Men in Trees (TV Series) Pilot (2006) User Reviews

I don't care about geographical accuracy - the show is good. I enjoy it tremendously.

[cpmomcat · 8/10 · 15 October 2006]

There aren't many shows on TV like this one - it strikes just the right note. Not sticky sweet like some shows - and not suspense/adventure driven like so many shows. No criminal/heroes, no courtroom drama. Fun and interesting characters -- Anne Heche is perfect. The scenery is great, the plot is interesting, the dialogue is clever (but not too) and there are only a few over the top instances. It's the kind of show you can put on and watch during dinner. I've heard that some who live in Alaska take issue with discrepancies or inaccuracies -- well, this does not bother me at all. I live in NY and so many shows that have NY as the location have glaring inaccuracies - I'm used to that. These are all meaningless and don't matter at all in the context of the show.

Great Show!

[deedah1 · 8/10 · 15 September 2006]

I really enjoyed this show. It had just the right amount of quirkiness. If you all remember the show Northern Exposure from some years ago, and enjoyed it, then this may just be the show for you. I watched the pilot show as well as tonite's episode also and recommend it to anyone looking for some 'stay at home' Friday nite entertainment! The show is also filled with great music by K.T. Tunstall and other alternative type musicians. Given time I think that this will end up being an award winning series as each character is allowed to develop. I'm hoping that others will find it as amusing as I do so that the series is picked up for a full season.

Sit back and enjoy

[jrnpr75 · 8/10 · 7 October 2006]

I have been an Anne Heche fan since her soap days when she played twins Vicky and Marly on Another World. Starting the first episode I fully expected that the show never really stood a chance, and ended it delightfully surprised. I also wondered where are all the native people, but I wouldn't say it ruined the show for me. To date I have watched every aired episode and laughed out loud every time. If this show is given a fair chance I'm positive it will become a favorite of TV viewers. By the way my laughing also drew my husbands attention, and last night he watched with me. His opinion was "not half bad" (high praise from him). My mother did not care for the pilot, but stuck to it the next week and has been drawn in. I would tell anyone if you give it a chance you will fall in love with the town and its quirky characters!

Great show keep up the good work

[delawilson · 10/10 · 8 October 2006]

I think this is the greatest show I have seen in ages and I love the whole ensemble. Jack Tupper and Ann Hecht are great. They all seem to fit right in and when a cast works well together it brings the show together and makes you feel like you are right there with them. It is a little like Northern Exposure but much, much better. I hope this stays on for years and years. I like the whole cast and they all seem to fit as if they really lived in the little town of Elmo. I think the writer(s) are terrific. I don't usually watch situation comedies but I haven't stopped watching this show and I shall watch it as long as it runs. Thanks for a lovely show.

I like it

[alismar1 · 10/10 · 28 October 2006]

I find the phrase "Chick Flick" extremely offensive and insulting but the caveman who posted it obviously hasn't given this show a chance. Shows entertain us is all. I can watch a show and I don't "count" the number of whites, blacks, native Americans, Latins,Asians, etc, it dosen't matter to me. People who do that are just instigating trouble. I don't like the fact that Sarah is a prostitute, that is unnecessary, but the only similarity to Northern Exposure which was a great show is that it also is in Alaska. Its a good show with a mix of comedy and drama. Each character adds his/her flavor and passion to the show and is unique and not a clone of other shows. I hope it stays around a long time. To those who hate it? CHANGE THE CHANNEL!

Quirky, well written and engaging

[davidmorrison-1 · 9/10 · 16 September 2006]

Didn't expect to like this but will probably be back. This Ally McBeal meets Northern Exposure. Best line from pilot, when discussing the male-female ratio in Alasks, from the woman's point of view, "the odds are good but the goods are odd."

The show is akin to Ally McBeal in the lead, semi-waif-like diaphanous lead character who is going through a tough spot in her life and is thrown into a world of odd and somewhat prickly other personalities. It's those personalities and their prickliness which helps advance the show's Northern Exposure feel, along with the somewhat off-beat and odd behavior of some of the wildlife.

But where the show is either better written or better performed than McBeal is that I never had the feeling that Heche's character's quirkiness was forced or created for her.....it sort of flowed from the sort of woman she portrays and the circumstances in which she finds herself. Men In Trees will probably be open to criticism in that its got a definitely "feel good" edge which can border on the overly cute and I expect could get to be cloying even for a viewer like me who generally has a high tolerance for saccharine.

