If "3rd Rock From the Sun" and "The Muppet Show" were to conceive a child, the warped product would undoubtedly be "Lost on Earth," USA network's newest original comedy. Brought to you by creative people who obviously have strange but great senses of humor, "Lost on Earth" is a fresh and funny look at our planet and species.
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Lost On Earth USA Sat. at 7 p.m., Tues. at midnight |
At first glance, "Lost On Earth" looks like a cheesy show with little or no entertainment value. Most adults would be appalled at the thought of watching goofy hand puppets not unlike the ones they worshiped in kindergarten. But with a strong group of actors and writing that can be witty and fresh at times, "Lost On Earth" provides moments of sparked humor.
The show has two major themes: One involving Rudy and his determined pursuit of success, and the other involving the aliens and their pursuit to get back home.
Whether the episode involves Rudy and his dealings with his boss (Paul Gleason from "The Breakfast Club") and his girlfriend Sherry (Stacy Galina), or the aliens trying to track down their Prince in order to return to their planet, there is always a level of silliness that people who are bored with the same old sitcoms can appreciate.
Conlon and Galina work well as a comic team, with Conlon playing the role of Mr. Ambition, and Galina portraying a girl who is used to getting everything she wants (her father is the station manager and Rudy's boss).
Another amusing character on the show is Nick (Victor Togunde), Rudy's good friend and confidant. This eccentric and hilarious character is a definite bright spot to look out for, as he always has some wacky advice to give Rudy.
The interaction between the people on the show allows the makers of "Lost" to satire the cutthroat nature of the television business, as the station manager and his assistant (George Greckin) throw out the most outrageous show ideas they are convinced will amuse the public. They are delusional to the point where they believe that people will even enjoy watching a gardening show hosted by a naked man.
The puppet aliens are also a fun group to watch. Each with their own distinct personalities, they poke fun at humans and our mannerisms with a great deal of sarcasm and wit. In one especially funny episode where they believe that Michael Richards from TV's "Seinfeld" is their Prince, they obsessively track him down in stalker fashion, charting his every move.
These puppets may very well be the best characters on the show, and never fail to produce at least some level of humor as they toy with the sometimes unsuspecting humans.
"Lost On Earth" may not be the funniest show on TV, but it is probably one of the funniest shows on the USA Network. Its bizarre and unique premise combined with strong acting and clever writing is worth watching at least a few times to get a feel for its humor. You shouldn't be disappointed.
So until those deranged aliens find a way back home, earthlings will continue to get the pleasure of watching their wild and hilarious adventures on this crazy place we called Earth.
Join the wacky puppets of USA's "Lost On Earth" on Saturdays and Tuesdays.