Pavanbadal of sitcomsonline has posted a preview of the ABC pilots currently in development along with his comments.
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=225051&page=2Here are the ABC pilots in development for mid-season. Please take a look at them and tell me what you think will make it. My comments will be below.
COMEDIES
BAD MOTHER'S HANDBOOK
Single-Camera
Half Hour
CAST
Alicia Silverstone: Karen
Alia Shawkat: Charlotte
Dorian Missick: Dr. Stoller
Megan Mullaly: Nan
CREDITS
Production Companies: ABC Studios, Kaboom Inc.,
Executive Producers/Writers: Jennifer Konner, Alexandra Rushfield
Executive Producers: Stu Bloomberg, Paul Trijbits (Ruby Films), Faye Ward (Ruby Films), Alison Owen (Ruby Films)
Director: Richard Shepard
PLOT
Having a kid while you're a teenager is never easy. The upside is, you're that much closer to your child's age and are bound to have lots in common. The downside: you can't tell your daughter not to start a family as a teenager, because that's just what you did…
Meet Nan, Karen, and Charlotte: grandma, mother, and daughter, ages 48, 32, and 16. Do the math and you'll see Nan had Karen at 16. And Karen had Charlotte at the same age. And if history repeats (as it always seems to), Charlotte's about to follow suit – which means that Mom and Grandma have their work cut out for them. Happily, they all live together in one happy, hectic household, which means they can keep an eye on one another.
And there's a lot to look out for. Nan has had a glorious career as a Hollywood performer… if you define glorious as being an extra on one of the biggest movies ever. And even though Karen knows she's not really the big movie star's secret daughter, she can't help but wonder: what if she is? Karen's peers are a bunch of lackadaisical teachers and the self-important Principal Stoller, to whom she may be a little too attracted. Young Charlotte is the only sensible one in the household, which comes in handy as she's trying to stave off the amorous attentions of her classmate Paul: "he says he loves me, but would he give me his kidney?" Matt, Charlotte's father and Karen's boyfriend (for about 20 minutes) is also on the scene. After offering kind words and friendly advice to Charlotte, he likes to celebrate by doing doughnuts in the parking lot.
Alicia Silverstone (Clueless feature film, Batman and Robin) stars as Karen and Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development) is Charlotte in this wry, wistful, single-camera comedy. Writer/producers Jennifer Konner and Alexandra Rushfield (Help Me Help You and Undeclared), executive producer Stu Bloomberg (Life As We Know It) and the Emmy® Award-winning director of the Ugly Betty pilot Richard Schickel, demonstrate exactly how crazy life can be when you have to play mother and daughter at the very same time. You'll see just how much three generations of women can learn from one another – if they don't kill each other in the process.
FIVE YEAR PLAN
Single-Camera
Half Hour
CAST
Lee Thompson Young: Mutabi
Steve Howey: Mickey Simon
CREDITS
Production Company: Universal Media Studios
Executive Producers/Writers: Joe Port and Joe Wiseman
Director: Gail Mancuso
PLOT
As a Beatle once said, "Life is what happens to us while we're busy making other plans." Don't believe him? Take a look at these five twenty-somethings – plus one who wishes he was – living in Chicago. Filled with naivety and undeterred confidence, they've all got their next five years all mapped out to a 'T'. Of course, for each one, "life happens." And that's where the fun begins.
Fresh out of law school, Mickey wants to move to the Chicago suburbs and settle down, while Darcy, his health-nut girlfriend, is determined to save the planet as long as she doesn't have to miss any meals. Darcy's brother Doug plans to do as little as possible for as long as possible, even though control-freak Judy sees him not as a boyfriend but as a fun makeover project. Mickey's divorced 35-year-old brother Glen is desperately trying to live the twenties he never had, while his roommate Mutabi, a student from Africa, is always on hand to offer Glen deep wisdom and incredible lamb chops. These three sometimes-odd couples hang out together as friends, lovers, roommates, or rivals. And when one plan meets another, the sparks really fly.
From writers Joe Port and Joe Wiseman (The Office, Just Shoot Me, Son of the Beach) comes an energetic, freewheeling ensemble comedy that's set very much in the present, but always looking towards the future. As this group of (mostly) twenty-somethings gets caught between who they think they are and who they are yet to become, there is a lot for them to discover. And as they learn, when the best-laid five-year plans go astray, you can always laugh about it later.
