As far as the definition of black comedy goes this comedy television series makes light of such matters as infidelity, drug use, attempted murder, and even extortion which personifies what taboo TV was in the first half century of family television viewing on many of the older comedy TV shows. The Guest Book is welcoming in an new era of what mainstream TV audiences will view as a curiously delightful half hour sitcom far removed from the original concept of family TV viewing such as The Lucy Show, My Favorite Martian, or I Dream Of Jeannie used to represent to comedy.
This is a hilarious black comedy TV series that revolves around the seasoned character actor Charles Robinson (most likely remembered for his character on 180 episodes of the 1984-1992 TV series Night Court as court appointee Mac Robinson). Charles Robinson who plays Wilfred and his wife Emma, played by Aloma Wright run a cottage for rent in a tiny remote town where people come to forget about their troubles.
One of the people who has come to get away from his marital troubles is Doctor Brown played by Garret Dillahunt. Dr. Brown is estranged from his wife and his ten (10) year old son who he dearly misses. The local town Officer Kimberly Leahy played by Kellie Martin is smitten with the good looking Dr. Brown and she wants to get to know Dr. Brown a lot more intimatley.
There is also the towns local watering hole, a titty bar run by an extortionist named Vivian played by Carly Jibson who uses her radar power to seek out weak gentlemen that she can videotape in compromising positions. One of her victims is the motel manager Wilfred who she extorts to provide her with free motel rooms where she can continue to extort more male victims.
So each week we see new motel guests visit this picturesque rural area with a local grocery store and titty bar, and each week we see some new characters personal stories come to life which makes us laugh because in truth, we wish in some small way we could live the lives (even vicariously) these losers are living.
I give "The Guest Book" a solid 8 out of 10 rating and I trust season 2 will be filled with a whole new group of visitors to this motel community who getto sign their guest book. What a hoot!
