ARE YOU THERE CHELSEA?
JANUARY 11, 2012-MARCH 28 2012
Chelsea Handler does not play herself but puts her words in the hands of Laura Prepon from "That 70's Show." The series walks lines of sexuality to home spun left of center mothering. Prepon plays Chelsea Newman as if HALESTORM's "I Get Off" is her theme song. The show follows "Whitney" that made the move from the Thursday night line-up to Wednesday now in direct competition with CBS "Survivor." But really folks is there such thing as competition anymore with VCR's giving way to DVR's allowing viewers the ability to watch one show while recording two more then there is the good networks who post episodes on line. So we will never miss any shows.
"Whitney" has only achieved better scripts with every passing episode. Cummings has quickly become a natural in front of the camera while surrounded by an ensemble cast. Now with the show followed by "Are You There Chelsea" Wednesday has strength on NBC.
Lauren Lapkus (Dee Dee) is the best actress cast in a television sitcom in the 2011-'12 season. Her approach to Dee Dee is outstanding with a command of the small screen she dominates every scene she is in. Quirky and Loveable she draws the audience in the way Betty White would do on "The Golden Girl" with her portrayal of Rose Nylund. This comparison carries much weight for the actress but she will prove the strength she attains. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) would eat Dee Dee alive but she would leave him more flustered than any character that has crossed his path on "The Big Bang Theory." Her inability to be literal is a nuisance to those that she surrounds herself with it is her sweet sense of the world from a perspective often outgrown from childhood.
Ali Wong (Olivia) and Natasha Leggero (Nikki) are the left right punch needed during the bar scenes. The sarcasm runs deep between the two but it is their opposing approaches that make it an open bar. Nikki is strong and sexy competing with Olivia's passive quiet approach to one liners. Putting Chelsea in the middle makes them the perfect angels of Jerry's Ultimate Sports Bar. Chelsea seldom allows either woman to get away with anything as she can drop bombs of sarcasm with the best patrons of the bar.
Jake McDorman as Rick has the looks to tend bar in any of the hottest clubs but ultimately finds calling Jerry's home is a better fit. The lady viewers will be happy with the casting director who inserted this hottie into a strong cast of women. McDorman may feel the same gratitude. The only other regular man at the bar is Todd a 3'9" bartender played by Mark Povinelli. Todd may be small but he commands his presence at the bar never letting any of the females get away with anything.
Lenny Clarke (Melvin) is Chelsea and Sloane's dad who seldom comes to her apartment but crosses paths with her at Jerry's where he likes to have a beer. He must have given most of his genes to Chelsea as there humor is abound the conservative Sloane (Chelsea Handler). With Sloane's sister Chelsea so open to her sexuality she often gasps at the things that excretes from her mouth. Yet she is always prepared with her own touch of sarcasm.
The cast is strong, the writing needs to be a bit more unexpected content but overall the show works back to back with "Whitney."
RUSTY
1/11/12