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 Gary Unmarried

(October 12th, 2008.  -  Editor)                  Jay Mohr (Ghost Whisperer, Last Comic Standing), Paula Marshall (Californication, Nip/Tuck), Jaime King (The Class), Ed Begley Jr. (Arrested Development), Al Madrigal (Welcome To The Captain), Ryan Malgarini (Lost In Space), and Kathryn Newton (Bun-Bun) star in the half hour situation comedy Gary Unmarried, airing Wednesdays on CBS.

Gary Brooks (Mohr) is a recently single painting contractor. He and his controlling ex-wife, Allison (Marshall), face post-divorce mayhem after 15 years of marriage as they each embark on new relationships. He's the fun parent and she's the strict one.  Together, they share custody of their two children, Louise (Newton), a politically correct and environmentally conscious 11-year-old, and Tom (Malgarini), their socially awkward 14-year-old son who is nervous around girls. Charming and acerbic, Gary hasn't dated since the split, but finally connects with Vanessa (King), a single mother whose condo he was hired to paint. He dreads telling Allison about Vanessa because it doesn't adhere to her belief in their marriage counselor's book, "Rules for the Perfect Divorce". However, when Allison tells him that she's engaged to their shrink (Begley), all bets are off and Gary decides it's time to move forward. Now, in pursuit of post-marriage happiness, Gary must juggle his eclectic world of an ex-wife, their two kids, their shrink and his gorgeous new girlfriend.

Writer, Series Creator and Executive Producer, Ed Yeager (Still Standing, Dahrma & Greg) has set himself up to either take all the credit or accept all the blame for this half hour comedy. I'm thinking it's a gamble that will pay off. The pilot episode already has a look and feel to it that usually takes several episodes to achieve, even with a strong cast. The talents of Director James Burrows (Back To You, Cheers) certainly brought an extra level of polish to the pilot, but it is the situation and the first script that sells this comedy to its audience.

          Series star Jay Mohr is the icing on this cake. His wide range of acting and comedy experience will help to keep this comedy fresh and funny. Mohr can already be credited with making this series is a success, and I predict it will be, in part to his talent and experience. Now that the series is off to a strong start, all blame will be heaped on Yeager if the ratings start to go soft. If there is a challenge, it's that the small cast will have to work hard to keep the situations different and funny.

          This show's Wednesday time slot, following the Julia Louis-Dreyfuss sitcom "The New Adventures Of Old Christine", may not have been the best choice. While I am certain that someone at the network can show me a test report that suggests this new series will be enjoyed by a similar audience to the one enjoying "Old Christine", but the two shows are so similar in their make-up that it may be more than the audience wants to watch in one sitting. The Execs at the network may need to move this show to another spot in the schedule in order to realize the true potential of this comedy.

          Although, if the execs decide to keep this comedy on Wednesdays, I have a suggestion for later in the season, say either the February or May ratings sweeps. Have Gary date Old Christine. Shoot an episode where they meet and go on a date. Then have both characters explore the results of the date on each show. It could be a classic "Cross-Over" episode and we all know CBS loves doing "Cross-Over" episodes.

          Keeping this comedy fresh and interesting is going to be the key to survival. The limited cast size, well-worked situation and unfortunate scheduling are the challenges they will need to overcome. Star Jay Mohr has the strength to carry this comedy, just as long as the good scripts keep coming.

 

  -  Editor  - 

   

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