Editor's Review

Are You There Vodka? It's Me Chelsea

(July 20th, 2011.)               Laura Prepon, Jo Koy, Angel Laketa Moore, Mark Povinelli, Natalie Morales, Lauren Lapkus and Lenny Clarke star in the situation comedy Are You There Vodka? It’s Me Chelsea, coming to NBC as a mid season replacement.

Inspired by the best-selling book from comedienne and talk show host Chelsea Handler, this comedy follows the exploits of twenty-something bar waitress Chelsea (Prepon) a strong-willed force of nature who is determined to live life to the fullest and make no apologies. Her friends are along for the ride but they all know it is Chelsea’s way or the highway. Mark (Koy) is a charming bartender whose wit makes him the perfect foil for Chelsea. While Shoniqua (Moore) is a smart and sassy fellow waitress who looks out for Chelsea's best interests. Close friend and bartender Todd (Povinelli) has a wry sense of humour that keeps her in check. Also starring are Natalie Morales as Ivory, Chelsea’s feisty best friend; Lauren Lapkus as Dee Dee, Chelsea’s sheltered, shy roommate, and Lenny Clarke as Chelsea’s dad, Melvin. Handler has a recurring role as Chelsea’s sister Sloan, a happily married new mom who has little in common with her carefree sister.

            There is an attitude about this situation comedy that we have not seen on the small screen in some time. The bar setting had me thinking of the characters of Cheers and how these average nobodies became cultural icons, because of good writing and good acting in an ensemble cast. It will be a long road filled with hard work if this comedy is to earn the kind of attention and respect that Cheers reached, but the potential is there if they can figure out the right pieces to the puzzle.

I like Laura Prepon as the leading character. She is a good choice for the lead role, but the pilot episode of a situation comedy does not allow us to really get to know her character. The same can be said for the supporting cast. What I do see is a group of people that are entertaining enough that I am interested in returning for another look. The star, in particular is a character that looks like someone I might want to get to know. This flawed, but confident person, who wants to turn her life around, is someone that I will at least give the benefit of the doubt.

I think the decision to use the traditional 4 camera format for this sitcom was the right one. It allows for a lighter atmosphere on the set and that makes for better comedy. The ensemble cast can easily interact with the set and each other, which creates a good energy and a nice flow to the pilot episode.

Will this comedy be around a few episodes after it debuts? It will if the focus slowly moves off of the title character and on to the rest of this talented cast. Watching a twenty-something party girl turn 30 is neither pretty, or funny. But as long as the title character continues to laugh at herself, we will laugh with her.

 

 - Editor