The networks have announced their fall schedules, but which of the series will actually be worth watching? Throughout the summer, as I watch the pilots, I'll be posting my first impressions. Note that a lot can change before a show actually makes it to air, so these aren't comprehensive reviews, just quick thoughts on how the shows look now. Today's installment: Fox's "The Return of Jezebel James."
What's it about? Two estranged sisters — a driven book editor and an alterna-slacker — reconnect when the younger sister agrees to carry the older one's baby.
Who's in it? Parker Posey, Lauren Ambrose, Michael Arden, Scott Cohen
The good: The show is written by Amy Sherman-Palladino of "Gilmore Girls" fame, and the first episode packs in plenty of her signature snappy dialogue. Posey and Ambrose have a great sisterly chemistry, and the plot seems full of potential for at least a couple of strong seasons.
The bad: The production of this show was a huge turnoff for me. It's a half-hour comedy that should be a one-hour drama — or, at the very least, a comedy produced more in the style of "The Office." At least a couple of good lines got buried in the distracting laugh track, and the show felt very sound-stage-y — I'm not sure there was a single exterior shot! The episode also seemed rushed, as though 30 minutes wasn't enough for all the plot and character development the writers wanted to do.
Will I watch? This show has two of my favorite actresses and one of my favorite writers, so I want it to be good. But I have to say, if this show doesn't change a lot before it makes it to the air at midseason, I don't think I'll be watching.
To watch a preview clip and see a gallery of photos from the show, read more
"The Return of Jezebel James"
Photos and video courtesy of Fox
Patrizia Pepe
J Taylor
Fantasie
Parker is awesome and I can't see her doing a drama anyway. Might be worth a watch.
1The laugh track is distracting, but I love the fact that Lauren Ambrose is back and paired with Parker Posey. Looking forward to watching in the fall.
2I just love Parker Posey - I'll have to check this one out!
3bah, i think lauren ambrose and parker posey are better than this material. i mean, the writing is funny enough, but judging from the clips, this show looks way too cheery and formulaic for my liking.
4Lauren Ambrose and Parker Posey?!? Oh, I hope it is good!
5I went to elementary school with Lauren Ambrose, so cool to see her success!
6this show looks great- i just checked out the clips online and think the chemistry between parker and lauren is perfect, and parker is a great female lead, quirky and smart and AS-P is a great match for her as a writer. i cant wait! the premiere is friday march 14th at 8pm. hopefully fox will realize what a hit they have on their hands and actually promote/support the show.
7Sadly, I don't think it matters if it's the greatest show ever made, because it looks to me like FOX is trying to kill it. They're hiding it on Friday nights AND they're not promoting it. I wonder if they'll air the episodes out of order as well to completely frustrate their audience. When I first heard that ASP's new show was going to be on FOX I was more than a little surprised. But then I thought maybe the network decided to start broadening their appeal, soI decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. Apparently my initial instincts were correct. Instead of killing a show because you don't understand it, why not let it go? WHY?!?
8hwo knows, maybe another network or cable will pick it up and let AS-P and the studio have more freedom with it and see its potential! fox is only good for idol, and 24.
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