Welcome back to our series on midseason TV (a continuation of our fall TV series). We’re here to help you determine what you need to schedule in your calendar every week, what you can save to watch when other shows are in reruns, or what’s so bad, it’s not good at all.
(Warning! Possible spoilers ahead.)
Premiered: Feb. 26 on ABC (Watch online.)
Elevator Pitch
Executive walks into a crowded bar full of patrons that are at least 15 years younger than he is. It is loud and chaotic and the girls are wearing dresses that are way too tight for ... well, anyone. A waitress knocks into him spilling his overly priced drink, a guy across the bar hits on a girl completely out of his league, and the couple standing next to him are groping each other as if they are on a deserted beach in the Caribbean. Executive lets out a happy sigh and says, "I want tonight to last forever."
Familiar Faces (And One Voice)
Blake Lee as Tom
Craig Frank as Cal
Sarah Bolger as Janey
Vanessa Lengies as Kacey
Adan Canto as Dominic
Ginger Gonzaga as Maya
Sarah Wright as Laura
Keyshawn Johnson as himself
Adam Campbell as Ron
Faces That Might Become Familiar (If You Keep Watching)
Andrew Santino as Bruce
Alexis Carra as Jessica
Kate Simses as Liv
Jonathan Spencer as Carl
Redeeming Qualities
Emily: The cast is new and fresh and fun. They seem to have a good overall chemistry that is usually lacking in a pilot. I do feel in watching it that I'm transported back to my early 20's and some not so memorable (or just that I can't remember them) nights. There were some cringe-worthy "that might have been me" moments that I can now appreciate as nostalgia.
Mandy: FITZ. I am so excited to see Craig Frank in something other than The Lizzie Bennet Diaries or random commercials. He’s wonderful, even in a not wonderful show.
It's Not Me, It's You
Emily: I'm not sure I want to be transported back to my early 20's over and over and over again. I'm also not yet convinced the whole season over one night is going to work.
Mandy: I’ve never been a fan of the bar scene in my own life, and watching the awkwardness of it from “afar” is even less appealing. Additionally, many of the characters are kind of terrible. Bruce is utterly repulsive, and not in a somewhat endearing Barney Stinson kind of way. Also, are we going to have to watch the birth stories of all of the main characters? It’s a little weird.
Let's Do This Again
Emily: Watching the pilot was like going on an OK date. I had fun, we laughed, maybe even drank too much, but I don't think there were any sparks. I do realize it's really hard to get to know 10 new people in 22 minutes, so I don't want to judge too soon. I may watch another episode or two just to give it a chance, but I don't have high hopes for a long-term relationship.
Mandy: Wow. I’m pretty sure that this is my least favorite show of the entire season. None of the characters were in any way interesting, minus Fitz Carl, and I don’t think he can hold the whole show himself. I will not be coming back for seconds.
What did you think? Let us know in the comments!