The Middleman
girl becomes superhero sidekick
Type of Pilot: Fantasy; Action; Comedy
Similar Shows: Doctor Who (girl whisked away to life of adventure by mysterious man), Once A Hero (quaint superhero in modern world), Reaper (under-achiever fights evil),
Strengths: Natalie Morales in a tie. Very sexy.
Weaknesses: You either "get it" or you don't. A love it/loathe it show.
Impressive Characters: Wendy Watson (what a great comic-book name) is impressive from the get-go. She's witty, spunky and looks great in a tie. She rolls with the punches of this odd world she lives in and I'm totally willing to follow her adventures. The Middleman, himself, is a fascinating character. His speech patterns, outlook on life, liking for Wendy and choice in driving music are all brilliant.
Impressive Actors: Natalie Morales is hilarious in the lead role. Quickfire deadpan delivery. Matt Keeslar nails the out-of-this-world quality of The Middleman perfectly. Mary Pat Gleason is hilarious as the secretary and, although he has a small role, Jake Smollett makes a big impression as the guy in the hallway with the guitar.
Less-Than-Impressive Characters: The roommate girl and the boyfriend were a bit bland. I presume future episodes will give these characters more to do, since this episode was more about setting up Wendy and this odd world she lives in.
Less-Than-Impressive Actors: As far as I could tell, this is a solid cast across the board. Brit Morgan and Stephen Sowan are given very little to do here, but what screentime they do get is very good.
Continuity: I presume each episode will detail an oddball case-of-the-week.
Rewatchability: Lots. I can't wait to see this pilot again and savour all the one-liners.
Other Info: Based on the graphic novels by Javier Grillo-Marxuach and Les McClaine.
Other Review: The Futon Critic.
Three Things I Really Like About This Pilot:
Natalie Morales in a tie. Very sexy.
The references to things like The Flash comic, The Avengers tv show and the Shaft movies. I mean, who is this show aimed at? Specifically at me? Whoever is meant to be watching it, I sure will be!
It was laugh-out-loud funny from start to finish. As such, it is impossible to pick out a Best Scene.
Two Things I Really Don't Like About This Pilot:
The wonderful Mary Lynn Rajskub is somewhat wasted in a brief guest role. It's Mary Lynn Rajskub, for frak sake! She should be a recurring baddie or something.
It's just too brilliant to succeed. I loved it. But this thing has cancellation written all over it. I'm not sure anyone will "get it".
Miscellaneous Comments:
Natalie Morales in a tie. Very sexy.
GRADE: A+
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