Annoying backdoor pilot episode.
Another fave sitcom of mine Mary Tyler Moore, also had a similar backdoor pilot (His Two Right Arms) at the end of its second season.
The two pilots had many similarities. The pilot ideas increased the diversity of the regular cast. The MTM spinoff had three African American regulars - this has an Asian character and a gay character. The spinoffs had the same basic character types as the parent show, but with elements switched and reversed. But the main similarity is they both failed.
Here the main character is a naïve would-be actress Mary Ruth (Tracy Nelson) with no home or job. Things fall into place for her when she lands a job at the title hair salon, and can sleep in the backroom. She might have to leave suddenly if a big acting job comes along... though Mary Ruth is hardly 'That Girl'.
The Nanny was fun as Fran is a street-smart Queens girl living in a fancy mansion in Manhattan with an elegant boss who has a glamorous lifestyle. The rich household was luxurious but cold and rigid - it lacked a heart. Fran brings in warmth, fun, glamour - and comedy clashes with her Queens logic. Fran's arrival affects the existing character relationships of the household: she is a rival for CC and creates a barrier in CC's romantic pursuit of Maxwell, she is an ally for Niles, a friend for Maggie, a guide and leveller for Brighton, support for Grace, and a romantic attraction for Max. Reversing it to have the fish out of water lead character a prim acting hopeful in a trashy and flashy hair salon in Queens isn't much of a fantasy. You wouldn't aspire to work there or live there. The hunky salon boss she is attracted to isn't too smart, which limits the character and possible stories. Claude is already content there so Mary Ruth doesn't present him with a new friend or ally. Kim has a passing snipe at Mary Ruth but overall doesn't seem to be really affected by her arrival. What will prim and earnest Mary Ruth bring to the fun flashy salon that it currently lacks? Dull lectures that kill the pace? An earnest attitude that damps down the fun and colour? The premise seems to suggest she is really to leave when a better offers presents itself whereas in The Nanny you knew Fran loved to be there and didn't really want to leave.
But overall this seems calculated and contrived and the leads lack chemistry. The premise of the departed wife seems forced and awkward. The actor playing the salon owner's son is annoying and has no rapport with Mary Ruth - something crucial to the success of the project.
Had this been picked up, exactly what story could they have done in episode two?
Another fave sitcom of mine Mary Tyler Moore, also had a similar backdoor pilot (His Two Right Arms) at the end of its second season.
The two pilots had many similarities. The pilot ideas increased the diversity of the regular cast. The MTM spinoff had three African American regulars - this has an Asian character and a gay character. The spinoffs had the same basic character types as the parent show, but with elements switched and reversed. But the main similarity is they both failed.
Here the main character is a naïve would-be actress Mary Ruth (Tracy Nelson) with no home or job. Things fall into place for her when she lands a job at the title hair salon, and can sleep in the backroom. She might have to leave suddenly if a big acting job comes along... though Mary Ruth is hardly 'That Girl'.
The Nanny was fun as Fran is a street-smart Queens girl living in a fancy mansion in Manhattan with an elegant boss who has a glamorous lifestyle. The rich household was luxurious but cold and rigid - it lacked a heart. Fran brings in warmth, fun, glamour - and comedy clashes with her Queens logic. Fran's arrival affects the existing character relationships of the household: she is a rival for CC and creates a barrier in CC's romantic pursuit of Maxwell, she is an ally for Niles, a friend for Maggie, a guide and leveller for Brighton, support for Grace, and a romantic attraction for Max. Reversing it to have the fish out of water lead character a prim acting hopeful in a trashy and flashy hair salon in Queens isn't much of a fantasy. You wouldn't aspire to work there or live there. The hunky salon boss she is attracted to isn't too smart, which limits the character and possible stories. Claude is already content there so Mary Ruth doesn't present him with a new friend or ally. Kim has a passing snipe at Mary Ruth but overall doesn't seem to be really affected by her arrival. What will prim and earnest Mary Ruth bring to the fun flashy salon that it currently lacks? Dull lectures that kill the pace? An earnest attitude that damps down the fun and colour? The premise seems to suggest she is really to leave when a better offers presents itself whereas in The Nanny you knew Fran loved to be there and didn't really want to leave.
But overall this seems calculated and contrived and the leads lack chemistry. The premise of the departed wife seems forced and awkward. The actor playing the salon owner's son is annoying and has no rapport with Mary Ruth - something crucial to the success of the project.
Had this been picked up, exactly what story could they have done in episode two?