NEVER BETTER
Single-Camera
Half Hour
CAST
Damon Wayans: Keith
CREDITS
Production Companies: ABC Studios and The Littlefield Co.
Executive Producer/Writer: David Walpert
Executive Producers: Warren Littlefield, John Heyman (World Productions)
Director: Marc Buckland
PLOT
For recovering alcoholic Keith, being the perfect husband and father is a sobering ambition. Despite his best, misguided efforts, Keith always finds himself at least 12 steps away from doing the right thing... and just around the corner from complete chaos.
Based on the addictive BBC series of the same name, Never Better introduces us to a family unlike any other. Wife Allison, Keith's college sweetheart, is a former party girl-turned-mother. Now, she's busy raising three children… ages four, seven and 33.
When he's not causing trouble at home, Keith's wreaking havoc with his second family -- his AA group. No-nonsense sponsor Linda keeps him on his toes, but his occasional missteps are a hard habit to break. With a mix of warmth, humor and heart, Keith acquires a real thirst for life... flaws and all.
Damon Wayans (My Wife and Kids) stars as a charming-but-challenged dad hooked on life's sweetest addiction… family. Never Better is an intoxicating single-camera comedy from executive producers David Walpert (Sports Night), Warren Littlefield and John Heyman and Emmy award-winning director Mark Buckland (My Name is Earl).
ROMAN'S EMPIRE
Single-Camera
Half Hour
CAST
TBD
CREDITS
Production Companies: Katalyst Films & Television, Tiger Aspect, CBS Paramount Television
Executive Producer/Writer: Al Higgins
Executive Producers: Karey Burke, Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Andrew Zein, Ben Cavey
Director: Marc Buckland
PLOT
You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family. What happens when your family picks you? Ask Leo Park. Leo gets caught up in a whirlwind that is the Pretty family. This family, who seemingly has everything, just doesn't work without Leo. He is the one thing that keeps the Prettys just this side of crazy. Leo also comes to realize that he doesn't quite work without the Prettys either.
For the last 10 years Leo and Nikki (the middle of three Pretty daughters) have been in love. Everything changes when Nikki dumps Leo for Seb. Roman, the patriarch of the family and one of the richest men in America feels bad for Leo, but can see why Seb has won her over. Seb is interestingly bizarre and entertaining. Even though Leo is no longer dating his daughter, Roman won't let Leo out of his life. Roman insists on smothering Leo with his wonderful, crushing love. The rest of the family can't bear to lose him either. Leo has always been the brother they've never had. He set up his good friend Jace with the eldest daughter Jenny. He also counsels the smartest and youngest daughter Kelly who is desperately trying to be a tabloid star. Perhaps most importantly Leo is a protector for a family that isn't equipped to protect themselves.
From Executive Producer Ashton Kutcher (Miss Guided, Beauty and the Geek, Punk'd) and Tiger Aspect (Mr. Bean). Based on a 2007 BBC series that instantly achieved cult like status.
THIS MIGHT HURT
Single-Camera
Half Hour
CAST
Tom Amandes: Dr. Mitch Malinow
Josh Dean: Dr. Ethan Malinow
Missi Pyle: Dr. Sandy Kiernan
Hayes MacArthur: Reid Traveiso
Vanessa Lengies: Lily Birdsall
Alex Meneses: Sofia Venezuela
CREDITS
Production Company: 20th Century Fox Television
Executive Producer/Writer/Director: Jason Winer
Executive Producers: Matt Weinberg, Todd Komarnicki
PLOT
The legendary Dr. Mitch is back! Los Angeles' most in-demand pediatrician has made a triumphant return to his practice after months of world travel, and the appointment books are already full. Lugging didgeridoos and totems, and still bereaved over the death of a baby yak, Mitch has returned to dispense his patented blend of wisdom, charm, and medical advice. Never mind that the entire staff wants him to take a drug test before going back to work – everybody's celebrating, all the same.
Everybody, that is, except for his son Ethan. A newly-minted doctor who's just finished his residency, Ethan's a walking encyclopedia of minor health conditions; now that Dad's back, he's suffering from most of them. Next door, smart, strong OB/GYN Sandy warns her patients not to be fooled by men – yet can't take a dose of her own medicine now that manly Mitch is back. (She's socked away a bottle of Jack from her hair-metal groupie days for when the temptation's too much.)
