I’m not sure if I was in an especially giddy mood when I watched the pilot episode of Kath & Kim, but I remember laughing hysterically several times and deciding I was an instant fan. There were many clever lines and situations and I am a fan of the three principal actors, especially John Michael Higgins who I had discovered in some of my favorite Christopher Guest movies and a favorite, dearly departed show, Arrested Development.
Last night, however, I found myself wondering, “Will this show make it to a second, third season? Will it meet the same fate as another foreign remake, Coupling, which was far inferior to the original and canceled after one season?”
After becoming a one-woman promotion team for Kath & Kim following the pilot, I discovered that many of my male peers have little to no enthusiasm toward it. Unlike 30 Rock, Kath & Kim gives off a highly feminine vibe, from the title to the exceedingly soft and colorful clothing and lighting. It is also worth mentioning that the principal male characters are a dorky, effeminate man who played a flamboyant homosexual in Best in Show, and a whipped, financially insecure loser.
Molly Shannon as Kath Day, Selma Blair as Kim Day
Too many of the lines in last night’s episode seemed forced and dumbed down, instead of witty and original. In many cases, they didn’t come close to funny, in particular punchlines delivered by Phil’s visiting friend, Sandy. The cliché of the visiting friend undermining his host by charming his lady has been done countless times, and Kath & Kim’s attempt is a dud, bringing nothing innovative, or even chuckle-worthy to the story line.
Selma Blair’s sarcastic eye rolling is no longer a novelty and I see little indication of character development for her role.
It seems that Molly Shannon is making an effort to be strictly bubbly and positive, but I personally prefer her making awkward deliveries, as in her Mary Katherine Gallagher skit on SNL, and her hilarious cameo as the gorilla-arm-swinging newbie at Elaine’s office on Seinfeld. Other peppy roles she has held in the past on SNL were more gimmicky and catchy, while her role as Kath is a somewhat bland dead end.
Kath & Kim has one luxury. It can bounce back to its highest potential before it even catches on. However, the remaining episodes of this season are already pre-determined and the show may not have a chance to have a breakthrough season in the future like Seinfeld. I imagine its ratings aren’t too shabby, since it is sandwiched between two major NBC hits, My Name is Earl and The Office.
However, a network that is flourishing as much as NBC will have access to the best of the best next pilot season, and will definitely not hesitate to fill Kath & Kim’s time slot with something new and fresh. After all, Kath & Kim is already playing itself out six episodes in.
No Comments, Comment or Ping