Miss Guided

You can't really miss with a comedy about high-school, and this show doesn't disappoint. It somehow does a better job evoking a real high school experience than other shows like "90210" or "Gossip Girl", and that's probably by focusing more on the teachers; "My So-Called Life" was the only show with a high-school milieu as seen from the kids' angle that I think came close to getting it. "Miss Guided" is a light, funny, smart way to spend a half-hour, a definite notch or two above programs of its ilk, something ABC seems to be showing a talent for lately with other efforts like "Carpoolers", "Notes from the Underbelly", "Pushing Daisies", and even though I'm going to get crap for it, yes, "Cavemen". Judy Greer has a deft comic touch and carries the lead well, but Chris Parnell as the assistant principal steals every scene he's in. Sometimes the episodes seem almost to be written more to his strengths than anyone else's. He's to this show what Alec Baldwin is to "30 Rock".

Network: ABC; Genre: Sitcom; Content Rating: TV-PG (some adult content); Perspective: contemporary (star range: 1 – 4);

Seasons Reviewed: Series (1 season)

The high-wattage charm and charisma of Judy Greer goes a long way in "Miss Guided". Until now Greer has been always the wacky friend, never the leading lady and while this show might not be the romantic comedy movie revenge the talented actress deserves, it is a long-awaited star-turn. Whether the show or the star came first , only creator Caroline Williams and highly publicized producer Ashton Kutcher knows.

Did I mention it was produced by Ashton Kutcher? ABC couldn't stop themselves from beating us over the head with this, and just to help out the new star, Kutcher (sorry, isn't he going by just "Ashton" now?) even guest stars as a laid-back guitar-wearing hippie teacher who all the students love. Now that that's out of the way… Judy Greer stars as Becky Freeley a high school guidance counselor with an unrelentingly cheery, sunny-side-up disposition in the face of disappointing students who don't respect her and all the while being haunted by past humiliations in that very high school. She can't get past that even as a faculty member the politics and feeling of high school remain the same. She's still jealous of the beautiful, popular girl – now an English teacher played by Brooke Burns – and pining for the attention of the shop and Spanish teacher Kristoffer Polaha. Rounding out the faculty, the principal (Earl Billings) just doesn't care, in contrast to the vice-principal (Chris Parnell) who runs his little corner with an iron fist and a silent, ever-present student officer yes-man by his side.

Chris Parnell is without a doubt the funniest thing in the entire show. Actually, his performance and this character is almost in a different universe than the rest of the show. A little bit over-the-top, a little bit cartoonish, dead-on satirical. By contrast, everything around it is so bland. Inoffensive but utterly forgettable. Anything that can be identified as "jokes" are as broad as possible, with a spotlight shown on them.

Still, "Miss Guided" is worth a casual glance for the few laughs Parnell can generate and for Greer – if only to show that this unflappably adorable supporting actress, lacking any pretension of ego, can carry a show. It's such a refreshing change of pace from a few years ago when TV was uncomfortable making a woman the butt of the joke ("Less than Perfect"), but now thanks to Tina Fey and Kaitlin Olson characters like Becky Freeley can be humiliated with the best of the guys. Unfortunately, broad humiliation comedy alone isn't enough to carry a series, and that is most of what "Miss Guided" trades in.

* ½ / 4

I was tempted to use as a summary line "More 'Miss" than 'Hit'" or something to that effect,but I felt like that might be a little unfair and inaccurate. I've caught a few shows so far and I feel like it has definite potential. The show,centered around Becky Freeland(Judy Greer),a former student at a particular high school(the name of it escapes me at the moment) who returns to work there as a counselor,only to find herself practically reliving the same angst,agita and insecurity she once believed she conquered there from her past,is a near nod to shows like "PArker Lewis Can't Lose" and a short-lived Meredith Baxter-Birney ABC sitcom whose name I THINK was called "The FAculty" (no to be confused with the arch campy horror hit movie from 1998). Employing both a narrative reminiscent of "Arrested Development" and "PArker Lewis" and yet incorporating a sort of "spread-out" omnipotent treatment of conventional shows,this has enough sharp wit and speed to keep this one light and watchable,but it could use some tightening of characters and their relationships. THe supporting cast features some choices that are "choice"--Chris PArnell as a weak-kneed vice-principle--and some that seem more ornamental--the sexy but somewhat buffaloed Brooke Burns as Becky's once and future rival. THis show needs tweaking,but there's something to like here to be sure.

I watched the pilot last night, and I liked what I saw. Judy Greer is great as the high school guidance counselor who struggles with the bad memories from her own days at that very same high school.

I love seeing Brooke Burns as Lisa, who is the rival of Judy's character Becky. I don't know the name of the actor who plays Tim, but I think he is cute.

I'm really looking forward to new episodes of this comedy series. Good job Ashton Kutcher!

Right now, the show gets an A from me.

=)

I am currently studying to be a teacher. After a hard's day of learning the negatives of the profession, I tuned into "Miss Guided." I was extremely surprised at the wit and humour all around and how much I was lifted. The cast is amazing, I don't think they could've chosen a better Becky Freely than the very talented, Judy Greer. Chris Parnell is a genius in his own right. Kris Polaha is such good eye candy and his character is sweet as well. Sadly, too often the networks are hung up on ratings and cancel quality shows, I can only hope that this network sees what a gem "Miss Guided" truly is. Judy Greer's comedic timing is perfect. The colors are vibrant and exciting. I also LOVE all the 80s references. I also found out that not only the children of the 80s, like myself, but also children of the early 90s get some of the references. I think it's great that one cute show can bring people together like that! And, most importantly, what people need to realize is that this show knows itself. It's not a masterpiece, it never pretends to be, but it is brilliant. I hope there's lots more to come!