Imaginary Mary

I love Jenna Elfman, she's a very talented physical comedienne and often very affecting in dramatic roles. The 3 kids were funny and clever, too. BUT - I would pay to watch an episode in which she immolated that stupid fugly stuffed thing on a hibachi while basting it with Wild Turkey and stabbing it to death with a barbecue fork.

Cute idea but needs better writers and directors! Was looking forward to the show because I love Jenna Elfman but it goes beyond funny to stupid/ridiculous. I believe it could work with more imaginative writers. Doubt it lasts. I may watch one more episode just to see if they get it together but from what I've seen so far(one episode), not optimistic. I was even disappointed with Jenna's over the top silliness. Even Mary could be more "human". Although she is the title character she hardly seems relevant since her advice is usually bad or ignored... so what's the point? As it is, TWO THUMBS DOWN!

On paper, the show's premise turned me away but I found myself watching ten minutes of it and not turning it off. Mary is more of the voices in the main character's head, a la JD's voice overs in Scrubs. I hate to compare the two shows but that is the heart of Imaginary Mary- an insecure character like Scrubs. Give it a chance, you will probably be surprised.

The show is OK, but nothing Mary does or says anymore is funny. Most of her lines these days are like "way to go!" or "woo who!" - what would make the show great is if Mary was a total nutcase and made Alice's life a living hell.

There are funny moments that come from the interaction between Alice and the family though.

Alice (Jenna Elfman) survived the disintegration of her family at the age of 6 by creating Imaginary Mary (Rachel Dratch). Mary slowly disappeared as Alice grew up. Alice now runs her own PR firm. She lives an independent relationship-free life until divorcée Ben (Stephen Schneider) shows up at her work. He has three kids; Andy (Nicholas Coombe), Dora (Matreya Scarrwener), and Bunny (Erica Tremblay). Mary reappears in Alice's life as she faces the challenges of being in a new relationship.

Critically panned with no audience, this late-season replacement was canceled after seven episodes. I love Jenna Elfman ever since Dharma and I don't see the hate for Mary. Ben could be more appealing but I like his kids. It's love at first sight and I don't really see it. The show does lack Alice's friends or professional life. She should have at least an assistant although I guess Mary is her friend. I like the characters and therefore I like the show.