doctor-38 Reviews

Andy Richter Controls the Universe (2002–2003)

This Just In: Washington Post Full of Beans!

[20 March 2002]

I refer to today's WashPost review of Andy Richter's new comedy, which hit the bricks running last night. The nation's pillar of journalism condemned the show for having nothing fresh to say, and a star who blends into the scenery. I have to disagree. Though I've only seen the first episode, I was impressed right away by Richter's unassuming charm, the cast's ability to convince me that they're co-workers, and the script's winning humor.

I've been aware of Richter's acting ability since I heard a radio play called "AudioPhobia" that he did back in college. I knew there was more to him than sidekick, and I truly hope this series gives him the chance to strut his stuff. Sure, there may be some comic elements here that we've seen before, but jeez, at least it's not the 378th retread of "Friends" being trotted out.

So please, give Andy a try. Remember, if nobody watches this show and it gets canceled, Fox may have to start producing "That 90s Show," and no one wants to see that happen!

Scrubs (2001–2010)

They got it right!

[17 October 2001]

At last, at last, intelligent comedy returns to network television! "Scrubs," NBC's freshman effort, makes almost every other new comedy look (pardon the expression) sick. The cast, led by the affable, puppy-eyed Zach Braff and the dynamite John C. McGinley, have found the ideal mix of realistic humor, absurd humor, and moments of true emotion. The Oct. 16, 2001 episode (in which we are told that one out of every three hospital patients will die there) was a standout.

A couple of items need work, but they are minor. The dangerous janitor joke is wearing very thin, as is the Dr. Kelso character. Ken Jenkins is doing everything he can with it, but a character whose every line starts off smiles and compliments and ends with scowls and insults can only appear so often before you want him transferred.

But these gripes are minor and don't stand in the way of what's shaping up to be a terrific viewing experience. I only hope that NBC gets the message, and moves this show to Thursday night after "Friends," displacing...what's there now? Test pattern? Infomercial? Dog obedience....?

Mysteries of Egypt (1998)

Visually striking, but the dialogue...yeesh!

[2 January 2001]

I caught "Mysteries of Egypt" on New Orleans' IMAX screen, and I must say that visually, it doesn't disappoint at all. The camera work, the scenery, the vistas were all magnificent, as they are in many IMAX travelogues.

Then they turned on the sound, and things went downhill. To tell the story of the discovery of King Tut's tomb, they enlisted Omar Sharif and lil' Kate Maberly. This gives it a family feeling, and allows for some of the most insipid dialogue ever heard on the ten-story screen. This in itself wouldn't be so bad, but the filmmakers allowed some very questionable facts about the creation of the pyramids to slip through. (They were built by legions of happy Egyptian farmers during the off-season, not by the throngs of Israelites they enslaved? C'mon, guys.)

When the film ended, there was a general murmur of dissatisfaction from the crowd, as people felt that they were shown something magnificent... but treated like idiots as they were watching it. By my estimation, that feeling was right on the money.

Rating: (visuals) 8 out of 10 (storyline) 3 out of 10

Boston Public (2000–2006)

Heart in the right place, but...

[24 October 2000]

As a former high school teacher, I looked forward to the premiere of "Boston Public." After its first hour, I can say that the show has its heart in the right place, but it needs to hit the books a bit more. I applaud the series for glorifying the nobility of the teaching profession. But several times during the hour, I found myself saying "Oh, come on!" as teachers, students, and administrators did things in that school that would have gotten them: (a) fired, (b) expelled, (c) killed... Take your pick.

All right, I'll grant you-- the average high school day can be a trifle boring. But "Boston Public" packed so much mayhem into one hour that I expected the vice-principal to stand up in a teacher's meeting and say "Hey, let's be careful out there!"

This show has what it takes to be good. It needs to ease back on the gunplay, the teacher-bashing, the student-bonking, and the platitude-spewing. Once it finds its emotional center, it can settle in and say something meaningful each week.