A perception persists dwindling but still lingering in a 52-week television season that a broadcast series launched by a network in late March or especially April is being burned off. Not so with ABCs surprisingly strong new sitcom Dont Trust the B in Apartment 23, which premieres April 11. Yes, like ABCs GCB, that b word was originally bitch. The name may be clunky (what is it with ABC and bad show titles?), but the show from creator Nahnatchka Khan is fresh and funny, with fast-paced jokes and wittycynicism in abundance.
PHOTOS: ABC - Disney's All-Star TCA Party 2012: Red Carpet Interviews
The b is the apparently evil Chloe (wonderfully portrayed by Krysten Ritter, who was so good as Jane on Breaking Bad), a New Yorker with uncontained confidence and an impressive ability to wreak havoc (emotional and sometimes even physical). Her new roommate is June (Dreama Walker), just arrived from Indiana for the perfect job only to have the company go down in a Madoff-like scandal. Chloes best friend is James Van Der Beek (playing himself), who is pretty damn awesome in this role, spoofing himself as well as the craft of acting. (If youve never seen Dawsons Creek, a whole lot of jokes will go over your head.)
Of course, one mean girl toughening up a city newbie isnt enough to sustain a sitcom, even with an assist from Van Der Beek. Thats why Dont Trust the Bs supporting cast is essential. Chloes world which June finds weird revolves around a coffee joint, the wonderfully title Its Just Beans. Junes would-be boss is barista Mark (Eric Andre). Eli (Michael Blaiklock) first appears as Chloes pervy neighbor, seen only through her kitchen window, but by episode four yes, you should get there he becomes a favorite character with a full-on cult of personality. Slowly being developed are Liza Lapira as Chloes stalker-devoted ex-roommate, Robin, who lives down the hall and Ray Ford as Van Der Beeks dedicated assistant, Luther.
Khans writing is strong and the tone is loose but confident, though some lines come preciously close to 2 Broke Girls (shudder). It helps that Ritter is magnetic, JVDB gets it and Walkers innocence cuts down on the snark. More often than not, the lines are clever and reflect the characters personalities. As when June asks how Chloes mom ended up in a wheelchair and Chloe replies, I dont know. I always thought she wanted me to ask, so I never did.
PHOTOS: Midseason TV Preview: 17 New Shows Premiering in 2012
Meanwhile, Van Der Beek nails his part, especially in one episode in which he laments that everyone sees him only as Dawson and not as an actor with range. He tweets that hell be performing at Its Just Beans and loads of people show up. After he reads some Shakespeare, a member of the crowd yells, The Creeeeeeek.
Van Der Beek complains in private to barista Mark:
Whats wrong with people? Why wont they see me as something else?
Mark: So let me get this straight. All these people dropped everything to come see you. All these girls and that dude in the mesh tank top would clearly have sex with you. Youre rich, famous and adored, but youre upset that youre adored for the wrong reasons?
Exactly. I walk a lonely road.
Mark: I made four dollars today
Yeah, youre right, Ill figure it out.
Dont Trust the B in Apartment 23 will no doubt surprise people put off by the title and others who are just looking for an excellent comedy. Lets hope that ABC is smart enough to keep this one around.
0 comments:
Post a Comment