Selvaggi

The poster who repeatedly claimed that "Complete Savages" is an imitation of "Quintuplets" needs to get his/her facts straight.

Firstly, the premises of the two shows are not particularly similar. The family in "Quintuplets" is comprised of three sons and two daughters (all of whom obviously are the same age) and their married parents. "Complete Savages" features five sons (all of whom are different ages) and their single father. The only obvious similarity is that both families contain five kids with differing personalities, which is a rather broad concept.

Secondly, both "Quintuplets" and "Complete Savages" entered development in 2003 (as candidates for their respective networks' fall 2004 schedules). The "Complete Savages" pilot was shot on April 20, 2004 -- a mere twenty days after the "Quintuplets" pilot was shot (March 31, 2004) and almost two months before the latter actually aired (June 16, 2004). The early debut of "Quintuplets" was enabled by Fox's decision to rush the series into production.

In other words, even if the two programs were virtually identical, neither could possibly be a "rip-off" of the other.

Complete Savages should not be completely dismissed. Along the lines of any comedy featuring a large family unit, Complete Savages could provide entertainment week after week -- hopefully, the writers will be able to develop fresh story lines and use the talent and situation they've been given. It's not the worst new show -- things like North Shore and Hawaii certainly come to mind for that -- and viewers should give Complete Savages a chance.

Critics hated LAX -- and it's not too bad. They loved Kevin Hill -- how are they going to have fresh story lines with that one without ripping off every courtroom drama ever made? The baby can only be "cute" so many times. Complete Savages does fall between those two. Give this one a chance.

This show is soo funny! I have to be honest I started watching it because from the ads it looked like there were four or five really hot blonde guys in it! But, I keep watching it because it's so frickin' hilarious! Erik Von Detton is a comic genius, his timing is perfect. And Andrew Eiden is amazing as the "nerdy, smart one", his freak-outs are fantastically funny! The rest of the cast are great too, each portraying their individual characters so well. Also, the long pauses and close up shots of reactions are inspired, I end up cracking up simply on the look of someone's face, never mind the well-written dialog that keeps me laughing for the entire half hour! I cannot put into words just how funny this show is, just to say by the end of each show, I am rolling around on the floor in hysterics! Brilliant!

This show is so funny and it gives me and my mom a Friday night line up of great shows. Keith Carradine couldn't be better on this show as a dad who doesn't act like a typical father. I mean he shows safety videos. I love the sons they all have their own personality and they stick by each other when necessary. The writing is great and me and my mom laugh a lot and the guys play their characters so well and make the show really flow on its own.

The story lines are good... its not your everyday written crap. This is a great family show you just have to view it as that not Ebert on a movie. I recommend the show to anyone who wants a good Friday of t.v. and to laugh and enjoy themselves! ~!

Here is a question to Chicagocrtc - you mention "My Three Sons", did you notice that Mel Gibson appears to have tipped his hat to that classic series with his opening - shoes tapping together (and the paw!) and the "Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah"? Strike a familiar note? The tune has been updated and there are a few more shoes - but it's a great tribute to the granddaddy of all sitcoms about a single parent trying to raise their kids. It's a tried but true format and Gibson has taken it to new heights, the laughs are from familiar situations every (normal) parent and child can relate to. If it hasn't happened to you, it's happened to someone you know. Kudos to Mel and his "Savages".