I’m not sure what was the most offensive part of tonight’s Traffic Light. Was it Callie’s portrayal as an irresponsible artist in debt? (Like I mentioned in last week’s review, are we sure this isn’t trying to be How I Met Your Mother?) Was it the stereotypical moms group that met for their chipper early bird park dates with towers of homemade baked goods? Or was it Ethan’s fake relationship of the week going all Charlie Sheen on him (which, by the way, does not translate into funny at all)?
In any case, Traffic Light has now had four opportunities to present itself as a fresh, new take on relationships, and it has only really made me laugh/think/compare to my own life/enjoy the characters a handful of times.
Am I imagining it, or is Adam’s Bar Mitzvah-throwing boss (Marty, played by Roger Bart in the pilot) now replaced by douchey Kevin (Best Week Ever‘s Rob Huebel)? Or was Kevin supposed to be just a coworker? If so, how could he threaten Adam’s job?
Basically, my desire to keep reviewing Traffic Light is hanging by a thread. What it did have going for it tonight were a couple of laughable quotes which actually aren’t as funny in print, as I’m realizing now. Maybe that says something about the actors’ delivery, their physical comedy, and so on. They’re a little bit funnier when you see them interact.
But I’m still not convinced. See, I want to root for these people, and I just can’t. (And, for the record, Adam, you are just a dumbass with big glasses.)
Some highlights of the episode: the tow truck driving away from Adam. Sam returning from his tour of duty (in your face, Mike!). And Callie shouting, “Oh look, it’s Helen Mirren!” in her fake British accent.
These quotes weren’t bad either:
“A metaphor’s like a simile without the word ‘like.’ — Kevin
“I went to ninth grade.” — Adam
“It’s like my grandfather always used to say: ‘Squeeze the nipple until the buffalo screams.'” — Adam
“Nipple? Really? Sure he didn’t mean ‘nickel’?” — Mike
“Oh, see, that makes more sense.” — Adam
“You’re breaking up with me … because of a muffin?!” — Esme
“It’s not a muffin, it’s a scone — and YOU KILLED YOUR CAT!” — Ethan
“Thanks for keeping the ladies entertained while I was protecting America.” — Sam (brown door, yellow ribbons)
So, we’ll see about next week! I might have to take a cue from Tara’s breakup with Mr. Sunshine and pretend I’m allergic to Traffic Light’s cat.
Clacked by Rachel Blum-Jose 
on Mar 03, 2011 @ 10:30 EST5EDT
I’m really glad you are writing about traffic light. It is one of the most painfully misogynistic show’s I’ve ever seen. Unlike shows that are blatantly obvious about making flat female characters this show hides behind pseudo indie charm. Dude with black rimmed glasses-check, dude with an interracial marriage-check, dude with an accent-check, commercials with poor children-check, NPR reference- check. If anything, maybe it IS the most accurate interpretation of modern couples. Sure trends may change, but according to Traffic Light, women are forever going to be nagging, dispensable, crazy, money grubbing, whores or moms.
*POST AUTHOR*
Thank you, Molly. I knew there was a reason I kept writing about it! :)
I think you summed up perfectly what I dislike: you’re exactly right about the “pseudo-indie charm.” That is so true. Just because these guys are “hipster cool,” but mostly underdogs, doesn’t mean they are likeable. And for a sitcom, you sort of have to have likeable protagonists for it to work.
I’m so happy you appreciate my reviews of TL — but I think I’m gonna say goodbye to the show. I think there’s only so many negative reviews I can do of the same show and still justify watching it. ;)