Disclaimer -- During the run of Dharma & Greg an episode was written where Dharma (Jenna Elfman, celebrity Scientologist) visits a psychiatrist (played by fellow Xenuite Kirstie Alley). Scientology has a thing against psychiatry, of course, and Kirstie played her like some gross caricature. I haven't been a fan of either since.
(I mean it's okay with me if you're an actor or actress and you wanna join a cult, just don't use your TV cred to diss a discipline that I think does a lot of people good.)
I watched Accidentally on Purpose, Elfman's new Monday CBS comedy over the weekend. As it was only 22 minutes long I don't think I can sue anyone for theft of time, but I wish I could.
Because I've seen Knocked Up and Suddenly Susan already, and this show is just that movie and that TV show pasted together.
In fact, I swear to the TV gods that the office that Elfman's movie critic character works at is the set from Suddenly Susan, as if the producers thought to themselves, "Yeah, that show got one thing right and it was the look of the office. We'll just add cubicles and it will let people know 'This is a publishing office. This is where people write.'"
(Not to the network and producers ... that's an awfully small office for a big city daily.)
And the shame of it is that is completely wastes the talents of Ashley Jensen (Extras, Ugly Betty).
So, Elfman plays Billie, a film critic who has been pining away for her boss the publisher of the paper (Grant Show, last seen in the critically lauded Swingtown) who can offer to her only a "live me with" offer that just isn't enough. She wants more.
Then she meets a guy named Zack. At this point just replay a bunch of scenes from Knocked Up in your head (without the funny friends) and she gets preggers.
The guy is played by Jon Foster (the very fine Ben Foster's brother). Nothing to write home about, imho. Sorry dude.
There are other people in the cast ... but you know, I just don't think it will be on the air long enough for you to be worried about these details.
If you must, check it tonight after the season premiere of How I Met Your Mother. Then, find something on your DVR that you can record and watch in its stead on Monday nights if you're a fan of the CBS Monday lineup.
NBC spent years trying to come up with the great fourth sitcom to spell the other three they always seemed to have for Thursday nights (Suddenly Susan, Stark Raving Mad, Caroline in the City, etc.). Looks like it will take CBS a while to find a proper fourth as well.
The only decent moment from the show is posted in a clip after the jump, because I'm good like that. Always saving you valuable time so that you can get more viewing in.
This show should be canceled in time for Grant Show to take that Melrose Place gig they've probably been swinging in front of him. A February sweeps appearance, maybe?
We'll see.