FREE AGENTS
SEPTEMBER 14, 2011-OCTOBER 5 2011
Why are some networks and cable stations now putting a date on when you can view an episode? Could they possibly be working in conjunction with the satellite and cable providers, forcing viewers to subscribe so they can DVR? It had been a long, long day and since I am not a big fan of the direction NBC is taking with their half hour sitcoms, but hope was abound with the combination of Christina Applegate and Hank Azaria.
After the slow start of "Up All Night" in conjunction with a day of being on the go, it was not long into "Free Agents" that the eyeballs started to close. Usually, I back my review up with videotaping just in case, but I had no doubt that these two shows would be so drop dead funny that sleep would be worlds away.
This was not the case, but upon waking I gave it a couple hours and then I checked NBC's website and clicked the Pilot on their video page. It was a dead link, leaving me bewildered. As I clicked back the page read, “Watch on 9/20/11”. What? So ,I waited until the next day and the link was now alive and the text read “Watch Until 9/20/11”.
Now I have to click through several commercials until I found the spot where I had left off. I decided since there was little excitement about "Up All Night", I would start "Free Agents" from the beginning, giving all my attention to the show.
Kathryn Hahn (Helen) has been entertaining on every show she either guest starred on (Traffic Light, Mad Love) or had a recurring role in (Crossing Jordan, Hung). Her character, oddly named Helen, has a working relationship with Hank Azaria (Alex), but there is more sexual tension that is building. This seems to be the foundation of the show, with the rest of the cast as branches for future story lines.
Anthony Head (Stephen) is known by many as Buffy's watcher on "Buffy The Vampire Slayer." The role of Stephen, the office boss, will allow him to be more over the top in this less than controlled environment. Having already wet his whistle playing this character in the U.K. version, he knows exactly how to present Stephen to the audience. His English style humor presentation will fit in well with the office misfits who obviously are in key positions but act like they are freshmen in high school.
Al Madrigal (Gregg) was great in “Welcome To The Captain", a sitcom that had a great cast and good writers but the premises lacked appeal. Madrigal plays so subtle that you would think his characters get little notice but it is how he delivers a line that makes viewers stand up and take notice.
Natasha Leggero (Emma) is the Kathy Griffin of the bunch, always putting people in their place even if they have not uttered a word. Her quick comebacks never allow anyone in the office to get away with anything, including her boss Alex.
Mo Mandel (Dan) has grabbed bit parts, building his career over several years and gets the laugh out loud response almost every time. Dan needs a wingman, so he elects Alex whose new found freedom through divorce has left him lonely and depressed. Hoping to break him out of a slump, the office crew decides to gang up and force Alex into dating again.
Joe Lo Truglio (Walter) is the security guard who passes along gossip as well as everything he sees in the office. Not privy to the office meetings, he still knows everything that happens. His character will keep the information, albeit if incorrect, flowing from the highest ranks to the mail room personnel. Are there still mail rooms in offices anymore?
The premise has promise, but without some work on the "funny" it may only last one season.
9/14/11