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.

"The Grinder" was a one-season series that starred Rob Lowe as a TV lawyer who comes home to his family and decides to practice law with his brother (Fred Savage) and father (William Devane).

Dean Sanderson worked for eight seasons on a hit TV show, "The Grinder," whose final words in court were "The Grinder rests." Back home in Idaho, his brother, Stewart, has his own law firm and practices with their dad. All is well until Dean, the fair-haired, can-do-no-wrong son, comes home, moves in with Stewart, his wife (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), father, and two children, and wants to practice law.

Very funny show that for some reason didn't make it. Rob Lowe is great as a delusional, over the top actor given to dramatic statements. Savage does a wonderful job as his hapless brother who has to put up with people befriending him to meet his brother, judges allowing Dean to talk in court, and his father encouraging Dean's legal fantasies. The office people - Natalie Morales and Steve Little -- are very funny, Morales who can't take Dean seriously, and Little, who loves him.

At one point, the network brings on Timothy Olyphant to play The Grinder's brother.

Each episode begins with a scene from "The Grinder."

Clever, excellent acting, entertaining, sorry this was only 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!!

The plot is so Original and fresh, with so much potentials, the Script is perfectly sculptured So many laughable scenes. I really enjoyed watching every minute of it as it felt the shortest Half an hour ever.

Jarrad Paul as a screenplay or a script writer i'v seen for him the famously funny "Yes Man" and "The D Train" this year .. and here he really outdone himself. Add to that .. the nicely sound-mix which blends with the suspense comic scenes to make it even more enjoyable and hilariously theatrical in an Ironic way.

First time seen Rob Lowe was in "Parks and Recreation" and he had almost "somehow" the same character as the one in here with all of this tightness and glamorous perfection and the fast funny talk and fast jokes .. and now with Fred Savage they are indeed making a great dual and since i'v watched the trailer before i knew this will work perfectly with such story and such amazing cast.

Fox is well known of premiering a wowzers Fall shows but few survive the winter ;) Hence I am seriously praying that this one to have a chance of staying on the network for a while as we now have high expectations, That's of course if it stays running on the same rhythm as this .. and i believe it will.

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".