PILOT REVIEW: Welcome to Sweden

WELCOME TO SWEDEN

Starring: Greg Poehler, Josephine Bornebusch, Lena Olin, Claes Mansson

Created by Greg Poehler
Written by Greg Poehler, Josephine Bornebusch, & Niclas Carlsson, Directed by Carl Astrand

Welcome to Sweden is a new Swedish comedy created by and starring Greg Poehler (brother of Amy). Poehler plays Bruce Evans, an accountant for celebrities (including Amy) who quits his job so he can move to Sweden with his Swedish girlfriend Emma Wiik (Josephine Bornebusch). Because their place isn't ready, it turns into a Swedish Meet the Parents as Bruce has to deal with Emma's judgmental parents, Viveka and Birger (Lena Olin and Claes Mansson).

THE GOOD: Greg Poehler has some of the same mannerisms that his sister does so well and that helps this show. Specifically, he's a funny reactor to the oddities going on around him. The chemistry between Poehler and Josephine Bornebusch seems genuine. While the show hits two cliches: conflicts with in-laws and the fish out of water concept, the combination of the two cliches actually feels a little fresh. And Amy Poehler's cameo was hilarious.

THE BAD: The problem is that Amy Poehler's cameo was actually the funniest part of the show and that's not a good thing since she's not a series regular. While the show was going for the subtle awkwardness that is a hallmark of shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation, it sometimes came across as too awkward. There were long pauses that seemed to be going for comedic effect but actually just felt uncomfortable.

BOTTOM LINE: This isn't a horrible show by any means but it's also not particularly memorable. While I liked Amy Poehler's cameo, her presence in the show just reminded me that she is funnier than her brother and her show is funnier than this one. It invited unnecessary comparisons. But I might give it another shot if only to learn more about Sweden.