So, I'm not gonna lie: I'm not much of a "sitcom" fan, and in an era governed by Netflix and Amazon Prime Video binge-watching, I think sitcoms are vastly now a dying breed. However, those rules didn't apply at the start of the millennium, which was probably this show's saving grace (at least for a year). And anyway, I'll admittedly watch anything with Tony Shalhoub or Neil Patrick Harris. Both actors, of course, are remarkably talented and deliver their roles with genuine hilarity and light-hearted realism. I'm not sure if the chemistry between them is as solid as I'd hope, but then again, that heavily reinforces the awkwardness that defines their relationship as writer and editor. Ian and Henry are partners in the literary world, and the tension and irritability that gravitates between them is a significantly underscored theme between the two. And boy do they play it out well!
The problem with the show is the supporting cast. In many regards, Ian and Henry are the only multilayered characters of interest, and their dynamic alone truly overshadows the need for any secondary players. For the most part, it just seems as if there isn't much for everyone else to do, other than to shift the monotony of story material from Ian or Henry, or throw in an occasional chuckle here and there. Furthermore, the supporting cast members are primarily one-dimensional and cliché. Eddie McClintock as Jake is irritating, and his over-the-top, Gomer Pyle likeness is too idiotic and too juvenile to draw many laughs. His comic appeal seems targeted toward adolescents, and his stupidity often borders on ridiculousness. In hindsight, I found myself rolling my eyes every time he muttered a line. Then there's Tess, Henry's girlfriend, who represents the stereotypical spoiled, privileged, upper-class brat. I'm not sure why the producers included her as a regular character, seeming as though she contributed very little other than to serve as Henry's entitled girlfriend. Every statement/action out of her mouth embodies this, so there was nothing much else to anticipate from her role, side from the perpetual whining. And finally, there's Heather Dubrow as Maddie, the friendly bartender downstairs who generally functions as one-of-the-gang, though the writers tease early on about a potential union between her and Ian. Out of all the supporting cast, Maddie had the most wiggle room for additional story material (other than the superficial, promiscuous persona they tacked her with). However, the writers just never followed through.
All in all, it's a funny series...but the "insanely funny" moniker is overstating just a bit. I like that often times, it will venture into just enough "taboo" for a hardcore laugh, and the slapstick is never too excessive. The producers were brilliant to cast both Neil Patrick Harris and Tony Shalhoub as leads, but unfortunately, the two men simply couldn't bear enough weight to carry this sitcom full-term.
And to the producers, just an FYI: Ditch the laugh track next time.
The problem with the show is the supporting cast. In many regards, Ian and Henry are the only multilayered characters of interest, and their dynamic alone truly overshadows the need for any secondary players. For the most part, it just seems as if there isn't much for everyone else to do, other than to shift the monotony of story material from Ian or Henry, or throw in an occasional chuckle here and there. Furthermore, the supporting cast members are primarily one-dimensional and cliché. Eddie McClintock as Jake is irritating, and his over-the-top, Gomer Pyle likeness is too idiotic and too juvenile to draw many laughs. His comic appeal seems targeted toward adolescents, and his stupidity often borders on ridiculousness. In hindsight, I found myself rolling my eyes every time he muttered a line. Then there's Tess, Henry's girlfriend, who represents the stereotypical spoiled, privileged, upper-class brat. I'm not sure why the producers included her as a regular character, seeming as though she contributed very little other than to serve as Henry's entitled girlfriend. Every statement/action out of her mouth embodies this, so there was nothing much else to anticipate from her role, side from the perpetual whining. And finally, there's Heather Dubrow as Maddie, the friendly bartender downstairs who generally functions as one-of-the-gang, though the writers tease early on about a potential union between her and Ian. Out of all the supporting cast, Maddie had the most wiggle room for additional story material (other than the superficial, promiscuous persona they tacked her with). However, the writers just never followed through.
All in all, it's a funny series...but the "insanely funny" moniker is overstating just a bit. I like that often times, it will venture into just enough "taboo" for a hardcore laugh, and the slapstick is never too excessive. The producers were brilliant to cast both Neil Patrick Harris and Tony Shalhoub as leads, but unfortunately, the two men simply couldn't bear enough weight to carry this sitcom full-term.
And to the producers, just an FYI: Ditch the laugh track next time.