Fresh Meat: Mr. Sunshine

Mr. Sunshine (ABC, Wednesdays at 9:30) got off to a rough start in its first season, as it temporarily holds the time-slot of the hilarious-despite-a-horrible-title-that-doesn't-accurately-reflect-it Cougar Town (which returns mid-April, so catch up!). Despite a strong premise (people running a multi-purpose sports arena) and a strong cast, the tone and humor of the show has been uneven. Generally, the comedy in the show's first five episodes following the pilot have been largely hit-or-miss, unfortunately with more miss. However, with last night's exceptional seventh episode, it seems like Mr. Sunshine may have finally found its groove.

The show stars Friends' Matthew Perry as Ben Donovan, the manager of the titular Sunshine Center. His primary plot line is his desire to grow from an unhappy narcissist to a more selfless person that can connect with others, following his 40th birthday in the pilot. Although his initial struggles could be difficult for some viewers to relate to (unless you can admit to being a little selfish yourself), his burgeoning relationship with the newly hired boss' son, the socially and professionally inept Roman (played with the right amount of restraint by Nate Torrence), helps draw you in as the two build a comedic rapport.

Roman's mother and the owner of the Sunshine Center is the contently narcissistic, insensitive, and pill-popping Crystal Cohen, played by a clearly-enjoying-herself Allison Janney (The West Wing). Constantly making absurd and offensive comments, Crystal's antics are increasingly ridiculous in the first few episodes, and while this can add to the humor, it also makes it difficult to appreciate her as a real person. However, her character does have a lot of potential and will likely continue to evolve and improve as she becomes a more fleshed-out character, as demonstrated in the most recent episodes.

The cast is rounded out by the delightful Andrea Anders (of the late Better Off Ted) as the Center's head of marketing and James Lesure (Las Vegas) as Alonzo, an extremely genuine and charitable former basketball player. As the show continues to develop, hopefully a fun supporting cast of the other various workers at the Sunshine Center (such as the mascot whom Ben is constantly trying to explain to that he doesn't belong in offices) will emerge, as on other more established comedies like Parks & Recreation and 30 Rock.

Bottom Line: If this show continues to improve and offer episodes like "Celebrity Tennis" that take advantage of the strong cast and premise, then perhaps it can eventually join the current crop of phenomenal sitcoms.

Shrew's News: Network Pilots

Welcome to our first Shrew's News column, where we'll post interesting production news for the various networks and shows. Today's Shrew's News will focus on some of the most interesting pilots currently being developed. In May (or later in some cases) the networks will decide which of these (and others) will be ordered to become series for the next television season. **{none of these concepts/pilots are guaranteed to become actual shows, a Shrew's News column will follow in May when the chosen pilots are announced}**

Emerson and Garcia

Alcatraz (FOX) - From J.J. Abrams, the producer of lost, a drama that follows the FBI's efforts to track down a group of guards and prisoners that mysteriously disappeared 30 years earlier and are now reappearing. With Jorge Garcia (Hurley on Lost) as an expert on conspiracies helping to understand the peculiar events.

Person of Interest (CBS) - Another drama from J.J. Abrams along with Batman screen-writer Jonathan Nolan (Chris' brother) that follows a reclusive billionaire (Lost's Michael Emerson) who hires a presumed-dead Ex-CIA agent (Jim Caviezel) to help prevent violent crimes in the city.

Don't Trust the Bitch in Apt. 23 (ABC) - Single-camera comedy about an earnest mid-western girl who moves to New York and lives with an immoral party girl (Krysten Ritter from She's Out of My League and Breaking Bad) who's best friend happens to be actor James Van Der Beek (starring as a version of himself).

Bent (NBC) - Single-camera comedy about a single mom (Amanda Peet) who tries to resist falling in love with the surfing contractor hired to renovate her kitchen (David Walton, Vance on Perfect Couples, if its cancelled that is, which is likely given the ratings). With Jeffrey Tambor (George Sr. on Arrested Development) as the contractor's former-actor father who now plays piano at Nordstrom and Margo Harshman (from Even Stevens!) as Peet's sister.

