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. A lot can change before a show makes it to air, so these aren't comprehensive reviews, just quick thoughts on how the shows look now. Today's installment: The CW's "Aliens in America."
What's it about? A shy, socially awkward high school kid from small-town Minnesota has his worldview turned upside down when he finds a kindred spirit in Raja, his family's Muslim exchange student from Pakistan.
Who's in it? Dan Byrd, Adhir Kalyan, Amy Pietz, Scott Patterson (most recently of "Gilmore Girls")
The good: Of all the half-hour comedy pilots I watched for the fall season, this was the funniest. Byrd and Kalyan are perfectly cast and absolutely hilarious to watch on screen (and the writing for them is stronger than it is for any of the adult characters). It's bold to take on pretty serious race relations issues through the vehicle of a CW teen comedy, and I appreciate the effort and the intention of the show.
The bad: Some of the scenes that call out Raja's religion or outsider status made me feel downright uncomfortable, and I couldn't tell if the writers were being provocative on purpose or if I was supposed to be laughing. A school scene in which a kid tells Raja she hates him because his people wrecked the World Trade Center was particularly squirmy, as was nearly every word out of the suburban mom character's mouth.
Will I watch? Yes. Despite how uncomfortable I felt with some aspects of the pilot, it was funny enough that I want to see where the show goes.
To watch a preview (note: this was filmed before Patterson was cast) and see a couple more photos, read more
Photos courtesy of The CW
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The first time a clip aired on CW, I thought it looked like a show that was very offensive. Not just to Muslim people but to anyone not wanting to be stereotyped as the 'clueless white suburban family' either. Not interested.
1Raja is cast as such a kind, gentle person; perhaps the good of the show is that it might help others confront their stereotypes. Like you, Buzz, I appreciate the intent of the show; it will be interesting to see how character and plot lines develop.
2This one looks like it will either be a big hit because it MIGHT it people in a good way or it will BOMB...I'm thinking the latter
3Wow....way to rip off Canadian tv CW. Has anyone heard of Little Mosque on the Prairie?
4I adore Little Mosque on the Prairie tralalala…
During the summer I got a chance to see the pilot for Aliens in America as a special review at the MGM grand in Las Vegas. I found the character of Raja to be very endearing and sweet, but I did feel very uncomfortable watching the clueless Americas and the awkward Muslim and their interactions.
The classroom scene where the teacher explained to Raja why everyone hated him was hilarious and yet very sad to realize a lot of people still feel this way.
I think I'll give it a chance, but I am not sure how long it will last when trying to be both funny and provocative.
5oh darn. i was just going to post about Little Mosque on the Prairie. Here are a few links anyway:
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=4689644836814333621
http://www.cbc.ca/littlemosque/
I think this is so great Buzz! If nothing else it will get people talking...discussing their feelings about the issues which i think is really important. the CBC show is written by a Muslim woman. I don't know about "aliens in America" - do you know, buzz? i'd like to watch this show, i think.
My family is muslim (but not me) and no one is offended by LMOTP. I like that shows like this are getting things out in the open!
6oh. my post was flagged because of links.
oh well - i think this is a great looking show! It
certainly looks like it'll get people talking! I was also going to mention Little Mosque on the Prairie which is a hilarious CBC show!
7well, I have to watch it first, but I think I'll like it...
8Being muslim, I really want to check this out to see how muslims are portrayed. I really hope it isnt offending and actually teaches people how Muslims are totally normal.
9Little Mosque on the Prairie was a great show, it was written solely so people could see how muslims really are and the stereotypes around them. I was really impressed by the show.
Yea I thought that scene was hilariously and provocative. If it made you squirm its probably because you or someone else is like that, ignorant and stupid.
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