Meanwhile, sexy, vain Sofia, former Latin soap star and current office manager, is furious. She's threatened by Mitch's chirpy new hire Lily Birdsall and is buying beauty products made from endangered species in an attempt to preserve her youth. Ethan's fiancée Claire is upset too, not only because Mitch is a bad influence on Ethan, but because the famous pediatrician is her dad's number one rival. Only Reid, a male nurse and proud of it, isn't bothered. He's making a bundle on the side, running a bookie joint out of his nursing station – if he can keep his sports stats separate from the all-important patient records…
Partially scripted, partially improvised, and totally hilarious, This Might Hurt is written, directed and produced by Jason Winer of You, Me, and Dupree and Van Wilder and produced by Todd Komarnicki of Elf. This uproarious workplace comedy proves that being able to heal other people doesn't mean that you're healthy to start with. Yes, This Might Hurt… but only when you laugh. Which, in this case, will be plenty.
FOURPLAY
Muilt-Camera
Half Hour
TBD
CREDITS
Executive Producers: David Kohan and Max Mutchnick
PLOT
Multi-Camera comedy about two men - one straight, one gay - who are lifelong best friends/business partners that find their relationship threatened after each begin serious romantic relationships.
SINGLE WITH PARENTS
Single-Camera
Half Hour
CAST
Alyssa Milano: Lou(isa)
Annie Potts: Elizabeth
Beau Bridges: Amanda
Amanda Detmer: Sasha
Eric Winter: Charlie
CREDITS
Production Companies: DreamWorks, ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Kristin Newman
Executive Producers: Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank
PLOT
Meet Louisa. We'll call her Lou. This wistful mid-30's gal is thrilled that her divorced parents are leading exciting lives apart – really she is. Except both of them rely on Lou way too much: Dad needs her as a surrogate parent, and Mom counts on her 24/7 as a shrink and confidante. Hoping to finally live a full life all her own, Lou asks the universe for three teeny-tiny favors: A perfect wife for her dad. A perfect best friend for her mom. And the perfect guy for her. As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for…
Before she knows it, she finds herself at Dad's house meeting Nancy, a sweet and generous aquarium tour guide who's soon to become Lou's new stepmom. Although Dad's crazy about Nancy, his two younger kids (Lou's half-siblings) can't stand her. Strike one. Meanwhile, Lou does meet Mr. Right, a hunky and sensitive Matthew McConaughey type who likes her, too, but he turns out to be Nancy's son, and Lou's own brother-to-be! Strike two. Finally, Lou's well-meaning mom announces she's finally found the companion she's been looking for all her life – Lou herself! Strike three? Perhaps, but it never hurts to have a mom on the scene…
Writer-producer Kristin Newman (That 70's Show, How I Met Your Mother) digs deep into her own history – and heart – to bring forth this wise, warm, witty half-hour. Alyssa Milano (Charmed, Who's the Boss) stars as the sweet, slightly-off, center of this family that's way too closely knit. From DreamWorks Television (Undeclared, Freaks and Geeks) comes a fast-paced comedy that has you rooting for Lou to find her way.
IN THE MOTHERHOOD
Single-Camera
Half Hour
TBD
DRAMA
CAPTAIN COOK'S AMAZING ADVENTURES (AKA CAPTAIN COOK'S EXTRAORDINARY ATLAS)
One Hour
CAST
TBA
CREDITS
Production Company: Warner Bros. Television
Executive Producer/Writer: Tom Wheeler
Executive Producer/Director: Tommy Schlamme
PLOT
For years it has been rumored that one of the greatest adventurers in history, Captain James Cook documented only a portion of his amazing voyages in the diary he presented to King George VI, secreting his most wondrous discoveries away in a second extraordinary atlas. This legendary atlas is said to have documented a fantastical world of adventure and magic that exists right beside our own. This elusive book has allegedly been passed down from one navigator to the next for centuries... finally finding its way into the hands of our heroine Gwen Malloy at the beginning of our pilot. But unlike the famed adventurers that have preceded her, our heroine is only 13-years-old.
This daring, unprecedented fantasy drama combines the action and humor of the Harry Potter movies with the mystical frights of Pan's Labyrinth. With its humor, suspense and sophistication, this fantasy adventure has a strong adult appeal, while also being an accessible family-friendly show.
