Pilot Roundup, Week 1


For the next few weeks, on Mondays I will review the pilots for new shows that I've seen and second episodes. By the end of two episodes last season, several shows had been cancelled. It is an instant feedback world, after all.

Tuesday Night:
Ringer, 9p.m. on the CW
Synopsis: Sarah Michelle Gellar's return to prime time television didn't disappoint. I, honestly, didn't know what to make of this show when I read the description. After watching the pilot, I am not convinced this is the kind of concept that will work long-term, but it will be a fun ride for 13 episodes or at least one full season. There is a lot of intrigue and possibility. The plot centers on a young woman (Gellar) who is set to testify against a high-profile criminal when she decides to go on the run. She links up with her twin sister (also Gellar), who soon kills herself. No one else knows this has happened, so the young woman decides to take over her sister's life, only to discover her sister had troubles of her own... and also might not really be dead. The acting is solid and the storytelling worked well in the pilot. I could see this developing into something intriguing.
Grade: B+

Wednesday Night:
Up All Night, 8p.m. on NBC
Synopsis: This sitcom stars Will Arnett, Christina Applegate, and Maya Rudolph. It is about new parents (Arnett and Applegate) dealing with balancing the responsibilities of their work life and home life. There were moments in the pilot that were mildly amusing. The casting is strong and the subject matter could provide good fodder for a sitcom — after all it worked for "Raising Hope." The execution wasn't great here and the comedy was uneven. This could develop or could flatline. It's also in a really competitive time slot up against a little show called "The X-Factor" and "Survivor."
Grade: C

Free Agents, 8:30 p.m. on NBC
Synopsis: This would be one of my early picks not to get through a whole season. There are some talented people in the cast — Kathryn Hahn and Hank Azaria lead the way — but there was nothing about the show, plot, characters, or execution that was compelling. Watching the pilot was an exercise in tedium, which isn't a good sign for a half-hour comedy. If it had some comedy that would have been better...
Grade: D

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