The Grinder

There seems to be a trend at the moment for comedy shows (particularly those from out cousins across the pond) to show situations that are painfully embarrassing for the protagonist, and then dragging those moments out far too long to remain interesting or even amusing - they're just painful and sad.

This show is different. Sure, there're similar moments, but they remain funny by not being overly laboured and they're mixed in with other types of humour - I have a smile on my face throughout, and genuinely laugh out loud frequently - that's not typical for me; I'm really enjoying this show.

The basic premise is, of course, utterly ridiculous, and is both ridiculed and legitimised by other characters in the show. It's predictable, but in the most delightful way, doesn't demand too much of the viewer, but still doesn't come across as dumb, or that it expects the viewer lacks the intelligence for more sophisticated humour. It just works, and after watching an episode I feel entertained, happier, more upbeat; it does everything a comedy show should, and I can't wait for the show's return in the new year.

I'm watching The Grinder on Netflix and it all of a sudden ended. It didn't continue to the next episode or the next season. That was it. I couldn't believe that's all Netflix had.

Then I came to IMDB to check it out, to see how many seasons there are to look forward to when Netflix loads the rest.

And then it hit me, there's only a total of 22. I mean, can this be real? Why did they only make 22? Was Rob Lowe needed for bigger and better things?

I am so disappoint.

It was truly funny and I laughed my way through every episode. I know it was corny but it was a WELL DONE corny. I don't watch many sitcoms so I was pleasantly surprised when I found this.

I'm so sad so what can I go on to watch now to give me a laugh?

I enjoyed the pilot but thought I'd wait for a few episodes before reviewing. Often the pilot is the best episode you're going to see, so I don't like to jump in too soon. But this series just keep getting better and better. Strong acting from everyone, including relative newcomer Mary Elizabeth Ellis who plays the wife. I say "relative" because with such TV staples as William Devane, Rob Lowe, and Fred Savage it's hard to steal a scene, but Ellis does a great job. Let's hope they keep up the good work.

This latest episode had a guest appearance from Timothy Oliphant, one of my favorite actors ("Hitman", "Justified"). It was good fun and let's hope they have more guest appearances, perhaps from past cast members from "Parks and Recreation" or "The Wonder Years".

Dean Sanderson (Rob Lowe) leaves his TV show The Grinder portraying a lawyer to return home to Boise, Idaho and his family's law firm. His father (William Devane) is happy but his brother Stewart Sanderson (Fred Savage) is leery of the non-lawyer playing law expert. Stewart's family, wife Debbie (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), kids Lizzie (Hana Hayes), and Ethan Sanderson (Connor Kalopsis) are more accepting. Co-worker Claire Lacoste (Natalie Morales) is dismissive and Todd (Steve Little) is a sycophant.

This is better than the regular stuff from the networks. The Lowe Savage pairing is fun and endearing. Lowe gives the perfect delivery. Dean is a great character. It is a real disappointment that the show got canceled after one season.

For once! All of Rob Lowe's energetic support of this new show was more than backed up in the pilot. This was fun and fulfilling. I loved all the characters, especially Lowe, Savage, and Devane! Excellent storyline to start the series. The story and pace kept moving right along. The humor had perfect timing. Rob Lowe is like a "fine wine", he ages quite well! I liked him in "West Wing" but this is going to be fun. And it has a lot of heart. And Fred Savage was a real surprise for me. I like his brother role. When a show that moves along like this, cute, humorous moments, connectivity, and then you can feel a few tears well up in the end! Well, that really suits me! Thank you SO MUCH!!