I didn’t think I’d be able to get over Tom Cavanagh doing those icky CIBC commercials. But I have: I really like his new CBS show, Love Monkey.
(Updated later in the day…) Things I like about the show:
- Jason Priestly. Yes, Jason Priestly. I’m as amazed as you are.
- Judy Greer playing the “best friend” (i.e. George Costanza) character. Finally a mainstream show with a no-sexual-tensions man-woman friendship.
- Jokes about grammar. This could get tiresome, but it’s funny for now.
- Eric Bogosian. Yes, Eric Bogosian.
- Good interiors; good exteriors; good music.
It’s possible that the show could crash and burn: introducing “new love interest” thing so early in the series means that there’s a lot of “will they or won’t they” sexual tension; I hope that doesn’t become too much of a focal point (remember Anything But Love?)
And while you have to appreciate the anti-corporate “indie” attitudes espoused by Cavanagh’s character (complete with “you worked for a multi-national corporation for 3 years — you are a suit” retorts from his friends), the whole “it’s all about the music” thing can’t be the bedrock on which the series is mounted either.
If things succeed it will be because the series pulls off the “ensemble comedo-drama” thing much in the same way that Ed and thirtysomething did. Indeed it occurred to me that Love Monkey might be a just heir to thirtysomething’s throne; we’ll see.
Comments
Ditto for me. Ed was a great show, but those CIBC commercials are painful. Love Monkey seems promising. Any show where Ben Folds has a cameo can’t be all that bad.
Remember John Cusack in High Fidelity? The charactor seems to be taken directly from that movie.
Also, the first episode borrows heavily from Jerry McGuire’s premise of giving the heartfelt speech, then going out on your own. Not much originality there.
Then there is the whole band-name-dropping to relate to the audience. Crass.
Finally, there is something about the guy who plays Earl in My Name is Earl, the white guy from Scrubs, and Tom Cavanagh. They are all smirky 30 something white guys.
Having said all that, I kinda liked the show, but I think it will wear thin after a few episodes.
I agree that the show has solid potential. However, I think you will soon still find yourself waiting for “Finally a mainstream show with a no-sexual-tensions man-woman friendship.” I think they are clearly on a course for what-Ive-always-wanted-was-right-in-front-of-me storyline, and in fact I believe they have already begun laying that groundwork.