US TV

In the US: Wednesdays, 10/9c, ABC

Since ABC is chucking these out at two a week, it’s time for a fourth-episode verdict on Happy Endings, the new rom-com in which Elisha Cuthbert dumps her boyfriend at the altar and all their friends have to pick sides. At least, that’s what the plot is in theory, but this is basically Friends for the 21st century.

Now, after a very promising beginning, the second episode was slightly less funny but still very promising: single girl about town Penny is dissatisfied with her non-stereotypical, slightly chubby, fashionless gay best friend, Max, so tries to get a Sex and the City-style stereotype upgrade instead.

However, episode three became a very odd affair, with a slightly ridiculous plot about a man living in the ceiling (don’t ask). Episode four was a return to form, with Max having to decide whether to come out to his parents, and featured a particularly funny end sketch, which I won’t spoil for you if you didn’t watch it.

So far, as you might have guessed, the gay character has proved the standout, with Elisha Cuthbert and the former fiancé getting reassuringly little to do. But Eliza Coupe’s OCD, Monica-equivalent, Jane, and her husband Brad (Damon Wayans Jr) have also proved to be worth the entry price. The acting’s still a bit shocking, but the scripts and characters are sound.

Given the rate ABC at which is burning these off, I don’t suspect the show is long for this world, but I’d love it to succeed since it is actually very funny. Fingers crossed, word of mouth will spread and people will start watching before it’s too late.

Carusometer rating: 2
Rob’s prediction: Will probably be cancelled by the end of the season, but it deserves to do better

In the US: Wednesdays, 9.30/8.30c, Fox

Well, it’s still limping along, which is more than can be said for the just-cancelled The Paul Reiser Show, so let’s give this baby a third-episode verdict. As you may recall from the first episode review, this is a crime caper show crossed with The Office, in which Bret Harrison has to help Christian Slater run his security firm by breaking into things, all while avoiding office pranks and trying to woo his co-worker, Odette Annable née Yustman. 

Since the first episode, things have changed a little. Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor from Smallville) has become a member of the team, the show has basically become Bret Harrison’s previous, much better show The Loop in everything but name and workplace, and we’ve had a nifty guest appearance by Alyssa Milano as Christian Slater’s ex-wife. But this is a comedy in name only and the heist scenes are pretty poor. 

Slater is great, as is Rosenbaum, but they are the only two things going for this show. Avoid.

Carusometer rating: 4
Rob’s prediction: Cancelled before the end of the season