Speechless

I had to watch a few episodes to get there, but I love the show now. JJ is brilliant and I love the fact that he can laugh at life the way he does. Some silly bits, some touching - but it does hit the spot once you get to know the characters.

This is a SitCom. I don't usually like SitComs. They usually present life in charicatures locked in hyperbole which doesn't appeal to my love of storytelling, art with purpose and my appreciation for wit that isn't reduced to gags. But every once in a while there are exceptions. I think this is one of those exceptions. I was drawn to check out this series after listening to an ACTOR ON ACTOR interview of Minnie Drive (I've been a fan of her work since CIRCLE OF FRIENDS). Last week I binge watched it from pilot to the present (1.1 to 2.4) - and I like it. The acting is good (Minnie Drive is fantastic, as I expected, John Ross Bowie is surprisingly good when freed from the aforementioned roles that are charicatures, the young cast is talented, and Cedric Yarborough completes a perfect ensemble). The stories, unfortunately, are still married to the network concept of being calendar driven, but the true magic is twofold: 1) surgical social commentary and 2) presenting human stories that show all our peculiarities as humans just trying to cope with life. I give this series an 8 (great) out of 10, and will be keeping up with it in weekly instalments. [Situation Comedy]. This is a postscript. Season 3 devolved into silly becoming all that I stated was my issue with SitComs. At the end of Season 3, I have to reduce my rating to a 6 (fair).

This really could have been good, the general concept is OK -- but the show is about as bad as a sitcom gets. They tried to cram unique subject matter into a formulaic network TV format and layer it with generic acting, writing and overall production quality. Nothing heartwarming or humorous about it. Should have been called "Early Series Cancellation" -- will be surprised if this lasts a full season. At best, some of the episodes will air on ABC, then it'll get moved over to the Hulu graveyard -- but even that would be a stretch. A missed opportunity to present something with a perspective unfamiliar to the average viewer.