Deschanel

Chicks & Dicks (FOX) - Though its title is likely to change, this singe-camera comedy follows a girl who moves in with three of her male friends following a break up,. Sounds unexciting, except for the fact that it stars Zooey Deschanel in her first full-time TV gig, post 500 Days of Summer and guesting on Weeds.

17th Precinct (NBC) - Simple police procedural, though it takes place in a world where magic exists instead of science. With Jamie Bamber and James Callis (both from Battlestar Galactica) as detectives, and Tricia Helfer (also Battlestar, Burn Notice, and others) as a necromancer (as opposed to a medical coroner).

Ringer (CBS) - Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as a women on the run from the mob who hides out under her rich twin sister's identity, only to discover that there is a bounty on the sister's head as well. With Ioan Gruffud (from Fantastic Four) and Nester Carbonell (Richard on Lost).

Powers (FX) - Another police procedural, this one is based on a graphic novel and is set in a world with superheroes, following a former superhero turned cop.

Louis-Dreyfus

Veep (HBO) - Comedy following the first female vice president, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus. With Reid Scott (Brandon on My Boys) and Tony Hale (Buster on Arrested Development).

REM (NBC) - Drama centered on a detective (Jason Isaacs, Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter) who, after a car accident, lives two alternate realties; one where his son died in the accident, and one where his wife did. When he goes to sleep in one reality, he wakes up in the other, so he doesn't know which one is real and which one is a dream.

Locke and Key (FOX) - Drama following the Locke family, who move into a new house with multiple doors that open up various dimensions. Based on a graphic novel.

House of Lies (Showtime) - Dark Comedy starring Don Cheadle based on the book "House of Lies: How Management Consultants Steal Your Watch and Tell You the Time." Also starring Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Ben Schwartz (Jean-Ralphio on Parks and Recreation).

Palicki

Wonder Woman (NBC) - A reboot following the classic superhero, developed by David E. Kelley (creator of Harry's Law, Boston Legal, Ally McBeal) starring Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights) as the titular heroine. With Cary Elwes (Princess Bride) as an ally and Elizabeth Hurley as an enemy.


Charlie's Angels (ABC) - Another reboot based on the '70s classic starring Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood) as one of the girls and Robert Wagner as the voice of Charlie.


Eden (USA) - Follows a young man who's con artist cousin (Enver Gjokaj, incredible on the uneven Dollhouse) helps him land a job as the concierge at an elite New York hotel.


Family Album (FOX) - Mike O'Malley (Kurt's dad on Glee) stars in the single-camera comedy as a father obsessed with taking his family on the perfect vacation. With Rachael Harris (Hangover) as his wife and Rob Huebel (I Love You Man) as the Uncle.


Missing (ABC) - Drama with a plot similar to the movie Taken, except with Ashley Judd (instead of Liam Neeson) looking for her son (instead of daughter) who went missing in Europe.

Corddry

Little in Common (FOX) - Single-camera comedy from Rob Thomas (creator of Party Down and Veronica Mars) that follows three diverging families who have kids in the same little league. With Gabrielle Union and Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine, Children's Hospital).


Pan Am (ABC) - '60s set drama following the stewardesses and pilots of the first commercial airline, starring Christina Ricci.


Playboy (NBC) - Drama set at the Chicago Playboy club in the '60s. With Amber Heard (Pineapple Express), Naturi Naughton (Notorious), and David Krumholtz (Numb3rs).  


Two Broke Girls (CBS) - Multi-camera comedy following two waitresses with big aspirations, starring Kat Dennings (Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, 40-Year-Old Virgin) as one of the girls.


Three Inches (SyFy) - Dramedy following a covert team with super-abilities that aren't so super, such as the lead character's ability to move objects with his mind... a distance of three inches.

The Real Poe

Poe (ABC) - Fictionalized procedural that follows a young Edgar Allan Poe as he solves crimes in 1840s Boston, starring a not-at-all-Poe-looking Chris Egan as the title character.


Exit Strategy (FOX) - Drama following a CIA extraction team that is called in to handle missions gone wrong, starring Ethan Hawke.

