Michael who? The new Kramer show debuts on NBC

By Jim Schiff

Daily Arts Writer

Kramer? Where's Kramer? You'll probably be asking yourself the same question after witnessing "The Michael Richards Show." Despite the entourage of three former "Seinfeld" writers/producers and a veteran supporting cast, Michael Richards has little to work with in this tired new comedy.

Richards stars as Vic Nardozza, a sleazy private detective who is willing to use unconventional methods to solve his cases. In the pilot episode, a frazzled client (guest star Michael Hagerty) enlists Nardozza's help to investigate his wife's extramarital activities. When his enlisted woman-baiter Mitch (Johnny Lee Miller clone Hamilton Von Watts) refuses the job, Nardozza tackles the assignment himself, creating some awkward social situations.

The problem with the show is that these awkward situations are uncomfortable for the actors as well. While Richards runs his one-man show, the supporting cast is left to sulk around the office alphabetizing case files. The agency's owner, Brady McKay (William Devane, "Payback") is the only one who registers. His sarcastic wit and laid-back attitude provide at least a slight contrast to the neurotic Nardozza. New recruit Stacey Devers (Amy Farrington, "ER") seems to be added only for her pretty face: She has no opportunities to flex her comic chops or even develop distinct personality traits.

Kevin (Tim Meadows) and Jack (Bill Cobbs, "The Others") are two more talents that have gone to waste. In their subplot, Kevin is confounded by Jack's unexplained hostility toward him. Kevin then writes a poem to express his admiration for Jack, which will, of course, inevitably cause Jack to rethink his behavior and make up. In what could have been a comical situation, Cobbs is forced to deliver pathetic one-liners in his James Earl Jones-esque voice. A dreadlocked Meadows, generally hilarious, must have had to grit his teeth to portray his whiney character.

With poor writing and an inactive supporting cast, Richards is left on his own to carry the show. Throughout the pilot, his character comes across as a smarter version of "Seinfeld's" Kramer. His detective work is certainly wacky and inventive, and he always finds a way to weasel out of a situation. For a while, his physical comedy works: One of the show's funnier scenes involves Nardozza attempting to dance with a full body ache. But a plot that relies on this type of humor can only go so far.

To his credit, Richards tries to create a new, likeable character. He is always able to deliver his lines with conviction, even if the lines themselves are unfunny. But the writers should give him ample comic foils to feed off of. What made "Seinfeld" work was its ability to showcase four distinct, screwball personalities, engaging in witty dialogue and random situations. With a beefed-up script and an ensemble that's up to the task, "The Michael Richards Show" could work. But for now, you'll find yourself searching for those good old "Seinfeld" reruns on CBS.

Courtesy of NBC

Remember that episode when Kramer cooked himself in butter? That was super.