Better Off Ted (Season 1)

Like some great shows before it, I was hesitant to watch Better Off Ted when commercials first began to air. The title was kind of dumb (still kind of is), the premise seemed 50/50 at best, and it appeared to be too sitcom-y for my taste. Yet, when the show was scheduled to hit the air, I was on the couch, ready. Good buzz, a solid looking cast, so why not try it? I would have skipped Arrested Development too, had I not got this strange pull from the commercials. I assumed I'd be let down, but tried it anyways, and thank god for that. Risk is sometimes the ingredient necessary to find really quality shows.

So Better Off Ted began and right from the get-go I was hooked. The writing was sharp and funny, each cast member handling their lines with just the right amount of over-the-top. I like all the characters, though scientists Phil and Lem are probably ranked just a little bit higher than most. But I return to the writing, which is probably the reason I love this show so much. The first seasons strongest episode is the fourth, titled "Racial Sensitivity," holds nothing back and goes for broke. I hadn't laughed that hard at a single episode of television since...well, probably since Arrested Development. There is nothing too strange for the show to handle, and that leaves an unlimited source for jokes. Plus, the fake Veridian Dynamics commercials they play near the beginning of every episode are awesome. Certainly, the show isn't perfect, but most episodes were solid if not brilliant. And because ABC decided to give the show a second season, there may be some (hopefully) positive changes that will lead to an even stronger season. The dysfunctional office comedy has seen success in recent years, with the likes of 30 Rock and the aptly titled The Office, and Better Off Ted has earned its place beside the two. If subsequent seasons are as strong as those other shows following seasons were, then the world is in for a treat. So now maybe more will watch and I won't have to see another great television series end too early.

Genre - Comedy (3.75)

Screenplay (4)
Acting (4)
Production (4)
Directing (3)