- Jason Lee, one of NA’s favorite Askew personalities, celebrates the premiere of his own sitcom on NBC television TOMORROW NIGHT! It’s a monumental day seeing the dude who stole the show in Mallrats now sitting as the gem of the Fall sitcom lineup. And there’s even another Askewer rounding out the cast, as well. So naturally, we were pleased to have the chance to catch an early look at the pilot and the script, which we’ve got a capsule review for ahead (minor spoilers, though we’ll save the best jokes for you to discover, never fear):
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By now, you all know the story. Guy leads a dishonest life. Guy wins lottery. Guy discovers karma. Guy decides to right his wrongs. It’s an interesting premise, and one that you can run with for YEARS in 24 minute snippets. Thus, “My Name Is Earl”. But what separates this sitcom from so many others that come with it, came before it, and will come after it?
First off, it’s Jason Lee. As the narrator, star, and hero, Lee’s got a lot to carry on his shoulders with this one. But if was ever an actor that could pull it off, it’s this guy. Immediately, from the show’s onset, in a brilliant introductory montage, we’re filled in on the life of Earl — Past and present. And in just a few short minutes, despite his obvious shortcomings, you already can’t help but love the guy. In five minutes, you’ve not only met Earl, but his wife Joy (Jaime Pressly) and brother Randy (Ethan Suplee). We’re also treated to what hopefully will be a continuing cast of minor characters…”Crab man” Darnell, and a kid that Earl seems to enjoy playing a different sort of game of tag with to name a couple. I found myself immediately sucked into Earl’s world — That trailer park vibe that many are comparing to “Raising Arizona”, played in the same deadpan way. The pilot episode runs more like a short film than a sitcom, thanks mostly to the clever writing, pacing, multiple locations, and, thankfully, LACK of a laugh track. Much like the brilliant “Arrested Development” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “Earl” doesn’t need to cue the audience when to laugh. You just know when.
What else works? Quite simply, the funny. Case in point: A hilarious sequence involving Randy and and unforutnate encounter with beer (one you can only assume will continue throughout the season). Flashbacks are peppered in throughout the program “Family Guy” style…Fast, furious, and often gone before you can even fully process them. With a seemingly unlimited “list” of wrongs to right that our hero is working from, locations and characters can change on a weekly basis, too. I’m hoping they keep the core cast in there but manage to bring on some recurring guest roles — Not to mention, if the show succeeds as well as NBC hopes, imagine the special guest opportunities they can nab for Earl’s past victims. Endless possibilities.
“My Name Is Earl”’s pilot manages to stuff a lot in just 24 minutes — Not only do we meet the cast, and set the stage for Earl’s new life mission — We see hints of a love triangle between the particulars, ongoing conflict with wife Joy, AND witness Earl take his first shot at making good on his promise. The episode comes full circle, and has you ready for week two by the time it ends. Looks to be that rare combination of a witty, clever story, an ongoing plot thread for the faithful watchers, and an entertaining anecdote every week (maybe even a bit of morality tossed in there, for good measure). We’ll say it now: Kevin MUST guest star and direct an episode of this show!!!
We’re predicting “My Name Is Earl” will fulfill the prophecy of leading the pack of the new comedies this year. We hope you’ll tune in tomorrow night at 9 PM on NBC, each and every week — You won’t be sorry.