FALL TV REVIEW 2012

In which we take on the insane task of watching and reviewing every new tv show that debuts this fall. 

GO ON

            Matthew Perry has tried so hard to come back to the world’s good graces since Friends ended all those years ago. He had to sit and watch all of his old pals hit financial success, or the less important critical acclaim: Jennifer Aniston went on to become Hollywood elite, Courtney Cox got hotter and hotter and found a devoted fan base in Cougartown, Matt LeBlanc bombed with Joey but bounced back playing himself in Episodes, Lisa Kudrow has been killing it it as a content creator with The Comeback and Web Therapy and David Schwimmer…directed some stuff. I guess Perry doesn’t need to feel so bad when it comes to Schwimmer, but the rest have to hang over his head. He had Studio 60, which only I loved, and Mr. Sunshine, which barely lasted a season. Much has been said about Go On, and it being his last chance to remain in America’s good graces. First off, that’s shenanigans- Matthew Perry is one of the most neurotically charismatic men alive and we will always love him. DO YOU HEAR ME AMERICA?! WE LOVE HIM! In Go On, Perry plays a radio sportscaster who is forced to go to group therapy after his wife dies. It’s a fairly simple premise with lots of room for the Perry to play in, though with the danger of becoming too busy bouncing between the workplace and the group therapy sessions. If they’re smart, the showrunners will slowly introduce the characters instead of jumping constantly back and forth causing us to care about no one. The pilot wasn’t incredibly strong, but there are definitely places the show can grow and become a darkly touching sitcom. Perry excels as a man who quips to cover his sadness, and the unsure therapist should be a good foil trying to get him to honestly discuss his emotions. What I’m most excited about is Brett Gelman, who also showed up in the US Inbetweeners. Gelman is one of the most absurd character actors, and given time will become the scene stealer on the show. Let’s hope it runs long enough to see that happen.-MG

 

** 1/2  (out of ****) with the potential to become ***.

 

(Editor’s Note- I did no research in the post-Friends career and I’m not sure whether to be proud or saddened by my knowledge.)