Norm MacDonald

returns to television

If you are still shedding tears over Norm MacDonald's departure from "Saturday Night Live," you can put that box of Kleenex away. After trying his hand as the news commentator on "Live" with no luck, Norm returns to television on a new network with a different date and time. They say practice makes perfect and in this case it seems to be true.

In "The Norm Show," MacDonald plays Norm Henderson, a former professional hockey player who is more famous for his gambling and tax evasion practices rather than his hockey talents. During his probation period, he must perform community service as a social worker. That is where Norm meets Laurie (Laurie Metcalf), better known as Roseanne's neurotic sister Jackie on "Roseanne." Originally Norm's social worker, now she is his co-worker.

Courtesy of APA Norm MacDonald's back, on ABC, that is.

Other stars in the show include Danny (Ian Gomez), another social worker and Mr. Curtis (Bruce Jarchow), the office boss who is just waiting for the day to come when Norm leaves his office.

"The Norm Show" allows MacDonald to showcase his comedic abilities, which was something he was unable to do on "Live." In the premiere episode, Norm is on a mission to stop one of his clients, Taylor (Nikki Cox), from working at a "massage" parlor. With Laurie's help, he must persuade Taylor to quit her job at the parlor.

The best lines and the funniest moments from the show come in the exchanges between MacDonald and Metcalf. The two have great chemistry on scene and the verbal repartee continues without missing a beat. At the "massage" parlor, when Taylor tries to explain to Norm why she chose her job, Norm says, "Must have been some career day at your school." Laurie responds right back with, "There's nothing sadder than a 70 year old prostitute, other than her customers."

The other characters on the show, however, are substandard. Danny is the sidekick, the friend who is always there no matter what. Mr. Curtis is the nasty boss whom everyone talks about behind his back. He hates Norm and uses every opportunity to insult him, while Norm just sits there and takes it. These two are just there to fill the empty desks in the office.

"The Norm Show" works as a showcase for MacDonald and Metcalf to shine and prove their comedic abilities. So tonight while the WB airs reruns, tune into the "The Norm Show." It's a show worth checking out, whether you're a die-hard "Saturday Night Live" fan or just looking for a good laugh.

03-24-99