Are You There Vodka? (NBC) - Multi-camera comedy based on Chelsea Handler's book of the same name about her pre-fame life working at a sports bar. Starring Laura Prepon (Donna on That '70s Show) as Chelsea with Natalie Morales (Lucy on Parks and Recreation, Lauren on White Collar) and Chelsea Handler as her own pregnant sister.

Alabama (FX) - Comedy set a thousand years in the future and following the crew of the USS Alabama, a peacekeeping spaceship, as they enforce treaties between planets. From the creators and stars of Reno 911!.

Hallelujah (ABC) - Drama about a small town being torn apart by forces of good and evil, featuring a musical element present in a Greek chorus. Starring Terry O'Quinn (Locke on Lost) as the town's kingpin and Donal Logue (Terriers, Grounded for Life) as a local who welcomes a mysterious stranger into his home.

Driver

Hail Mary (CBS) - Drama starring Minnie Driver (The Riches, Good Will Hunting) as a suburban single mom in Atlanta who becomes a private investigator after her son's death, teaming up with his small-time criminal best friend, played by Brandon T. Jackson (Tropic Thunder).

Weekends at the Bellevue (FOX) - Drama following the weekend staff at the famed psychiatric facility. Starring Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under) as the head doctor with Amber Stevens (Ashleigh on Greek) as part of the staff.

Brave New World (NBC) - Single-camera comedy following the workers at a colonial-reenactment theme village starring Ed Begley Jr. (Sitwell on Arrested Development, various guest spots) as their boss.

More as the Story Develops (HBO) - From Aaron Sorkin (creator of The West Wing and writer of The Social Network), a drama set behind the scenes of a cable news show starring Jeff Daniels as the host.

Damage Control (ABC) - Drama following Kerry Washington (Boston Legal, Ray) as a professional public relations "fixer" and her staff handling crisis management. With Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond on Lost)..

Messing

I Hate My Teenage Daughter (FOX) - multi-camera comedy starring Jaime Pressly (Joy on My Name is Earl) as one of two mothers who are appalled to learn their daughters are have become the same mean girls they hated when they were kids.

Smash (NBC) - Musical centered around the production of a Broadway musical, starring Debra Messing (Will & Grace), Jack Davenport (Pirates of the Caribbean), and Katherine McPhee (American Idol).

The River (ABC) - Drama from director of Paranormal Activity that uses a similar "found footage" technique to tell the story of a famed TV host/adventurer who is missing and presumed dead in the Amazon and his former crew who search for him.

Vince Uncensored (CBS) - Multi-camera comedy produced by Conan O'Brien about a man (Michael Chiklis, The Shield, the probably-going-to-be-cancelled No Ordinary Family) who, following a near death experience, decides to take a more honest approach to his life. With Elizabeth Perkins (Celia on Weeds) as his wife.

Alpha Mom (NBC) - Sitcom starring Christina Applegate as a working mom and Will Arnett as her stay-at-home husband. Maya Rudolph (SNL) also stars as her best friend.

Also up for contention are two different pilots involving fairy tales on NBC and ABC, a ridiculous number of family sitcoms, including one on ABC starring Tim Allen and another on CBS with Rob Schneider, and other less interesting concepts. Check back for casting updates!

Retrospective: Episodes (Season 1)

After a bumpy pilot, Showtime's Episodes, which just finished airing its 7-episode first season, proved itself to be a light and fun look behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. The show centers on Sean and Beverly Lincoln (Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig), two British writers who created an award winning sitcom in England, who are invited to come to Hollywood to produce a new version of their show for the US (like NBC's development of The Office). However, the basic punchline premise of the show is that the American network executives completely butcher the show, changing it from Liman's Boys, a dry headmaster's relationship with the students of a boys' boarding school, to Pucks!, an arrogant hockey coach's relationship with the school's team, starring Matt Le Blanc.

The first episode is a little rough, as the two leads come off as a little dull. Sean is ever the optimist, finding all the benefits in their new surroundings, while Beverly has a more difficult time adjusting to the L.A. lifestyle. Le Blanc doesn't really enter the show until the second episode when the executives insist on casting him, even though practically everyone agrees he is completely wrong for the part, including Le Blanc himself. His exaggerated cockiness is skillfully played with just the right amount of subtlety, hilariously mocking his own shortcomings (like cheating on his wife) and serving as the show's archetype for the lavish life of a Hollywood actor (which quickly charms Sean and alienates Beverly).

