The In-laws

I'm a big Dennis Farina fan, so when I saw the promos for the show, I couldn't wait until it premiered. The premise is very nifty. A lot of awkward situations can arise from a guy moving in with his wife's parents, especially if the father is Dennis Farina. It's hilarious to watch him react callously to his son-in-law's antics. Unfortunately, the show can use stronger writing. Farina is brilliant like always, and is the main provider of the laughs on the show, but Elon Gold is only a fairly good comedian. He has talent, but he's somewhat dull and hackneyed. The actress who plays his wife is deliciously hot. The most memorable gag on the show was during the Halloween episode, where Farina called a "meeting of the five families" in the neighborhood to discuss Halloween decorations. This of course was a witty homage to "The Godfather."

I'm not bashing the show, and wouldn't mind if it lasts a couple more seasons. I don't rearrange my schedule to come home in time for "In Laws," but if I happen to be home while it's on, I usually check it out. But with a better creator and better writers, this show could've gone a lot farther. And face it, my man Dennis deserves a lot better.

My score: 6 (out of 10)

Every sitcom gag that's been overdone (including newlyweds move in with parents) since 'I Love Lucy', freshened up for the new millennium with the good old stand-by: sexual gags. This piece of trash jumped the shark with the first episode.

Tonight was premiere night and I was actually looking forward to this new comedy on NBC. Jean Smart and Dennis Farina are very funny veterans and two talented newcomers seemed to be primed for success. Unfortunately, there were only moments of clever dialogue interwoven in tired old re-hashed stories with predictable outcomes. All in all, the first two episodes, which were both aired tonight, didn't leave me wanting more. I'll give it a few more shows, however I see this being canceled by the middle of the second season if not sooner unless serious revamps occur.

Until I read a preview in a magazine (I believe it was FHM) that called this the best new comedy of the season I was not prepared to give it a chance. Thankfully I did. Dennis Farina is hilarious as Victor Pellet. His character is complicated and well-developed. I would love to see this show moved to Thursdays in lieu of the dreadful "Good Morning Miami". That would make for a night of truly Must-See TV.

I caught the series premiere of this show and I have to admit it wasn't too bad. I'm just wondering if the over-used Mike Stivic-Archie Bunker dynamic can survive. In any event, it's worth a shot to give this show a chance, especially when Dennis Farina is on-board.