PILOT REVIEW: Undateable

UNDATEABLE

Starring: Chris D'Elia, Brent Morin, Bianca Kajlich, Ron Funches, David Fynn, Rick Glassman, Briga Heelan

Created by Adam Sztykiel
Written by Adam Sztykiel, Directed by Scott Ellis

Undateable is a new multi-camera sitcom centered on a bunch of "undateable" guys in Detroit. Confident man-child Danny (Chris D'Elia) has seen all his friends get married and he is in search of some new friends. He finds a gang of misfits at Black Eyes Bar including owner Justin (Brent Morin), newly gay Brett (David Fynn), nerdy Burski (Rick Glassman), and odd Shelly (Ron Funches). Rounding out the main cast is Danny's sister Leslie (Bianca Kajlich).

THE GOOD: There are some funny things here: the gang at the bar have pretty good dynamics with each other and play a good group of loveable losers. I was mixed on Chris D'Elia but he had some very funny moments with comedic timing, such as yelling after his departing roommate. Finally, I want to see more of Ron Funches! He was in the pilot for Enlisted and made me laugh, and then he was very funny here. I don't know what it is about him but I just think his delivery is always funny, even if he's a bit of a one-trick pony.

THE BAD: There were some jokes that felt quite flat. As I said, I liked D'Elia in some parts but he was definitely overacting in other parts, especially with how insults were "bouncing" off him - the worst recurring joke of the episode. The weakest member of the cast in the pilot was Rick Glassman, whose character just seems like too much of a caricature. I don't know if the odd couple relationship between D'Elia and Brent Morin as roommates is going to work. I think this show is better off focusing on the ensemble than just those two.

BOTTOM LINE: I'm really surprised NBC didn't find a place for this during the regular season because it's a safe, comfortable sitcom that goes down easily. It's hard for multi-camera sitcoms to find their rhythm early and this was hit and miss, as to be expected. But the potential is there as long as they tone down stupid recurring jokes and focus on the relationships between the ensemble.