Quirky Gwen Malloy isn't like most 13-year-old girls: she yearns for something more in life. And after she finds Captain Cook's Extraordinary Atlas, she is certainly going to get what she wished for. The Atlas will lead Gwen on many adventures, to a variety of strange lands—some wonderful, some terrifying. Thankfully, she doesn't always have to go alone. Her only real comrade in arms turns out to be an Indiana Jonesish rogue named Bishop, who has grudgingly vowed to help Gwen stay out of trouble—both in this world and the other one. But keeping her adventures a secret from her family may prove harder than anticipated as deep mysteries surrounding her roots and her future open up before her.
Legions of fans both old and young will tune in each week to join Gwen on another journey of discovery into unknown realms… as one more glowing page turns in Captain Cook's Extraordinary Atlas.
CASTLE
One Hour
CAST
Nathan Fillion: Castle
Molly Quinn: Alexis
Ruben Santiago-Hudson: Capt. Montgomery
CREDITS
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Andrew Marlowe
Executive Producers: Laurie Zaks, Armyan Bernstein
Director: Rob Bowman
PLOT
Cross a mystery novelist with a rock star and you would get Nick Castle. He's got Jagger's swagger and James Bond's way with the ladies. Although the handsome writer seems to have everything—fame, fans, and females—he's grown weary of it all. In fact, he's just killed off the legendary character who's sold millions of books for him. But when a real-world copycat murderer starts staging murder scenes from Nick's novels and NYPD Detective Beckett asks him for help, Nick feels the old blood pumping in his veins again. Is it the thrill of the chase—or the fact that Beckett is a strikingly beautiful woman?
When Nick's freewheeler detective style clashes with Beckett's conservative approach, the sparks certainly fly—leading to both danger and a hint of romance. Keeping him grounded are his washed-up Broadway diva mother and his quick-witted teenage daughter; his poker playing buddies James Patterson, Sue Grafton, and Stephen King; and his long-suffering ex-wife Gina, who also happens to be his editor.
From producer Armyan Bernstein (Spy Game, The Guardian, Children of Men) comes a comedic crime procedural centered around smooth yet self-effacing literary phenomenon Nick Castle. If it was a book, you wouldn't be able to put it down.
CUPID
One Hour
CAST
Bobby Cannavale: Cupid/Trevor
CREDITS
Production Companies: ABC Studios and Sony Pictures Television
Executive Producer/Writer: Rob Thomas
Executive Producers: Jennifer Gwartz, Danielle Stokdyk
Director: Bharat Nalluri
PLOT
Like any big city, New York has its share of characters. But the newest one isn't like the rest. For starters, his goal in life is to help people fall in love, which isn't such a bad thing. But he says he must create 100 happily-ever-afters in order to return to his home—Mount Olympus. Because he's Cupid, the ancient Roman god of love. Duh. He claims being punished by the other Gods for the modern world's sorry state of love, and was sent to Earth without his famed bow and arrow, to rediscover what really makes love work.
As fate would have it, Cupid, sometimes known as Trevor Hale, is under the care of famous psychologist and self-help author Dr. Claire Allen. Even though Claire disagrees with Trevor's methods, she can't argue with the sentiment, since she too is dedicated to helping lonely hearts find their soul mates. But these two experts in love couldn't be more different: he believes love blooms fast and carnal and passionate, while she thinks it grows slowly, moderately and sensibly. While he busies himself making matches, she endeavors to figure out who Trevor really is. Is he a man who's losing his mind after the loss of his one true love? Is he really crazy? Or (gulp) is he really Cupid?
From writer-creator Rob Thomas (Veronica Mars) comes a re-imagining of his 1998 cult favorite series of the same name. Bobby Cannavale stars in this romantic-comedy procedural that will match up a new loving couple each week, though romance may not always bloom quite where we expect it to. This warm, witty series is a charming reminder that even though true love may be madness… it's the only thing keeping us sane.
FINNEGAN
One Hour
CAST
Dominick Lombardozzi: Tony Carbo
Will Yun Lee: Taki
Jacob Vargas: Smash
Malachi Weir: Det. Mutt Mackenzie
Tzi Ma: Commander Michael Chu
CREDITS
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Trent Jones
Executive Producer: Francie Calfo
Director: Gary Fleder
PLOT
For most of us, a job is just a job. But then there are people like Erin Finnegan, for whom work is everything and a personal life is just the uneasy time spent while the office is closed.
