The new fall TV season gets into full swing this week with an abundance of new shows.
They share a common bond.
See if you could guess what it is.
Credit: Paul Drinkwater/NBC; Ben Mark Holzberg/ABC via Getty Images; Fox
In some ways, it typifies the big turn, big feel sentimentality that neo-grunge tries to deconstruct.
This is a brilliantly cast show about flawed people who care about being quality, loving human beings.
Theres no doubtThis Is Uswill struggle to stay on the right side of sappiness.
But the talent suggests a show capable of doing so.
And then theres the storytelling concept, which makes everything more interesting by [REDACTED DUE TO SPOILERS].
The pretentious title is the worst thing about it.
The twist: J.J. has cerebral palsy.
The briskly paced humor is delightfully irreverent, taking aim at PC posturing and entitlements of all kinds.
A worthy addition to ABCs diversity-minded sitcoms.
Guess what happens in the pilot?
Quick Take:The falls best new box of crackerjack.
Hes wish-fulfillment POTUS, both insider and outsider, pure and good.
Hes overwhelmed by his sudden promotion but honest about it and surely able to rise to the challenge.
Sutherland is incredibly appealing and credible in a change-of-pace role.
The supporting players are well cast.
Quick Take: There are good reasons for this shows good guzz.
Bunbury is breakout great and Gosselaar is something of a revelation.
You might not even recognize him at first behind the scruff and wizened gruff, and hes very good.
Their dialogue is canned and their performances are stiff, undermining the pursuit of authenticity.
Doesnt Hollywood know that sportscasters cant play themselves?
There is one certifiably surprising and powerful moment that puts some edge on Ginnys story.
Im skeptical about the long term prospects for consistently compelling entertainment.
Traditional sports narratives wont take it far.
(ThinkGleeand how can we get to regionals/nationals?
was compelling for, like, two seasons.)
Soapy locker room melodrama?
Im rooting for Bunbury and Gosselaar in particular.
But Im not sure they have the team that can take them all the way to glory.
But that doesnt mean Satan cant be real, can it?
It needs visceral style, a hot take perspective, and irreverence.
The pilot presents the possession as a mystery.
You know someone as a demon in them, but who?
IsThe Exorcistan exercise in post-patriarchy horror or just one more broken dude redemption story?