Marin moves out of her standard New York City life to face the Great North

[amycohenbanker · 29 September 2006]

This does remind me of my time in Alaska as a New York City woman facing a surprising environment and interesting people and flora and fauna. I did find it believable except for the fact that no one consummates in this pilot. It would have been warmer if they actually had sex but I guess it would not have passed the "censor". And now we get to wonder what will happen next. The acting is sweet and energetic and it has both a funny and pathetic twist. I was left wanting to return to Alaska and to return to the next episode of this cute family show. I loved the little touches, especially her slapstick antics, her high heels, and the confusion of a new environment way over her head. And now there are plenty of lessons to be learned..By the way, I emailed my Alaskan friend and told him to check it out.

lol (laughed out loud) and woke my husband

[sdreid95 · 10/10 · 1 October 2006]

This show is my new favourite! I was laughing so loud, I woke my husband and now I have him watching too. I was really missing a good comedy drama in my TV. lineup. Throw in a good outdoor game of shinny hockey and you will captivate almost all of the Canadian female audience into feeling that Elmo is their hometown minus the men ratio.

The writing is superb and refreshing, very cleverly woven with a few mysteries to be revealed. I have recommended this show to all of my female friends, and most have watched. I can only do so much, short of inviting them over and ambushing them in front of my PVR.

I wish this series all the best and hope the network continues it. The time slot is great and I don't think it is in competition with any other program so that is going for us. Just don't let the network juggle it around too much, in my opinion that is what kills a lot of good new shows.

Well, keep me laughing in Canada, we all could use a good laugh.

Sandra

Why do they do Alaska shows without hiring someone who's been to Alaska?

[theknells · 1/10 · 16 September 2006]

Lame! So lame, I had to turn it off. I was born and raised in Alaska, and the only place I ever saw a raccoon was at the zoo. No skunks either. And frankly I found it weird that virtually everyone in the town was Caucasian. It bothers me that one of the token Alaskan Natives is a prostitute. And I was really irked when the publisher friend said "Alaskans don't read" or something to that effect, dismissing Alaskans as illiterate simpletons. I think this show is a waste of a good premise and decent acting talent. I would love to see a show about Alaska written by someone who's actually been there. There is enough natural quirkiness that it doesn't need to be manufactured by some New Yorker who doesn't have a clue.

Loved it! Only one (hopefuly constructive criticism) - please read on.

[margenpaul · 10/10 · 24 September 2006]

I (my wife and I) loved the first episodes of Men in Trees. We have enjoyed Anne Heche since seeing her in Six Nights Seven Days (or Seven Days Six Nights) Whatever. Only one critical remark. The background music and sound is too loud. I defy anyone to make out most of what the characters are saying. The music especially - to have music with LYRICS pounding away while people are talking is almost enough to make us tune out or turn the sound off as I used to do when watching Charlie's Angels - who cared what they were saying - I just wanted to watch. I really don't want to do this with Men in Trees. Anne Heche is a remarkable comedic actress - a real master (mistress?) of physical comedy. We want to hear every word. Good luck - please hang in there, we want this show to be around for a long time. You'll see from my birth date that I am incredibly old (80 glorious years!) - this show can keep me young. I need you!

very refreshing

[jrainsa06 · 10/10 · 23 September 2006]

this show doesn't seem like an hour..its funny, hip, very cool and Anne Heche is great! loyal watcher already after viewing the first 2 episodes..thanks ABC! keep up the good work

its nice to see something new and refreshing way to go! way to go! way to go! way to go! thanks ABC

The plot is real and you're not left thinking, this is ridiculous, i like how Anne's character narrates what shes thinking, that keeps you interested and tuned in. I am a fan of Anne Heche, glad to see that she is back...you go Anne! I will get the word out if you are staying in Friday night, this is a must see!

fresh and new

[janscats · 10/10 · 15 September 2006]

I did not think I would care for this show, but I liked it very much. I liked the location, the story line and the actors. I will certainly keep up with it. It's fresh and totally different. I see an eventual love interest for the main character, and I hope that plays out. I also hope that her friend moves to Alaska too. I thought perhaps she made a connection with the guy who dumped snow all over her because she would not move. The hunk who plays Anne Heches future love interest is much better suited for her than her ex boyfriend. I enjoyed all the different characters in the town. The one bar, the bartender, his wife all had good story lines. I enjoyed the pilot of the plane, too. it seemed to me that the show included a story line for all the towns main characters. I really liked that. It seemed a rather desolate place for a big city girl, but the fact that she stayed for whatever reason made me feel good. I think I would have stayed, too. I see her making some changes in the town, especially for the women who live there. Perhaps introducing a spa of sorts..something they have never had before. I hope this show continues.

There's No Comparison - Just Enjoy

[zaamg · 9/10 · 22 September 2006]

Comparing Men in Trees with Northern Exposure is like comparing Boston Legal to L.A. Law or E.R. to Grey's Anatomy. Yes there are similarities but Men in Trees is not recycled Northern Exposure. Any show nowadays needs quirky characters or gripping drama to make it. This one has the former and it's not overdone. The characters are engaging and fun and have a story to tell. After only 3 shows I already look forward to finding out more about the town residents.

