Not many comedies of late really get my engine revved. But over the summer USA managed to get me interested in not one but two of their freshmen comedic offerings, those of course being Playing House and Sirens. So when it was announced they had a third one in pipes entitled Benched and it was starring the lovely Eliza Coupe, well, I knew that I would at the very least check it out. As luck would have USA decided to release the pilot early via online and On Demand.
But before we get started and you don’t happen to know the basic premise of
Benched; it is a single comedy camera about a disgraced high powered lawyer who becomes a public defender. It was created by Michaela Watkins and Damon Jones. Its first season will have 12 episodes.
So here are some of my thoughts about why I loved the pilot and why I think you might too.
If you are a long time reader of my reviews you know I am all about the technical and the behind the scenes mover and shakers. Well, this show has some seriously flawless people in the creative department. I have been smitten with one of the creators Michaela Watkins since her run on
Saturday Night Live (2008-2009) and she really wowed me in last season’s
Trophy Wife as well. As for Damon Jones he’s a member of the famed LA comedy troupe Groudlings so he gets the benefit of the doubt. I’d be remised in my duties to not mention my excitement about having John Enbom and Andrea on board as executive producers.
The script was great. It was well paced, quirky, got to the gist of all the characters right away and had many varied character interactions that were hilarious. The story also managed to suck me right in and not let go. It is also important to note that the social commentary doesn’t feel forced, maybe a little to0 raw quite honestly. But that’s OK because things should feel a little real, right?
The humor in this show is right up my alley. I found it to be genuinely funny. If the language isn’t toned down in the future it might be a bit polarizing and create a very distinct niche market. If it does tone itself down and broaden the story it might find a larger more casual audience. But either way they decide to go it will be a win as I personally think this is the strongest comedic offering they have given us to date (and if you read my advanced preview for
Playing House you would know, that’s saying something).
I am a fan of zaniness and comedies being over the top and I have to say this episode didn’t disappoint. I swear the first five minutes were just the best of one thing after another. The main character Nina has a breakdown and just really gives it to her co-workers and letting us have that unrelenting cathartic moment with her was just brilliant. If you ever think you’re having a bad day at work, from here on out conjure this scene up in your mind and it will make you feel better, guaranteed.
Even the side characters were cast phenomenally! I love everyone from the boss to the antagonist and everyone in between. The boss played by Jack McGee plays his usual gruff and grumpy character but has a serious adorableness factor that can’t be denied. I even found myself liking the antagonist, Trent (Carter MacIntyre )who is Nina’s very good looking ex-boyfriend who also happens to be amazing at his job. MacIntryre really knows how to make douchey charming and I of course mean that in the best way. Then we have the intern (Jolene Purdy) who has a heart of gold and actually thinks lawyering can be used for the good of mankind. The shock of all shocks for me was seeing Maria Bamford. She plays a character named Cheryl who is the whacky yet the character I found to be the most endearing one of them all. I’m a huge fan of Bamford’s stand-up routines and if you don’t know who she is please go look her up on You Tube.
Now I’m not one for shipping. I actually kind of despise that whole ‘will they or won’t they’ routine in most cases but there is always an exception to the rule and I think Eliza Coup and Jay Harrington are it for me personally. They have amazing chemistry together and I can’t wait to see more interactions between their characters.
Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about the lead, Eliza Coupe. Coupe breathes life into this role. She is truly funny and has great timing and chemistry with everyone. If you loved her in Happy Endings and Scrubs then you will definitely love her in this, maybe even more than you already do. If you don’t know anything about her, I think her performance will leave curious and at least ready to come back for the second episode.
So that’s my spiel. I hope you decide to check it out.
If you are interested in more information about the show be sure to check
this out.
Benched premieres TONIGHT on USA at 10:30 PM/9:30 PM CST.
