raj.

     Having Penny sleep with Raj angered me. It really felt like the series had jumped the shark, as the action seemed unforgivable. Both characters were detestable. But "The Skank Reflex Analysis" fixed all of that in half an hour. Penny did it because she was drunk and lonely. Raj was, too, considering he can't even talk to a girl unless he has alcohol. He also has been the perpetually single one in the cast. Well, so is Sheldon, but he wants to be. Also, Raj falls for Penny because of it, and it's clear that she considers him a dear friends. This delicate handling, and examining the emotions involved, including guilty, save the plot from ruining the show. The writers of The Big Bang Theory certainly deserve viewer's trust by now.

     Believe it or not, Sheldon might be the one must effected by the event. Though he could care less if Raj and Penny sleep together, he does not like his habits disrupted. To throw off the group dynamic, Raj and Penny threaten Sheldon's way of life. It's not certain that he cares about them, or about Leonard being hurt, but he doesn't want things to get weird. So Sheldon goes out of his way to do what he can to fix the problem, calling Leonard's mother (Christine Baranski, The Good Wife), and psyching the boys up for a paintball match. When this doesn't work, he uncharacteristically does a noble deed, self-sacrificing themselves to bring the camaraderie back to the group, bonding as they seek revenge for Sheldon's paintball "death." It isn't a complete, permanent fix, but it helps.

     Leonard likely gets more devoted to Priya (Aarti Mann) because of this. His lingering feelings for Penny are, at least for now, replaced by anger. So in the second new episode, "The Infestation Hypothesis," he tries to spice things up with some sexy internet chat. Unfortunately, long distance is not easy, and soon Leonard will likely be dwelling on Penny again.

     Amy (Mayim Bialik) proves her worth to the group by helping in both episodes. Her loyalties to Sheldon and Penny often don't conflict, but they do in "The Infestation Hypothesis." Penny feels betrayed when Amy tries to help Sheldon get rid of Penny's chair found on the street. But in the earlier episode, Amy begs Penny not to leave town when she's considering giving up on acting. Their unlikely friendship will likely survive any bumps in the road, and grow even stronger.

     The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

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Whitney has some whit

     NBC's newest addition to the Thursday night sitcom line up is Whitney. In the "Pilot," Whitney Cummings (Whitney Cummings, Chelsea Lately) attends yet another wedding with her boyfriend of three years, Alex (Chris D'Elia, Glory Daze). There, the conversation convinces Whitney that they are not having enough sex. Determined to correct that so she doesn't lose Alex, though she doesn't like the idea of marriage, Whitney buys a sexy nurse costume. But sex night is ruined when Alex falls and hits his head, requiring real medical attention.

     Whitney is better than the commercials make it out to be. For one thing, Whitney has some pretty funny laugh lines. For another, Cummings and D'Elia have great chemistry as a loving, modern couple. The series does better than most at capturing a realistic dating life in this day and age. True to Whitney's nature, Whitney doesn't glamorize and exaggerate sex. Also like Whitney's comedy, this can be mined for laughs.

     If one wonders how Whitney got the way she is, her character's mother (Jane Kaczmarek, Raising the Bar, Malcolm in the Middle) shows up at the hospital, complaining about what a terrible father Whitney has. With someone as self-absorbed as her mom, one wonders how Whitney turned out half as good as she did, and it is surprising the girl even still believes in love. It also adequately explains the anti-marriage attitude. In an era with so many divorces, the next generation isn't so willing to commit.

     The cast is rounded out by four other performers, who play Whitney and Alex's friends. Maulik Pancholy should be recognizable enough for his roles on 30 Rock, Weeds, and Web Therapy. Rhea Seehorn has had parts on Franklin & Bash and Head Cases, and Zoe Lister Jones is in Delocated. Dan O'Brien merely has a few small credits to his name. They'll all fine, though, at least in the "Pilot," generic and interchangeable, especially the guys. This show is about Whitney and Alex, and anyone else is just extraneous.

     Whitney would benefit from dropping the laughing. No, it's not a track. Whitney is filmed before a live audience. But the noise is distracting, and often comes after jokes that just aren't all that funny. The series isn't bad, but would soar a little better without the chuckling dragging it down.

     Only time will tell whether Whitney deserves to be in a great comedy line up, but the first episode shows promise, if not a lot of originality. Watch Whitney Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

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