Although much of the Hollywood and entertainment industry critiques are predictable and unoriginal, the show excels by portraying them either effectively understated or absurdly exaggerated, like the ridiculously despicable network executive Merc Lapidus, who cheats on his blind wife and is constantly insincere. The shows other supporting characters, such as the seemingly age-defying and spunky actress Morning Randolph, also help maintain the show's comedy. Particularly hysterical are the absurd facial expressions of Myra Licht, the head of comedy for the network (pictured at right).

Bottom Line: Largely thanks to Matt Le Blanc, Episodes has proven to be a fun and ridiculous trip through Hollywood in its first season, and hopefully Showtime will pick it up for a second.

Why Aren't You Watching: Archer

Archer (Thursdays at 10), an animated spy comedy on FX, has such a basic premise that its actually surprising how original and hilarious the show manages to be. Instead of relying on humor from incompetent spies and villains (like Get Smart), the majority of Archer's laughs come from the characters' focus on the more mundane issues that arise in any line of work. A running gag in the show is characters rebuking others for spilling on the carpets "because thats how you get ants," and the lead character's priority of the maintenance of his clothes or the quality of his drink, even in life-threatening situations.

As voiced by H. Jon Benjamin, Sterling Archer is like James Bond if James Bond was an arrogant ass. Although he's not always aware of the villains' plans, he is always able to complete his missions with expert skill and a wisecrack or ten. Adding to his issues is his mother, Malory (Jessica Walter from Arrested Development), who just happens to be his boss as the head of ISIS (International Secret Intelligence Service), though she often uses the agents to  advance her own agendas, including money, luxury items, and a prominent element in Archer, sex. Lana Kane (Aisha Tyler) is another of the service's top agents, often partnered up with Sterling though they used to be in a relationship.

The ridiculous characters that make up the office include Carol/Cheryl (Judy Greer), whose name no one quite knows and is slightly masochistic, Cyril Figgis (Chris Parnell), the unhinged comptroller, and Pam, the disgusting, obnoxious, and intrusive director of human resources. Each character is constantly throwing out clever insults towards the others, along with hilarious catchphrases and other running jokes (such as Sterling's love for Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone"). In fact a great example of how regularly these characters spout witty remarks is Sterling's own recurring line, "wait, I had something for this...," often delivered in the middle of a comeback. With the amount and frequency of these quips, its understandable that one might forget a few.

Bottom Line: Archer is an original and hilariously inappropriate take on the spy genre, and its phenomenal voice cast and writing make it truly worth checking out.

Fresh Meat: Bob's Burgers

H. Jon Benjamin is everywhere. We cannot get rid of him. Luckily that's a good thing. Benjamin is the voice of yet another lovable character (he also voices the lead on Archer) in this show about a family of five and their quest to dominate the burger world.

You might be wondering why you should watch yet another cartoon family, with an eccentric father and crazy kids. I grew up with the Simpsons and Family Guy, and this show rivals those at their peaks (even though Family Guy had a very short one). What initially sets this show apart from the aforementioned sitcoms is its impressive refusal to follow the same predictable plots that these and other shows have done to death. Bob's Burgers is original, witty, humorous, and most of the time laugh-out-loud funny. There are episodes where not even ten seconds in I am already bursting at the seems.

Benjamin is the voice of Bob, father and owner of Bob's Burgers, who believes without a shadow of a doubt that his burgers are the best in town. His supportive wife, Linda, plays along with his delusions. Her nasal voice (an exaggerated impression by John Roberts) and particularly her laugh make me want to watch this show, like an nonirritating version of Fran Drescher. Bob and Linda have three kids who are each such unique characters. The eldest daughter Tina, is an insecure teenager struggling with changes and her probably numerous disorders. However, since her voice, like Linda's, is clearly a man's, you don't feel guilty about laughing at her. To the other children, she is the butt of most of the jokes, if they aren't directed at Bob.

