I did review the pilot episode of Mr. Sunshine last week, and yes, as was pointed out to me indirectly, they’re not going to get it perfect in one pilot. However, I think pilot episodes are very indicative of the direction, intent, and overall talent the show will represent. I didn’t like the pilot; I found the writing to be abysmal, the main characters hateful (especially Ben played by Matthew Perry) and the production values so- so. A pilot is supposed to be the cumulative effect of what a new show has to offer. It is “shopped” to a network, and OK’ed and promoted. The “guarantee” to advertisers being that they will get their money out of it, because of it’s hilarity and Big Star who has signed on. Pilots are important.
Having said that, the feedback from the pilot — whether it be focus groups or whatnot, ’cause the numbers were good — changed the second episode quite a bit. Let me say here that industry “numbers” to me are quite misleading, as Mr. Sunshine has a great lead in with Modern Family, and a lot of people will just stay where they are for half an hour to check things out. Also, there’s a huge debate going on about Nielson and their books, and whether or not they can be considered viable anymore in today’s ever changing technology. Hey, don’t shoot the messenger.
Beyond that, this second episode was not as offensive to me as the first. Now, Matthew Perry’s character is just lookin’ for a little love on his tenth anniversary at work, which, of course, he’s not going to get from Allison Janney (Crystal), who still remains our main nemesis character. To her credit, she does do it well. But, I’ve always liked her as an actress.
I laughed once, and it was at the new addition to the cast Kathy Najimy. I was sooo pleased to see her in the background that I squealed “It’s Kathy!” (For those of you who have never caught the “Kathy and Mo” show, please check them out. They’re brilliant!) I hope the writers have the sense to bring her to the forefront. And what I laughed at? Well, when Crystal “rewards” her son as volunteer of the year, Kathy (Myrna) says “Are you kidding? Chastity Bono wins it?” Heh. I adore her. (An aside: Why do writers in sitcoms mostly give horrible ugly names to overweight actresses? My. I’m all het up, aren’t I?)
What say you? Do you like Mr. Sunshine so far? Why or why not?
Oh, and let me just say “Justin Beiber.” Because no media outlet can’t mention him these days.
Clacked by Tara Shrodes
on Feb 17, 2011 @ 09:00 EST5EDT
. . . . .
While you well know I cannot watch this (as it is completely and totally against my constitution to do so), I can still appreciate your write-up of it.
Soldier on …
Not a terrible show but not a very good one yet, it could go either way. However I will say that it can’t possibly be any worse than Bleep My Dad Says.
*POST AUTHOR*
I tried to watch Bleep My Dad Says once. Once.
You found the pilot offensive? If so don’t even watch the show again.
I enjoy the show, but I can’t stand the son (pictured), he is clearly the weak link and the sooner he is gone the better.
*POST AUTHOR*
I’m not sure “offensive” is the right word choice Oreo. It’s just not good, for all the reasons I’ve listed. And if this show doesn’t get any better, I may dump it. I don’t know yet. We’ll see.
I actually liked the pilot and laughed out loud a number of times. (Does finding humor in Allison Janney throwing a small child at axe wielding clowns make me a bad person?) This second episode fell completely flat for me. Along with Oreo, I loathe the son. He’s nowhere close to funny or likable he’s just annoying from the moment he enters the picture.
Going to give it a few more episodes to see if it grows on me, but I would almost prefer to watch an episode of Bleep My Dad Says. Almost.
*POST AUTHOR*
Tom, I saw the kid/clown thing coming. And no, it doesn’t make you a bad person at all! Humor is subjective. I find “Raising Hope” hilarious, but many people might find some of the jokes to be pushing the boundaries a bit.
I too am giving it more time. I really like Matthew Perry, and saw an interview with him where he said if this fails, it’s all on him. (Being creator, writer, and exec. producer.) I don’t want to see it tank, but I gotta say what I think, right?
Absolutely right Tara! I love “Raising Hope,” but, much like “Community” I didn’t really start enjoying it until about 7-8 episodes in. Now it’s one of my favorite comedies along with the aforementioned “Community.” I think the combination of, how shall I put this delicately, lower-class humor imbued with a sense of true love between the characters has brought much of the feeling of “My Name Is Earl” to it. In the end each episode gives an upbeat feeling and shows that this is a real family in every sense of the word, no matter what they do to each other during the course of the show.
That’s why I’m giving “Mr. Sunshine” and “Traffic Lights” several episodes to wow me. I’d hate to miss out on a diamond that started in the rough and polished itself into something really good.