Finnegan is a cop, head of the LAPD's Organized Crime and Vice Unit, and she rides every case like a roller coaster, reveling in the highs and lows, hooked on pure adrenaline, hanging on for dear life. When an investigation goes from good to bad, so does Finnegan's mood—swinging wildly from giddy joy to furious rage. As her co-workers say, "She's all sunshine… until the clouds roll in." But one thing's for sure: she gets the job done. She's a brilliant sleuth who inspires her crew. And she knows no fear, doing whatever it takes to crack the case. Even if it means putting her career or her life on the line.
Finnegan has an A-team of detectives who support her cause… McCants and Carbo have learned to take the job's challenges (and their boss' moods) with a grain of salt. They are Finnegan's go-to team to back her up. Detectives Mutt and Smash are experts in LA's countless organized gangs and crime syndicates. Finnegan also has her ex-husband Deputy DA Clark to help with last-minute wiretaps and injunctions.
Her nemesis happens to be her boss, Commander Chu. He's a careerist who's more interested in the politics of policing than the policing itself. He's a constant obstacle for Finnegan to overcome.
Finnegan is a hard-edged, character-driven drama that proves that the best man for the job is sometimes a woman.
GOOD BEHAVIOR
One Hour
CAST
Catherine O'Hara: Jackie West
Patrick J. Adams: Van/Haden West
Mae Whitman: Roxy West
Stephanie Lemelin: Tawny West
CREDITS
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Rob Thomas
Executive Producers: Jennifer Gwartz, Danielle Stokdyk
Director: Charles McDougall
PLOT
Like any other middle-aged Las Vegas mom, Jackie West just wants the best for her teen and adult kids. But lately, things have taken a downward turn. Having her husband go to prison for running a chop shop was bad. Watching her kids turn to criminal acts was worse. But when a family friend gets killed trying to escape the police, Jackie puts her foot down. Rather than gamble with crime, this Sin City mom decides to bankroll a sure thing: the straight life.
Of course, getting her kids on board won't be easy. Van's ripped off so many rides he can jack a car in his sleep. Tawny's gorgeous enough to get herself in trouble, and clever enough to escape—sometimes. And sharp young Roxy just skipped six weeks of school by blackmailing the principal. Only Haden seems to value the law, and that's probably because he's a lawyer. But even he is not above being tempted to fall into bad old habits. And although Jackie's too old to squeeze into a cocktail waitress miniskirt, she's still determined to keep her family on the right track—even if it means bending the rules.
Veronica Mars writer-creator Rob Thomas once again rewrites the rules of television genres with an edgy, soapy drama—one in which a different kind of family trying to live an honest life keeps getting pulled into the same old risky mischief. But, as Jackie West believes, even the Las Vegas strip can be a straight and narrow path—if you play your cards right.
PRINCE OF MOTOR CITY
One Hour
CAST
Warren Christie: Billie Hamilton
Piper Perabo: Meg Riley
Aunjanue Ellis: Cora Neel
CREDITS
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Jessica Goldberg
Executive Producers: Hamish Linklater, Bert Salke, Chris Brancato
Director: Jack Bender
PLOT
To be an auto tycoon… or not to be? That's the problem plaguing philosophy lecturer Billy Hamilton. His father, the legendary William Hamilton III of Hamilton Motor Works, was just killed in a mysterious accident. And when Billy returns home for the funeral, he's shocked to discover that his father left him… everything. The factory. The assets. Detroit's fourth-biggest auto plant. All the power and wealth he can imagine. But Billy's not sure if he wants it.
Because the situation back home has gotten strange indeed. Company CFO and family friend Paul Riley is outraged that he wasn't given the keys to the kingdom. Billy's unfinished romance with Riley's spunky daughter Meg is heating up again. And Billy's mom and his Uncle Charlie seem to be consoling one another in much too cozy a fashion—do they know more about William's death than they're letting on?
But all this pales in comparison to the eerie goings-on around the plant. Billy's being haunted by a song… a moody Elvis song that was his father's favorite. He's getting mysterious, meaningful messages from complete strangers. At a dinner party, he chats with an empty seat next to him—which chats back. Finally, a ghost that could only be his father tells Billy in a croaking voice: "I want revenge."