The middle child, Gene, is an instigator. He likes being loud and heard. When Bob asks the kids a question he is always the first to respond with a smart-ass remark. Best of all is youngest daughter Louise (Kristen Schaal, Flight of the Conchords). Louise is tiny and adorable, but has the thinking of a sarcastic teenage boy. Instantly recognizable by the ridiculous pink bunny-eared hat she wears, Louise loves to mock and encourage those she feels are foolish. Along with Gene, they team-up against Linda and Bob, agitating them during family arguments.

Bottom Line: Fox did a great job filling in the spot left by King of the Hill, though this show is no filler. With its originality, Bob's Burgers should quickly become a cornerstone in the Sunday line up. Even for those of you who aren't fans of animated TV shows, I suggest you give it one more shot.

Lavish Line-Ups: Sitcom Bosses

Welcome to our first Lavish Line-Ups post, where we will provide you with an ordered list of shows, characters, or plots all relating to one central theme. In honor of Mr. Sunshine (premiering this Wednesday at 9:30 on ABC, review to come afterwards), today's theme is ridiculous sitcom bosses like Sunshine Center Manager Ben Donovan's (Matthew Perry) pill-popping boss Crystal Cohen, played by Allison Janney.

8. Malory Archer (Jessica Walter) - Archer
- As the director of ISIS, Mrs. Archer uses her power to torment her agent and son Sterling Archer, giving him the codename Duchess, after her dead dog. She also forms a number of ISIS' missions around trying to get herself laid, a fancy vacation, or both (when aboard a rigid airship).

7. J. Peterman (John O'Hurley) - Seinfeld

- The owner and runner of a J. Crew meets L.L. Bean clothing company and catalog, Elaine comes to work for him after bumping in to him. Since then, her assignments have included writing asinine descriptions of merchandise such as Himalayan Walking Shoes, buying stories for and writing his biography, and listening to his oddly poetic stories of his travels.

6. Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) - 30 Rock

- Despite his extremely Conservative leanings, Jack is still able to have a liberal-minded mentee/apprentice like Liz Lemon, as long as she has the right amount of DHIC for him (that is drive, humility, intelligence, and chaos). Although he may have a shady past as a collector of cookie jars, Jack is exceptionally skilled in managing his NBC employees and acting out their family therapy sessions.

5. Veronica Palmer (Portia de Rossi) - Better Off Ted

- A great part of the mistreated former ABC office sitcom, Veronica reached her upper position at the ethically challenged Veridian Dynamics by cultivating an emotionless persona, even offsetting guilt with other emotions like sugar and drunk. And though she feeds her sister while she sleeps in order to remain the thinner one, she does reveal her gentler side with Ted.

4. Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) - Parks and Recreation

- Although his libertarian beliefs often clash with her faith in government, Ron Swanson always supports  his deputy Leslie Knope. He's a simple man with a love for dark haired women and breakfast foods (and bacon wrapped turkey legs), also enjoying modest celebrity among elderly women as Duke Silver. Ron will always have your back, as long as you can guarantee fridge space.

3. C. Montgomery Burns (Harry Shearer) - The Simpsons

- In addition to serving as Homer's boss at the nuclear power plant, Mr. Burns also serves as the primary villain of the series, kidnapping puppies for suits and even blocking out the sun. Although he occasionally earns redemption, helping Lisa create a recycling plant for example, he always seems to fall back into his greedy and evil ways... excellent.

2. Michael Scott (Steve Carell) - The Office

- An American recreation of David Brent (Ricky Gervais), Michael Scott is the definitive sitcom boss of this generation and others as well. More concerned with comedy than management, his goals can be summed up by this: "Would I rather be loved or feared? Both." Although he can be offensive with his cluelessness, he's always there for his employees, or as he calls them, his family.

1. George Steinbrenner (Larry David) - Seinfeld

- Exaggeratively impersonated by Larry David, Steinbrenner was George's boss while he worked for the Yankees, infamously hired for doing the opposite and telling Steinbrenner that he was a fool in his control of the team. Steinbrenner was also memorable for his hilarious tangents and rants on mundane topics such as how to ear a cupcake, while he was supposed to be rebuking George. His status as George's boss came to a sudden end when he was traded for a bunch of Tyler Chicken.

