By Anna Kovalszki
For the Daily
Welcome to Chicago - "Chicago Sons," that is. "Sons" is yet another family show, with a twist. Instead of portraying an entire family (like "Roseanne" and "Home Improvement"), it follows three brothers living in an apartment overlooking Chicago's Wrigley Field.
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Chicago Sons NBC Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. |
"Chicago Sons" has the potential for greatness, like pre-cursor "Three's Company." The chemistry of that '70s hit is present in this new sitcom - in a brotherly sense - but the comedic aspects are lacking, to say the least.
In one episode, the oldest Kulchak brother, Michael (D.W. Moffett, "Stealing Beauty"), earns so many frequent flyer miles that the whole family and Lindsay have the opportunity to take a vacation in the Bahamas. Never mind the hotel costs. Predictably, everyone on this ill-fated trip runs into problems, if you can call them that.
Mike has the biggest problem/blessing. The owner of the resort, Ms. Parkhurst, falls for him, lavishing him with gifts like Rolex watches. He feels like a slab of meat, the poor soul. Lindsay falls for Raul, a Latino Casanova, who, much to her dismay, is an umbrella boy.
Corny jokes plague the comedy. Picture this: a moonlit night with star-crossed lovers Lindsay and Raul gazing up at the sky. Lindsay: "The stars are so close here." Raul, in a melodic voice: "Just like me, they long to be close to you."
In addition, audiences were pleasantly surprised by Scotty Pippen's cameo as a building owner on Feb. 12. In another episode, who should pop up but Gabrielle Reece, in yet another of the show's sexual innuendo jokes. Unfortunately, though, the comedy too often seems to rely heavily on guest appearances to enhance its appeal.
The unreal circumstances and formulaic script leave even the most avid comedy watcher thirsty for something to wash down all the syrup. But if you're looking for a basic, veg-out-in-front-of-the-television comedy, "Sons" is it.
Paula Marshall, D.W. Moffett, Jason Bateman and David Krumholtz star in "Chicago Sons," on Wednesday nights at 8:30.