In fact, even if this were recycled Northern Exposure I would be thrilled. Northern Exposure was a fantastic show and I've missed such light hearted fun. Men in Trees may appeal more to women than men, but men might be surprised. Either way it's a fun hour on a Friday night and you leave it feeling satisfied and yet ready for more.

Good idea, but different than Alaska

[chriskothe · 5/10 · 25 September 2006]

I agree with the poster who grew up in Alaska. I only visited and they have eagles, lots of salmon(the fishing scene was real) but also have a very high Native American and Eskimo population of different tribes . These people are everywhere and yet this cast is Caucasian with one black and one actress from India.My suggestion to improve is for the writers and casting people to go to Alaska and get some real Alaskan actors or actresses to fill in the gaps.never saw a raccoon or skunk.

Ann Heche is good in the role. I'm just not sure there are enough scenarios to keep this show going.I don't know where it can go from here.Then they made the actress from India play the role of a prostitute.That is not very flattering if she is supposed to be the "native" Alaskan.

lighten up, Alaskans!

[bright-10 · 9/10 · 25 September 2006]

The only people who don't seem to like this show are those who've lived in Alaska — and their opinions are based on quibbles as to the 'reality' of the scripts. Come on, do you actually expect this to be 100% realistic? It's television, it's a comedy (or 'dramady', as they are saying these days), why not look past the plot devices to enjoy the fabulous cast and acting, refreshingly non-violent and funny situations, beautiful scenery, etc. etc.? This is light-hearted and fun, even New Yorkers are caricatured, not just Alaska. You could pick apart any show these days if you were a specialist in crime-prevention, medicine, suburban housewives... most shows condense the truth in some way.

One unique plus for 'Men in Trees' is that they are showing non-stereotypical male attitudes (bartender, for instance), which adds lots of potential. I look forward to seeing where they're going with this, keep this show around!

By the way, let's be fair, they did explain the skunk was 'way out of range', (possibly transported there?), that's why they were postering and trying to find it before winter sets in.

Great Show and Great Actress

[Mirishu · 10/10 · 22 September 2006]

I found this an excellent show, discovered it by chance and got hooked into watching it and found I would definitely come back for more. I thought Anne Heche was fantastic and so natural in this part. I am not looking for a show to portray the great Alaskan life style - that can be found on PBS. The writing was great, the other actors were as equally intriguing in the start of the development of the story. It's a fresh, quirky, enchanting and delightful show, one that I hope will be around for a long time to come! A lighthearted comedy is something sorely needed. I think the show will develop with Anne as a wiser woman when she really starts living her life in this new setting in her life "far from the maddening crowds" of the busy city where one only comes to know themselves though solitude.

Lots of Sex appeal

[rfurmansky · 10/10 · 29 October 2006]

There is similar chemistry between the female star (Ann H.) and male star (lumber jack type) as "Sex and the City's" Mister Big and Carri (Sarah Jessica Parker). They have a way of constantly flirting with each other even though they are trying not to get involved or stay involved. The small town flavor gives everyone something they can relate to in a good way. A good flick for even the guys to watch, but definitely is one for the girls not to miss. Each episode so far has been interesting and alluring to watch; with a new twist that keeps you wanting to see what will happen next or who will end up with who. Makes me want to visit Alaska!

Men In Trees

[cori260 · 9/10 · 1 November 2006]

Aside from the inaccurate facts which tend to have some native Alaskans up in arms - can we please remember this is a show. fictional show. not reality show. a show for entertainment value only - not educational value. Now that being said, Ann Heche is funny, witty, and adorable as Marin Frist, Relationship Coach. In fact, the whole ensemble of Men in Trees is perfect. The chemistry between Ann and James Tupper is amazing. Derek Richardson, who plays Patrick Bachelor, is phenomenally funny. His comedic timing is amazing. I hope this show is given a chance to develop it's voice and it's audience. If given the opportunity, it stands a chance of giving us humor as well as a genuine love story - something missing from TV for a long while.

Northern Exposure meets Chick Flick

[oneyooper · 5/10 · 15 September 2006]

The premise is that New York blondie gets relocated to Elmo, Alaska. She's a relationship coach who goes to a town in Alaska that has a 10 to one man to woman ratio. She meets the local game warden who apparently has no desire for her, a situation that she doesn't really comprehend. This makes for the sexual tension that all sit-CMOS need.

If she were a he, and if he were a doctor the show may have a chance. She's not and I think it doesn't.

People will be making an unfair comparison to Northern Exposure. You can't help it. There's a Chris in the Morning wanna (and never will)be. There's the local tavern, that really needs a brick.

