ABC is following up the success of its reality shows, quirky family hits, and time-and-space-defying classics with... eight new, completely middle-of-the-road shows. In these trailers for the network's fall programming, we have Matthew Perry's newest comeback attempt, a starring role for Elisha Cuthbert, and Shonda Rhimes' latest offering, and Movieline's giving their potential the yay-or-nay treatment. NBC's upcoming crop fared well with us and Fox performed even better this morning -- let's see if ABC's new octet can outclass the minds at Murdoch Manor.
Mr. Sunshine
Banking on notable names never guarantees success, but Matthew Perry and Allison Janney share a certain flair for fast-paced cynicism. Their chemistry works for now, but I want Perry to give us more than his reliable "Slightly-More-Downtrodden Chandler Bing" routine.
Verdict: Yay
Detroit 1-8-7
Did you already forget this hackneyed scene? I sure did. This is a virtual Greatest Hits of regurgitated crime scene patter, missing only the well-placed pun at scene's end. And that's the "Billie Jean" in this package!
Verdict: Nay
Better Together
Multicam merriment! I'm not a hater when it comes to the maligned Everybody Loves Raymond format, but I abhor reiterative characters. Is there such a thing in TV writer lingo as "Insta-Parents"? Maybe someone wrote the words "wise-cracking parents" on a slip of loose-leaf paper, added a laugh track, and these stock players emerged?
Verdict: Nay
Off the Map
Bracing, yes. But likable? Med students have clogged network TV for years now, mostly thanks to Off the Map creator Shonda Rhimes, but what do these upstarts add to the bloodbath? So far, it looks like the show can boast typical ER scenarios, harried young doctors, and an exotic locale. I should nay at this like Flicka in a thunderstorm. But the whole package is just ingratiating enough for now.
Verdict: Yay
Body of Proof
Terrible trailer. But Dana Delany may have the brass to pull off this tired, vaguely enlivened Meredith Grey retread. That is, if we need a tired, vaguely enlivened Meredith Grey retread. Wait. Of course we don't.
Verdict: Nay
The Whole Truth
While we're on the topic of the whole truth: This lacks chemistry, originality, and fun. Every character in this scene jerry-builds "seriousness" using tart smirks and monotone line readings. Sorry, Rob Morrow, but nothing here is worth investigating.
Verdict: Nay
Happy Endings
Elisha Cuthbert and Casey Wilson aren't the first two actresses I'd pick to frontline a comic inspection of relationships, but this is one of ABC's funnier efforts. And we probably get more Wilson screentime here than during her entire SNL tenure. Here's to experiencing more of her breezy stylings.
Verdict: Yay
My Generation
The docuseries conceit is the next format we'll curse in two years, mostly thanks to series like these that play up the awkward moments with too heavy a hand. The Bachelor takeoff gets a chuckle, but these actors don't give their shallow characters any nuance -- or much of a reason to remember them.
Verdict: Nay