The new comedy “A to Z” is a complete account of a romantic relationship from beginning to end. Andrew and Zelda meet, fall in love, try to make their lives mesh – and then eventually their dating relationship ends. (Whether it changes to something more permanent or they break up remains a mystery.) Inspired by the name, we give you 26 alphabetical reasons to watch, from A to Z.
Andrew. The main male character wears his heart on his sleeve and believes in “The One.” It’s refreshing to have the man be the romantic for once.
Ben Feldman. We loved Feldman in “Mad Men” (although the nipple scene still creeps us out) and he’s equally great in this more upbeat role. He brings a charming quirkiness to Andrew.
Cristin Milioti. While we can’t revive the mother on “How I Met Your Mother,” now we get to see Milioti shine as Zelda. Her mix of confidence and vulnerability is mesmerizing.
Destiny. Does it exist? Can fate bring two people together who are “meant to be?” Andrew believes their relationship is destined while Zelda believes in chance.
Eight months, three weeks, five days, one hour. That’s how long the two characters date. So you watch their entire relationship knowing it ultimately comes to some kind of end, whatever that may be. The unique twist hopefully keeps viewers invested in the outcome.
Flashbacks. Already we’ve gained a glimpse of their childhood experiences and traveled back to the night they first saw each other. It’s a fun way to get to know the characters better.
Goofy best friends. Andrew’s best bud is socially awkward, has no filter and thinks he knows everything. Zelda’s bestie is energetic and loyal but often distracted by her latest relationship.
Humorous dialogue. The characters have some great comical banter. The scripts are witty and they’re woven with fun, clever moments that leave you laughing internally or out loud.
Intangible chemistry. The two leads are undeniably terrific on their own, but together sparks fly. As a couple, they’re so fun to watch, you can’t help but root for them.
Jobs they love. Each character has a career that fits their personality. Romantic Andrew works at an online dating service bringing couples together. Practical Zelda is a no-nonsense lawyer.
Katey Sagal. The “Married with Children” and “Sons of Anarchy” actress voices the show’s narration. Her clear, descriptive voice sets a fun, hopeful tone for the show.
Love at first sight. The first time these two see each other, they don’t even talk. They lay eyes on each other from across a crowded room and Andrew immediately thinks she’s the girl for him.
Music. Funny musical references and plotlines fill the show. Andrew listens to Celine Dion in his car, they see each other at a concert and Andrew hears TV-credit music in his head after they kiss.
Nutty boss. Andrew’s boss at an online dating company is a kooky woman who doesn’t want clients getting married – then they don’t come back to the site. She is over-the-top but comical.
Opposites attract. The main characters are very different from each other but they complement each other well. To make things work, however, their unique ideas will also take some compromising.
Presents. Immediately after meeting, these two start buying each other gifts. They even think of the same gift with a thoughtful variation on Andrew’s part.
Quirky. The show and its characters reveal quirky eccentricities and peculiar behavior that make this unconventional bunch intriguing.
Relatable. It’s easy to relate to both characters. You connect with Andrew’s excitement at falling in love. But you also understand Zelda’s fear of letting someone close.
Stages of a relationship. The show will address the ups and downs of dating, the challenges of being folded into someone else’s life, and the joys and difficulties of falling in love.
Titles of episodes. Just like the name of the series, the title of each episode will span from A to Z. Each title will correspond with a letter of the alphabet and a different phase of their relationship.
Unplanned. They say the best things happen when you least expect them. Zelda isn’t interested in dating when she meets Andrew and he wasn’t actively looking for love. They’ve even unknowingly crossed paths numerous times before.
Voice of their own. I love that the characters retain their individuality as they come together. They hold fast to their own opinions and ideas as they try to merge into a cohesive unit.
Workplace proximity. Andrew and Zelda work in the same office complex so their work and personal lives intersect with numerous opportunities to see each other during the day.
Xtra persistent. When Zelda leaves their first date and tells Andrew she isn’t his soulmate, he doesn’t give up. He’s convinced they are meant to be. Even though his tenacity initially scares her off, his perseverance eventually wins out.
Youthful romance in the modern age. This is a modern love story centered in today’s digital world. From Andrew’s online dating work environment to their social media connections, their young romance feels fresh and current.
Zelda. She’s practical, cynical, guarded and controlled. But even with her walls up, she likes to have fun.
“A to Z” airs Thursday nights at 9:30/8:30c on NBC.
Are you watching "A to Z?" If so, tell us the reasons you're loving it in the comments below.
In my opinion it's the best new show after HTGAWM.
ReplyDeleteGreat article!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the pilot and thought the second pilot was even better. Too bad about the ratings, tho. I'm gonna be so bummed when it gets cancelled.
Great job Tonya! Very creative way of writing this article. I am actually going to start watching this series because of it.
ReplyDeleteDo we know how many episodes the show has been picked up for? Is it going to be a 26-episode long first season (one episode for each letter), or a 13-episode first season and second season to account for the 26 letters? Or do they have something like a 22 episode count which is going to force them to skip or combine certain letters to make the 26 letter goal?
ReplyDeleteIt has a 13 episode order as is usal for a new show. If picked up, it will get a 22nd episoe season, they'll combine some letters for episodes.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the first episode, too!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks, Geo. How nice! That's great to hear. I really enjoyed the pilot. I thought the second episode wasn't as good but that was the case for almost all pilots I saw. So I'm hoping it stays as charming as the first episode as it goes on. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Babar! It's weird it didn't do better because it was so cute. That's so interesting you thought the second episode was better. For me it wasn't nearly as good as the pilot. But I'm sticking with it because it had such a charming premise. I hope the ratings pick up. (In my opinion it doesn't help that it's paired with Bad Judge.) Thanks for your comments.
ReplyDeleteI wondered about that, too, with the letters and hadn't looked up the answer yet, so I'm glad Babar answered!
ReplyDeleteFascinating. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI dont need reasons. I will watch it :D im a sucker for love and i loved the pilot.
ReplyDeleteBTW great article. great way to promote it.
Ha ha. I like "suckers for love!" The pilot was so cute. Thanks for your kind comments. Once I had the idea, I was excited to write it!
ReplyDeleteClever premise for a show and clever premise for your review. Great article! I saw the pilot some time ago online. After reading your review and remembering what I liked about it, I am excited now to watch the second episode. It doesn't bother me that you didn't think it was as good as the pilot. As you said, that was common this year, and for most shows, really, I think. The problem is, a lot of people in this day and age don't have the patience or attention span to give a show a few episodes to hit it's stride. Just like people, shows make mistakes and have off days. They should be judged more on how well they rebound. But if the ratings are bad, as I saw in the comments, it may not matter. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right - people don't want to give shows time to hit their stride. I always stick with them for numerous episodes to see how they progress. I like your perspective. Thanks, Jack. Hope you enjoy the new episode. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked it, Geo! Yay! That's so fun to hear. Katey Sagal is great as the narrator, isn't she?
ReplyDeleteYour question and theory is central to the show (and one I had as well). (First of all, maybe the remaining time DOES change. Funny that you say that because when I first wrote down the time frame of the relationship, it was different than when I noticed it later. I just thought I'd written it down wrong - but it makes more sense that I heard it two different ways in the episodes. Nice catch! I'll have to go back and double check.) And yes - you're very right that they don't say they "break up." They talk about the "dating" relationship ending - so I think it's definitely open for interpretation. When the two actors were both asked what they think happens at the end (they don't know - only the EP knows and he hasn't told anyone), Milioti said they break up and Feldman said they get married. Funny! You are right on base!!!!! For all the romantics watching it, I hope what follows is the engagement!