There’s a perception being bandied about in the entertainment news stories about this new Will Arnett sitcom that he hasn’t had a successful series because he typically plays smarmy characters (Gob Bluth in Arrested Development, the husband on Up All Night, even his recurring role on 30 Rock). Regardless of whether that’s true, there is a concerted effort on this new series to tone down his antics. You might think that would make this show bland or dull. It doesn’t. It also doesn’t make it a great show, but it’s not a bad one, either.
Arnett plays Nathan, a man who has been divorced for several months, which he has been keeping from his parents. When dad (Beau Bridges) sees that life for his newly single son isn’t so bad, he announces that he’s leaving his wife, Nathan’s mother (Margo Martindale). She is momentarily crushed, but then decides to move in with Nathan. Jack’s sister and her family round out the cast, but they are upstaged by the wacky people and situations. (Hey, it worked for Andy Griffith, to delve into TV history a bit.)
That’s the secret to toning down Arnett’s flare for the absurd: surround him with wacky people. Aside from his family, Nathan is a feature reporter at a local TV station, where he works with his cameraman friend (J.B. Smoove) and is saddled with the silly stories no one else wants to do. More wackiness.
Now, that premise might sound a little too sitcom precious, and it is, but it’s executed fairly well. It may be an adjustment to see Will Arnett in a traditional three-camera sitcom, but it works. The actors are likeable and I look forward to seeing them again. This could be a fun show, once it settles into its groove. (Oh, and speaking of groove, if you’re a fan of Dirty Dancing, don’t miss the pilot episode.)
The Milllers comes from Greg Garcia, creator of such single-camera masterpieces as Raising Hope and My Name Is Earl, and it’s just as much an adjustment to find him doing a traditional sitcom as it is Arnett. Still, with all of these talented and creative people slumming in the world of old-timey comedy, they are bound to develop it into something good. It may not be groundbreaking comedy, but it has the potential to be very good.
TV Gord’s verdict: There’s a great future for this show.
