I really feel confused. There seems to be an overwhelming sense of animosity toward this show.In a world where HOT IN CLEVELAND is a hit, it makes me sad that so many people don't seem to appreciate the nuance and detail that have gone into this show. There are some reviews here that don't even make much sense.They're just plain angry. (One review actually criticized the hair color of one of the actors!) I say, relax people. If you don't find it to your liking don't watch. But for those of us that do, (it's already a hit in the UK as well as on SHOWTIME) it is a subtle and sophisticated pleasure that doesn't pander to it's audience. This show is about a married couple and their relationship. It's set in the world of television but the TV aspect is secondary. I hadn't seen the two British leads before but I totally love their chemistry. It feels much more honest than most TV relationships. Both actors are subtle and complicated and I can totally buy the fact that they're married. I thought the first episode did exactly what it had to do which is introduce a whole lot of characters plus set up this couple's journey. As for not being funny, I am at a complete loss. John Pankow established "Merc Lapides" in twenty seconds. How could you not laugh at his references to his bigoted New Jersey grandmother, his alcohol addiction, his cancer? And "Carol Rance", the network exec, made me laugh at just about everything she said. Ditto the head of comedy who with just a few grimaces and groans created a hysterical and memorable character. I feel that this is not a show for the masses. It was clearly never meant to be. It's a small gem of a show that respects it's audience and has it's own very unique voice. Thank You SHOWTIME for presenting it.
