Crumbs

After reading several reviews that were mixed about this new ABC series, I looked forward to seeing how the Pilot episode would turn out.

The writers took time to clearly point out all of the characters, and enticed this viewer into wanting to see more.

Many critics were harsh... saying this show wasn't funny and lacked substance, however I think that they have set the series up for a potential long run on ABC.

I can see the show being on the dial for sometime.

Due to ABC's ratings with "Dancing with the Stars" being so high, at least this show got a good lead-in.

The show goes up against CSI on CBS. Will ABC keep this new program up against the #1 show in America?

That would be, excuse me, crazy!

Last night I saw Crumbs taped. It was an enjoyable evening. There was quite a large number of extras involved, who appeared to be playing the role of extras even when the cameras weren't rolling. The kitchen help was stirring and mixing almost constantly. It also looks like a real stove on the set. The acting was quite good, however the writing seemed a little less than it could be. There were some good jokes and a few weak moments as well.

Ms. Teri Garr showed great class in her guest appearance. Mr. Elliot Gould was on hand and he didn't miss a beat, but appeared distracted and uninterested between takes. Jane Curtain is - well - Jane Curtain. Fred Savage is, of course, a real pro. The cast is good, they just need some better lines to recite and better story concepts for this be a really great show. As it stands, I see it as a journeyman sitcom, lacking the edge, the magic of a Frasier, Friends or Seinfeld.

Once I saw the pilot I couldn't wait to watch the rest. I really hope they keep this one on the air. As others have mentioned, the writing could have used a little work, in some areas but I think it's a promising new show, lots of good jokes, kept me laughing. It's nice to see Fred Savage playing a comedy role again. It's almost as if he disappeared for awhile and then came back to the screen. The acting in this show good all around, each one of the cast members makes their role believable. I really like that there is some seriousness to it also, some realizations, along with a good mixture of comedy. The concept seems original to me, most of the family based sitcoms you see anymore are all the same, but this has originality to it that many sitcoms lack. ABC has really done it with this one, and lets try to keep it on the air? Hmm-K?

CRUMBS would be just another witty SitCom filled with odd characters, except two of those odd characters are Jane Curtain and William Devane...and that's the only reason I need to become a viewer. William Devane is a seasoned professional who can do anything from serious drama to light comedy and Jane Curtain is an icon, Mrs. Conehead, and a Saturday Night Live legend. For that reason alone, CRUMBS is a no risk bet for a thirty minute comedy and the first episode proves it. Jane Curtain is already over the top, the writing is fast and cute, and the general premise of the show is oil and water don't mix but there's no reason not to keep trying. All I know is I laughed, you may laugh too, so give it a try.

The show came across as another preachy comedy trying to be Funny. Fast-forward and it is the last couple of seasons of Roseanne. The parents are the funny ones and the kids are just their as props. The show also takes serious subject matter and adds a few comical twist and you feel offended and board at the same time. Too bad I felt like the show had potential with the cast, but they blew it with the writing. Jane Curtain is a powerful comedic actor, but she is not strong enough to hold everything together. Fred Savage needs to stick to his soft-core boy next-door image and not try to tackle serious subject matter. If the show last too much longer I will be surprised. Then again I was shocked to see Alf last as long as it did. Maybe there is something out there for everyone. Silly might be good for some people.