4 stars
Too Soon for Excellent...
September 29, 2007
...but too great for just a “good” review. However, after 2 episodes it feels wrong to give it 5 stars. I have been looking forward to this show for longer than I care to admit after becoming completely addicted to “Everybody Loves Raymond” re-runs, due (mostly) to Patricia Heaton's amazing work on that show (and the writers, of course). I was nervous because I wanted it so bad to be good, but good TV, especially multi-camera sitcoms, are hard to come by these days--in my opinion. Needless to say, I tuned in with trepidation. Deep down I assumed Kelsey and Patricia would never invest themselves in something sub par and I am happy to report, as a fan of both actors, I was definitely pleased. I haven't laughed out loud this much in years! Though the dialogue is arguably trite, considering the premise of the show so far, it doesn't fail to be classically hilarious and the two main characters are captivating and believable--releasing themselves, as actors, from all previous character traits of past hit shows. Kelsey was Frasier Crane for something like 15 years and Patricia was Debra Barone for 9 years--they each had a tough task to take on, breaking associations of themselves with the legendary characters they embodied for over a decade. So far, I've been floored by their performances as their new characters. In the pilot episode of Back To You, I laughed an incredible amount, but was also completely touched by the later scenes involving the child they share. The chemistry and energy between Chuck/Kelsey and Patty/Kelly is that of TV magic. Why didn't someone get them on stage together before? They both share immaculate timing and the indescribable ability of making everything they take on look “real”! In the second episode, I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes! The dialogue was fantastic from start to finish and the actors were executing everything brilliantly. There was one scene in the second episode that stood out far beyond any others, which was the taser scene with Ty Burrell as wanna-be anchor, Gary Crezyzewski. Neither Kelsey nor Patricia were involved, so it lends confidence that this show is going to do well, not only because it is lucky enough to have two multiple (and completely deserving) Primetime Emmy Award winners as the lead roles, but because the supporting cast is also showing some great promise! Fred Willard couldn't be funnier with his simple and immediately gratifying lines, Josh Gad as the young, overwhelmed News runner grabbed my heart right away, reminding me of my internship days, and the weather girl (Ayda Field/Montana Diaz Herrera), though stereotypical and politically incorrect, is hilarious because it's such an honest portrayal of a stereotype. This show show's nothing but promise and I look forward to Wednesdays for the next 20 or so weeks! Thank you to the creators, writers/producers, actors and Fox for putting this on. I hope is hangs around for at least a few seasons! It's thoroughly enjoyable.
4 stars
"Back To You" is an instant hit!
September 19, 2007
"Back To You" is a hit! For years, I have not watched any sitcoms or "regular" serialized T.V. shows (except old re-runs of "Seinfeld.")
This show is good, because it's not "silly," or pseudodramatic, like all the rest. I found it plausible, believable and a reasonably intelligent integration of characters, with an interesting story line, which can take the viewer essentially anywhere. The casting and writing are superb, and I do not have to get "used to" the show. I read a rewiew recently that panned this new show, but watched it anyway out of curiosity. Surprisingly, this show probably has much more believable social substance than any other regular show on T.V. I believe that every show one watches should be a learning experience, and that lets out 99% of all the regular weekly shows. My wife and I are already hooked on "Back To You," and we can't wait to see the next episode.