What this show really needs in Marilyn Whirlwind and Ed Chigliak. And, just where is Maurice Minnefield, anyhow? How about the drunk moose?

You're gonna like this show!

[tomkat-19 · 10/10 · 15 September 2006]

I miss Anne Heche. She's an attractive versatile actress whose talents are well served by the intelligent and humorous writing on display here. Love the characters and the relationship dilemmas, which are never ending?

Perfect casting, (especially the raccoon). Also, the love/hate thing between her and the town, presents a lot of comic opportunities.

Oh I know, 'Northern Exposure' flashes into mind, but thats okay, Alaska is vast enough to produce more than one classic series.

I really hope the network realizes quality and gets behind this show. Word of mouth is already getting to work. Support this show!

Northern Exposure meets Cheers

[nel727 · 10/10 · 15 September 2006]

Ann Heche is a nut job, but which great actors aren't?

If you loved Northern Exposure (I did) you will enjoy this return to Alaska and the quirky characters. The theme of "get me out of here" is reprized in the pilot, but reconciliation with the north country occurs at the end of the pilot. It appears that the focus of the show will be centered on the bar where all the characters gather and the bartenders wisdom is evident (hence the reference to "Cheers" in the summary. None of the characters introduced is irritating and there seems to be ample opportunity for character development without reference to flashbacks (like "Lost"). I suspect this series will wear well. A number of the characters are cute (starting with Heche) and it never hurts for people to be easy on the eyes.

We love the show Men in Trees!

[teri-74 · 10/10 · 19 September 2006]

We watched the sneak peek of the pilot last week and just fell into the story line like it was a part of our family! On Friday night we were waiting anxiously for it to come on again to see how she handles this wonderful town of men and it's warm feeling and how it will help her mend!

I love Anne Heche in the main roll and she plays it well. She is a fish out of water and needs to find her way back to "her".

I love the stocker fan that has followed her to this town to live her life as she tells her to!

The raccoon is great! he is given a human personality and is mad at her after she blows the main fuse in town! he has a great future in this show for his personality in his scenes! loved the wedding dress getting trashed!

The police officer's roll is so weird ! It will be neat to see how her roll will play out! she is always there to give her a ticket for what ever she is doing in life!! Mother law is watching you! She gets away with nothing! But comes to her side when she needs support!

This show is going to be a real inspiration to women who are looking for some confidence in themselves that they can make it too! No matter what if your at home or if your out in Alaska! This story line is great and i can't wait to watch 10 years of it!

I like it!

[treehuggerkd · 8/10 · 12 September 2006]

I thought this was a pretty good pilot and premise for a show. The characters are quirky (It's Alaska! The odds are good but the goods are odd!), the setting is magnificent, and there's a raccoon. I love me a trained raccoon! The show is the work of the creators of Sex and the City and, already with the pilot, shows promise for having the same humor, casual sexiness, and fun of SATC. Anne Heche was brilliant, and the cast surrounding her were superb. Those who love a light romance novel (especially those set in the wilder areas of America) will love this show - the challenge for the writers will be for the material to stay fresh and not turn in to every romance novel I've ever read that takes place in Alaska, and that it doesn't end up as some sort of awkward Sex and the City does Alaska.

Nothing Alaskan about it

[rebelluie · 1/10 · 16 September 2006]

This show is clearly written by people who do absolutely NO research! I have lived in Alaska for 10 years and found so many inconsistencies that it gave me a headache! The raccoon has to be someone's pet because we don't have wild ones. No skunks, no Indian reservations, and no buses to Vancouver! If this is supposed to take place in Southeast Alaska, there would definitely be more than one float plane. If Annie can come to Elmo on the 'bus from Vancouver' why do cigarettes only show up once a month on the ferry? Surely if a bus can make it to Elmo once a week, a truck could do the same! I actually like the male characters on the show. They are believable and funny. If they change the location from Alaska to somewhere outside of Vancouver (where it's really filmed) I would possibly find it worth watching.

Great Job!!!!

[szantoid · 10/10 · 17 September 2006]

I watched "Men In Trees" Monday night, and both episodes Friday night, and enjoyed all. I think it is well written and well performed. Ann Heche is the perfect person for the lead role. I hope this program continues. I hate when I just get comfortable with a good show and then they get pulled.I have seen Ann in other roles and she is a very good actress. I was also glad to see John Amos. His character as "Buzz" was a good choice. John's humor is always enjoyable. I hope this show has continued success. Good to see a show that is has great wit and humor. You don't have to think about anything but, just enjoy it. The title hits you as soon as the tree limbs fall, and Ann looks up. It did remind me a little of "Northern Exposure", but with more humor. I'm glad to have something funny to watch for a change that's not a reality show. Thanks again, great job!