PILOT REVIEW: Alex, Inc.

ALEX, INC.

Starring: Zach Braff, Tiya Sircar, Hillary Anne Matthews, Elisha Hening, Audyssie James, and Michael Imperioli

Created by Matt Tarses
From the Podcast "Start Up" by Gimlet Media, Inc.
Written by Matt Tarses, Directed by Zach Braff

THE PREMISE
Alex, Inc. is the newest family sitcom to join the ABC lineup. This one is centered on Alex Schuman (Zach Braff), a radio host who quits his job abruptly and decides to start his own podcast company with cousin Eddie (Michael Imperioli) and assistant Deirdre (Hillary Anne Matthews). This sudden life change also requires some understanding from his wife, Rooni (Tiya Sircar) and kids Ben and Soraya (Elisha Hening and Audyssie James).

THE REVIEW
This pilot was sort of a tale of two shows and the direction they go in from here will go a long way to determining if it joins my long list of ABC sitcoms on my watch list. There were two distinct plots going on in the pilot. One was centered on the family and the other on the workplace and they really only integrated a little bit. Although Zach Braff is strong all the way through the pilot (and he directed it as well!), there was definitely a storyline I was much more invested in.

What I liked what was the family. There's a refreshing mixed race marriage at the center of it and a very easy chemistry between Zach Braff and Tiya Sircar. They had some funny interactions with each other and I like where their relationship is headed. And in contrast to Splitting Up Together yesterday, the kids seem very promising, especially the quirky Elisha Hening as the magic-obsessed Ben. The scene at the school with the magic act was predictable but surprisingly endearing. There's a general sweetness with the whole family but it was also funny and a little bit sarcastic.

Not nearly as interesting was the workplace story. Aside from a podcast company not being a very interesting setting, I didn't care for those scenes despite Braff continuing to be strong. Michael Imperioli did not make much of an impact here, I don't think he does comedy all that well. And Hillary Anne Matthews' character barely seemed real and was much closer to a caricature, not to mention annoying. I know the podcast is part of the main plot of this show but I think they would be wise to focus much more on the family. If they're going to do podcast storylines, they'll need some good guest roles to keep it afloat I think.

WILL I WATCH IT AGAIN?
Yes. I'm half hopeful about this show. Maybe half plus a little more thanks to Zach Braff.