An epic, Gothic, family melodrama with overtones of Hamlet, The Prince of Motor City injects corporate and familial intrigue with supernatural suspense. Produced by actor Hamish Linklater of The New Adventures of Old Christine, this riveting drama tells the story of a modern-day monarch with method in his madness… and vengeance in his heart.
UNTITLED DAVID HEMINGSON PROJECT
One Hour
CAST
Matt Long: Dylan
Morena Baccarin: Beth Bancroft
Ben Lawson: Liam Priory
Tina Majorino: Addy Fisher
Norbert Leo Butz: Rowdy Kaiser
CREDITS
Production Company: 20th Century Fox Television
Executive Producer/Writer: David Hemingson
Director: Dean Parisot
PLOT
In the cutthroat legal profession, Dylan Hewitt is a real rarity: a nice guy. Against his better instincts, he's taken his first job out of law school at L.A.'s toughest firm: Sterling, Huddle, Oppenheim, and Craft—the kind of place where they eat opposing counsel for breakfast and each other for lunch. Dylan shows up early on his first day and discovers he's actually late—10 days late—a fact that his new boss Cliff will never forgive. Because of that, Rowdy, the freewheeling recruiter who promised Dylan the world, is giving him the brush-off. Has Dylan grabbed the opportunity of a lifetime—or signed a deal with the devil?
Though the firm isn't exactly a nurturing haven, there's no shortage of excitement. The firm's colorful clients include entrepreneurial porn stars and corporate raiders with GPS-implanted testicles. Fellow associate Liam, quite the ladies' man, finds himself turned on by his boss Susan, who's also Cliff's bickering wife. Cheerful, homespun Addy doesn't think twice about throwing lone wolf Beth under the bus to nab a better job with eccentric partner Lou. And when Dylan finds comfort in the arms of receptionist Tanya, the firm's only other decent human being, he doesn't know he's stealing Cliff's personal property…
Equal parts Entourage, Melrose Place and L.A. Law, the legal procedural combines realistic proceedings with romance, intrigue, and plenty of laughs in colorful cases each week. There's plenty of evidence for Dylan to realize that to succeed as an attorney… he'll have to take the law into his own hands. Based on the real-life experiences of writer/creator David Hemingson (How I Met Your Mother co-executive producer).
THE UNUSUALS
One Hour
CAST
Monique Gabriela: Cuman "Det. Alison Beaumont"
CREDITS
Production Company: Sony Pictures Television
Executive Producer/Writer: Noah Hawley
Executive Producer: Peter Tolan
Director: Stephen Hopkins
PLOT
As a cop, it helps to have a twisted sense of humor—because every moment could be your last. Just ask Casey Shraeger. She started her day as an NYPD vice detective posing as a Lincoln Tunnel hooker before unexpectedly being transferred to the homicide division. Casey quickly realizes that not only does everyone in her new department have a distinct sense of humor but everyone also has their own dirty little secret…
Sgt. Brown is lusting after Detective Beaumont. Detective Delahoy is nursing a brain tumor and trying to die a noble death in the line of duty. His partner Detective Banks just turned 52 and fears that, like his father, he won't make it to 53. Detective Cole is deeply religious but has a shady past. And although Casey's new partner, Detective Walsh, appears to be clean, while investigating the murder of his former partner, Casey uncovers evidence that suggests that even Walsh may have a secret or two.
Casey has a secret of her own. She grew up wealthy and privileged in New York high society and became a cop because she saw first hand how money can buy justice. As she learns from the precinct's mysterious and seldom-seen Lt. Little, Casey was brought to the homicide division because she's one of the few honest cops in the district. And with her help, Lt. Little plans to start cleaning house.
Equal parts NYPD Blue and The Office, The Unusuals is a unique comedic procedural whose realistic setting makes the frequent laughs that much more outrageous. Writer Noah Hawley (a producer on Bones) confidently takes the police procedural into fresh, uncharted waters. Stephen Hopkins (24, Californication) directs.