Don't see your favorite sitcom boss in the list? Let us know in the comments!

Gone Too Soon: Terriers

Crime dramas have been overdone. They all follow the same format and can be rather predictable. The late Terriers, which aired on FX,, carried none of these pitfalls. Let me just start out by saying that it is harder than it looks to name a show. Terriers really has nothing to do with dogs per say, the title refers to two private investigators who are the scrappy underdogs. It was a well written mystery driven show about an ex-cop and his ex-criminal partner working as unlicensed private investigators in San Diego.

Led by Hank Dolworth (Donal Logue of Grounded for Life), the show maintained a much more personal feel to it than most crime shows. Hank and his partner Britt Pollack (Michael Raymond-James of True Blood) have a one of a kind relationship. Hank the ex-cop is hotheaded, stubborn and a recovering alcoholic, while Britt is an ex-con gone good. The odd couple butts heads, makes fun of each other, and make little inside jokes, all while investigating various cases and even a larger conspiracy.

Hank rarely lets anything go, which leads to people hating him, including his ex-wife, but a great quality as a private investigator where he wont stop till he digs up the truth. Hank and Britt stumble across a large business conspiracy and with Hank's connection to his old partner in the police try and take down the upper class that believes itself to be above the law, especially when their actions only affect the lowers.

The show spends most of its time following Hank and Britt in their day to day rounds, taking jobs, dealing with their lives, and perpetually being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you have no new shows to watch at the moment, I suggest you watch Terriers. Its only one short season, but it was able to wrap up its season-long story conclusively and its definitely worth watching.

Bottom Line: A tricky show to promote and FX wasn't quite up to the task. However, it was a fresh take on an old format, with twisty plots and winning characters. A perfect combination of sarcastic humor and serious drama, this show had it all and is severely missed.

Guilty Pleasures: Greek

Welcome to our first Guilty Pleasures column, where we will write about a show we enjoy, although it may be slightly embarrassing to admit it. Today's guilty pleasure is Greek on ABCfamily (Mondays at 9) (the network can be a big hint as to what might be considered a guilty pleasure...)

      Greek, which premiered in July of 2007, will air its series finale in just five episodes. Although it has been generally been a critical favorite, it hasn't been the biggest ratings-earner for ABCfamily, though it was one of their first original programs. Now I know what your thinking, why would I want to watch a show about college kids on ABCfamily of all places, where it is likely watered down and overly tame. Well before watching even the first episode of Greek, I would have agreed with you. Underneath its generic packaging, Greek is actually one of the most entertaining comedies, portraying real characters with fully developed backgrounds and stories.
      One of the things that makes Greek so enjoyable is the fact that it is a comedy. While shows like Gossip Girl and Secret Life of the Pregnant Christians are extremely melodramatic (actually, Secret Life is almost a comedy because of the sheer ridiculousness of its drama), Greek is a comedy at heart, never going too long without a joke to lighten the mood, no matter how dramatic a storyline gets (which actually isn't very much anyway). The humor of the show is what draws you in, referencing pop culture from various eras, and catches you off guard as you begin to appreciate the characters delivering the witty retorts.
      One of these characters is the laid back president of party-frat Kappa Tau, Cappie. Always ready with a snappy comeback or abstract-in-its-reference nickname, Cappie could be considered the comic heart of the show. However, his romantic interest Casey Cartwright (Spencer Grammer, Kelsey's daughter) and her pal Ashley of sorority Zeta Beta Zeta offer substantial laughs as well. The only character that lags initially is Casey's nerdy engineer brother, Rusty, who is pledging Kappa Tau and is are introduction into this world. His character often falls prey to being stereotyped and unoriginal, but once the show begins to fully focus on each character equally, he is able to break out of his initial mold.
      Although some of the early storylines can seem overly conventional and predictable (rivaling fraternities, cheating boyfriend, etc.) they quickly progress into some fresher plots. However, what really makes these plots improve is the richly developed characters, including even the expansive supporting cast of equally (and in many cases more) hilarious characters. After a few episodes of Greek, you will be eager to add it to your guilty pleasures, and after a chapter (half-season) or two, you may even grow to consider it an innocent pleasure after all.