3 stars
ABC, 9-9:30 PM, Tuesdays (premieres Oct.1)
The players: Stars Bonnie Hunt, Mark Derwin, David Alan Grier, Marianne Muellerleile, Anthony Russell, Samantha Browne-Walters, ss=”storylinks”>Charlie Stewart, Chris Barnes, Holly Wortell. Written, produced, and directed by Bonnie Hunt. Co-written and produced by Don Lake.
What it’s all about: A local Chicago morning show host wrestles with a crazy life on set and in a crowded home.
What can I say: I have to admit that I was so looking forward to the newest Bonnie Hunt comedy that I couldn’t help but be a little disappointed when it finally premiered. Maybe it’s a defense mechanism — I loved The Building (1993) and The Bonnie Hunt Show (1995) and was so distraught over their cancellations, I just don’t know if I can go through it again.
(Aghh, who am I kidding? I would watch Bonnie Hunt try on socks, and most likely will at some point during the series)
Bottom line: The beauty of Hunt‘s shows has always been the way they’re staged. Though there is a script, improvisation is encouraged and the scenes are shot in a continuous take, complete with actors stepping on each other’s lines — in a way that is both genuine and theatrical. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the failed Watching Ellie without the real-time gimmick. Like the hectic lives being portrayed in Bonnie, the actors run ragged, and it’s up to the audience to keep up (if they can). So while some jokes will fall flat (like in real life), there is nothing false about it. And it makes for some moments that are downright poignant (rare in a sitcom).
Hunt is superb as always. The supporting cast is eager yet understated and the children are cute without being cloying. Hopefully, the show will find an audience and finally fulfill Hunt‘s destiny to bring Irish Catholic, Midwestern angst into America’s living rooms.
