Rules of Engagement

Generally speaking, the plot was much better than I was expecting. The laugh track was a bit annoying at times and did tend to get in the way; however, there were enough real chuckles in this episode to make up for it. My biggest surprise was finding some of the best lines and situations were not shown in the trailers. Spade, in particular, was not presented in the best light in the earlier promotions, but his character comes across quite well in the pilot. There is is enough eye-candy to please almost anyone and all the regular characters seem up to the task ahead of them. Now, if the writers can just live up to what they have begun.

This would have to be one of the funniest TV sitcoms to come out of the States since the demise of "Everybody Loves Raymond". Warburton is always hilarious, and in this complements the rest of the ensemble cast to perfection. David Spade continues to tickle my funny bone enormously with his quite unique delivery of his lines. After having raved over the British series, "Coupling" I can see from just where the creators of "Rules of Engagement" got their original idea, but this is not intended as being a "brickbat" - the absolutely brilliant dialogue and the way in which it is conveyed set this particular series completely apart. But it takes more than a competent cast to bring success to a new series, particularly in the very difficult field of comedy. Having been a part of a professional TV comedy writing team for the best part of 7 years in Australia, I can appreciate particularly, the role of director and the perceptional and creative talent of the camera crew. One of the few grievances I have with the series is the very obviously "canned" laughter. Surely a live audience could have been used in the shooting of the series.

I missed almost all of the first season, but when the other shows went to reruns, I started watching. I ended up buying the entire first season off iTunes. This is now one of my favorite comedy shows. Patrick Warburton is the key. His dry sense of humor has me rolling all the time. David Spade is funny, but sometimes a little Russell goes a long way. I enjoy the other cast members more (but not saying he doesn't add to the show).

Do yourself a favor. If you haven't checked this one out, give it a try. If you can catch the episode where "Jeff" goes to the sperm bank, you will see how good this show is.

I hope this series has a long run.

I came across this show by chance a couple years ago; long after it had been cancelled, but was immediately hooked! In many ways it reminded me of Married With Children, with I suppose Adam and Russell being the children for this show? While the humor can be a bit tedious at times, the chemistry the characters have brings a nostalgic comfort to a dying genre - the sitcom. After catching a few episodes in syndication, I sought out the show on DVD, but then quickly noticed that the entire series was on Netflix.

Patrick's comedic delivery as Jeff was spot on. Adam's incessant obliviousness wasn't wholly present during the first season, and wore a bit thin as the show went on, but I found this style of humor to be somewhat charming compared to the other characters. Then there's of course David Spade's character Russell Dunbar. He didn't really have much of an arc throughout the series, and he definitely made me laugh more often than not, but he was really more of a caricature than anything. It wasn't until his foil, Timmy (Timir) came along that I began to appreciate their banter. Audrey and Jennifer are also excellent in their respective roles, and they are great standouts in this male-oriented show. (I short-changed them quite a bit, sorry)

It's unfortunate the show only lasted five seasons. I felt I had at least a few years left; especially coming back after a year-long hiatus. There were a couple of significant breaks in continuity, Timmy's immigration status for example, but not a show-killer IMHO. I've now watched the show multiple times and continue to find things I hadn't noticed before that make me laugh.

i only started watching this recently and now i'm hooked. i watched one episode just to say i had and ended up watching about 10episodes in a row. this a lot smarter than i thought, the one-liners are excellent, the characters have depth, and the story is pretty good as well. spade is good as the weaselly playboy, Hudson is good as the idiot, the women are good at being the kinda normal average women in relationships, but Patrick Warburton is the star. his timing is perfect, his delivery is excellent and he comes across a genuinely like-able guy. a guy that most guys could relate to. all in all i think there is something or someone in the show that most people can relate to and enjoy.

watch a few episodes, you be hooked!