PILOT REVIEW: The Unicorn

THE UNICORN

Starring: Walton Goggins, Rob Corddry, Omar Miller, Mara Lynne Robinson, Ruby Jay, Makenzie Moss, Devin Bright and Michaela Watkins

Created by Bill Martin, Mike Schiff & Grady Cooper
Teleplay by Bill Martin & Mike Schiff, Story by Bill Martin, Mike Schiff & Grady Cooper, Directed by John Hamburg

I will be honest, when this show was announced I wasn't super interested in it because I didn't know what a unicorn was (aside from the mythical animal). Is it really that common of a term? Enough to title a show after it? I'm not so sure.

However, I'm happy to report that its title is the worst thing about an otherwise very charming sitcom with a super strong ensemble filling out the cast. Centered around widower Wade (Walton Goggins) and his attempts to re-enter the dating world more than a year after his wife's death, this show benefits tremendously from every member of the ensemble pulling their weight. Wade's daughters, Grace and Natalie (Ruby Jay and Makenzie Moss) are both strong in their own ways with Jay able to deliver some deadpan lines to good effect and Moss reveling in the more sarcastic and goofy role. Michaela Watkins is a hoot in her return to a network sitcom after some great moments in the one season wonder Trophy Wife, and Rob Corddry has some funny moments as well, especially when playing off of Watkins. Omar Miller and Mara Lynne Robinson also have good chemistry (Robinson's line about an intervention with her on screen sun (Devin Bright) was a highlight).

But, it's also worth mentioning that this great ensemble would not gel in the way it does if it didn't have someone capable at the center and Walton Goggins, an Emmy nominee for Justified, is delightful as the center character. He is a loving dad, a grieving widower, and an entirely befuddled dater. Goggins glides between these three distinct character traits and has already built a strong chemistry with his on-screen friends and especially his on-screen daughters. While his scene on the date was probably the weakest part of the pilot thanks to a so-so guest star and some weaker writing, Goggins still made it work and had a couple funny moments.

A sitcom does not need to re-invent the wheel to be good. When I watch a sitcom pilot, I don't actually care too much about what the plot is. That's a more important issue when we're talking about dramas. But in a sitcom pilot, I look to see a couple things: is there good writing and is there good chemistry? The first answer is a cautious yes and the second answer is an enthusiastic yes. Who knows if this show will find enough stories to tell but with good characters and good relationships, it certainly has the pieces in place.

WILL I WATCH IT AGAIN?
Yes. I could see this becoming my favorite new comedy of the year.