Rules of Engagement returns: Harder, better, faster, stronger

by Aryeh S.

Why the Kanye? Hell, why not? Rules of Engagement is back, and I’m celebrating!

Okay, I know what you’re all thinking: what about Worst Week? Yes, it’s true that Rules of Engagement will be assuming Worst Week‘s time-slot for now. But, never fear: CBS is not making any statement about the fate of either show (as far as I’ve heard). My guess is the two may share the half-hour in coming seasons. Both seem to attract the same basic audience, and while neither show has ever put up big numbers, both decently complement an otherwise strong night of comedy for The Eye.

But I digress. How psyched are you about Rules of Engagement? Judging by how well the show’s done over the past two years, probably not very. Well, I’m here to change that. Strap in and listen up as I present you with some sound, rational and well thought out arguments as to why you should give this little darling, this diamond in the ruff, thirty minutes of your time each and every week.

And, just because things should have a name, let’s call this presentation: Just Do It! (patent pending).

First, of all, Just Do It! (patent pending). Turn on your TV on Monday night (starting 3/2) at 9:30PM, and tune it to CBS. Stop being such a baby!
David Spade (Russell) happens to be very funny. I know his classic sleazy character can annoy some, but the truth is that underneath all of that skuzz, the man knows how to yarn a yarn (that’s a good thing). You thought so in Just Shoot Me, so why not give him the benefit of the doubt now?
Megyn Price (Audrey) is as authentic an actress as she is beautiful a woman. You would think that playing opposite Patrick Warburton, she’d get chewed up and spit out. Instead, she’s his equal, and then some.
I may have mentioned this above, but Patrick Warburton (Jeff) is in this. As in, David Puddy. As in, “El Diablo“. As in, have you seriously not pre-tuned your TV in anticipation?
Just Do It! (patent pending).
Oliver Hudson (Adam) could very well end up being the next Ethan Hawke, Josh Hartnett or Colin Farrell. I realize that we make fun of all of those guys quite often, but the bottom line is they’re good looking, talented, and high up the rung in a very tough business. Any young actor, like Hudson, who says they wouldn’t kill for one of that trios’ careers, is lying. Hudson’s raw, but so was Brad Pitt during his soap days and Leonardo DiCaprio during his Growing Pains. I’m not comparing, believe me, but would you want to miss that?
The weakest link here is Bianca Kajlich (Jennifer). She’s inexplicably slutty, probably just because she looks decent in skimpy outfits, and her comedic chops aren’t there. But she complements the ensemble well, and I enjoy her banter with David Spade almost as much as I enjoy when Spade and Megyn Price spar. I just wish that Kajlich wasn’t a lead. Okay, nothing’s perfect.
The writing here is solid. Tom Hertz (Executive Producer) has experience on shows like The Jon Stewart Show and Spin City, and as outrageous as some of the story-lines can be, they’re rarely, if ever, far-fetched. Most formulaic comedies can’t say that.
There’s something beautiful and authentic in Audrey and Jeff’s marriage. Sure, I don’t see how its plausible that they don’t have kids yet, but the connection between the two is real, which means the chemistry is simply explosive. That’s a rare feat on any show.
Just Do It! (patent pending).

So, there you have it. Ten intelligent and well articulated points as to why you should join the soon to be legions of fans of this truly enjoyable show. And take special note of numbers 1, 5, and 10 … I know you’ve blown $150 on sneakers for less of a reason!