SECTION 8
One Hour
TBD
CREDITS
Executive Producers: Gail Berman, Lloyd Braun, Zak Penn
Creator: Michael Karnow
PLOT:
Drama about a team of everyday people with advanced neurological abnormalities who work for a secret government agency
ALREADY PICKED-UP:
COMEDY
THE GOODE FAMILY
Mid Season
Tuesday 9:30
Half Hour
VOICE CAST
Mike Judge: Gerald Goode
Nancy Carell: Helen Goode
Dave Herman: Ubuntu Goode
Abby Elliot: Bliss Goode
CREDITS
Production Companies: MRC (Media Rights Capital) and 3 Arts Entertainment
Executive Producers/Writers: Mike Judge, David Krinsky, John Altschuler
Executive Producers: Michael Rotenberg, Tom Lassally
Director: Wes Archer
PLOT
Doing the right thing isn't as simple as it looks. Recycling burns energy. Herbal remedies deplete the rainforests. Supporting local growers takes money away from third-world farmers. At least you can skip those waste-causing shopping bags at the Whole Earth Market. But how the heck do you get everything home on your bicycle?
No, it ain't easy being good, especially for the Goode family. Every time they try to do the right thing, it somehow turns out wrong. Just ask Gerald, the liberal Quaker who's head of the household. He's a community college teacher intent on bringing out the good in other people, even if they don't want him to. Mother Helen comes from a politically incorrect family and is desperately overcompensating with organic cleaning products that don't quite work. Daughter Bliss is a teenager who could care less about being sexually active, but her parents are urging her to find her… bliss. And Ubuntu is the Goode's adoptive African child who, due to a mix-up, is actually South African – and just as white as they are! While dealing with virginity pledges, responsible shopping, meddlesome neighbors, and YouTube paparazzi, the Goodes are finding that changing the world is a lot harder than it looks.
With The Goode Family, celebrated King of the Hill and Office Space creator Mike Judge makes his long-awaited return to primetime animation. He rejoins writer/producer partners David Krinsky and John Altschuler to create a brilliant, barbed satire-skewering eco-conscious, socially-responsible living – one that liberals and conservatives alike will find utterly hilarious. Because if it's hard being politically correct, it's 10 times harder being Goode.
DRAMA
LIFE ON MARS
Thursdays 10:00pm Fall
One Hour
CAST
Jason O'Mara: Sam Tyler
Rachelle LeFevre: Annie Cartwright
Colm Meaney: Gene Hunt
Lenny Clarke: George Randall
CREDITS
Production Company: 20th Century Fox Television, David E. Kelley Productions
Executive Producer/Writer: David E. Kelley
Executive Producers: Tommy Schlamme and Bob Breech
Director: Tommy Schlamme
PLOT
In the midst of a difficult serial killer investigation, LAPD Detective Sam Tyler goes against his better judgment and allows his girlfriend and fellow detective, Maya Robertson, to search a suspect's home by herself. When things take a terrible turn and Maya disappears, Sam is devastated. Despondent and in shock, he wanders aimlessly around town and is hit by a car. He wakes up to discover he's in 1972—without a scratch on him—and still in the LAPD.
Welcomed by his new colleagues as a "transfer", Sam finds himself thrust into a world where cops routinely rough up suspects to get answers and political correctness is years in the future. While being ordered around by his Archie Bunker-like, take-no-prisoners boss, Gene Hunt, Sam initially refuses to accept his situation. Unsure whether he is hallucinating, in a coma, or if he has actually gone back in time, he ultimately theorizes that if he is able to solve the case for Hunt, perhaps he will be transported back to 2008. He clings to this as his only hope of saving Maya.
But detective work in 1972 is very different from detective work in 2008. Sam is forced to operate in a world without forensic evidence and even more challenging, adjust to the cultural and social differences of a 1972 police precinct. His modern, methodical manner brings him into constant conflict with Hunt and his team, who naturally operates in a more old-fashioned way. They're not scared of throwing punches or using ethically-questionable tactics to get results. Sam does find one ally in the precinct's lone female detective, Annie Cartwright. Annie seems to be the only person who believes in Sam's ability to solve crimes, despite his insistence that he is from the future. Through the course of his investigation, Sam eventually comes to realize there just may be a connection between the case he's investigating in 1972 and events in the present day.
Adapted from the hit British series, Life on Mars combines a crime of the week with ongoing intrigue.
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MY COMMENTS:
Comedy: I'd really like to see Bad Mother's Handbook, Fourplay, Single with Parents, and In the Motherhood picked-up. Fourplay and In the Motherhood got some previews at upfront yesterday!
Drama: ABC always has good dramas in development the last 5-6 seasons, and it continues here. I'd like to see Captain Cook's Amazing Adventures, Good Behavior, Prince of Motor City and Cupid picked-up!
