asc85
...this is a really good, really funny show. I'm showing my age here, but it reminds me of the classic screwball comedies of the 30's and 40's with the rapid-fire dialogue. The performances are solid all around, particularly the supporting roles, with Steve Little as the groupie attorney, Natalie Morales as the "hot" associate, and Mary Elizabeth Ellis playing Fred Savage's wife. Fred Savage is also very good. He was annoying at first, but I guess I got used to his character, and think he's funny.After watching Season 1 of shows like Black-ish on ABC and The Knick on Cinemax, and then watching a big drop in quality on each of these shows during Season 2, I'm hesitant to go too crazy about how good this show is. But if Season 2 is able to match Season 1, then we're talking about a really good show here.
MotoMike
So, let's face it ... we all have seen too much bad TV, too many cookie-cutter legal dramas, too many predictable cop shows, way too many sitcoms that were forgettable. The Grinder is the reward, and Rob Lowe knows it; every time he looks out into the distance and says " (pause) ... or ... is it!?", he knows he earns a gold star. He's the center of a very good cast that teams him with Fred Savage; their chemistry as contrasting brothers is so effortless that it's a pleasure to watch. But Mary Elizabeth Ellis is also a major pleasure as Savage's wife, and his two kids also nail it.So this is a show ("subtextually", as Toby Loobenfeld might be told) not only about a family (how original is that?) but about bad TV, and bad acting and - shudder - how the ad that starts with "I'm not a doctor, though I play one on TV" can be transmuted into someone believing in their identity as a glamorous TV star. (Wasn't that the basis for "Sunset Boulevard"?). Rob Lowe is the perfect choice for this role, but the writing is what makes this show a very particular pleasure. I have no idea whether it will last, but every episode is a gem.
Kobe Bryant
Didn't think this show would be good at all. Glad I gave it a chance. Lowe and Savage are amazing together. Could see these 2 doing future movies or shows together. Entire cast is great.The writing is pure genius. It might be a little too complex for the average person though. The writing is that brilliant.I highly recommend this show.Watch it more than once to truly appreciate its genius.Problem this show will run into is how do you keep it fresh and complex at the same time.Good luck
drjgardner
I enjoyed the pilot but thought I'd wait for a few episodes before reviewing. Often the pilot is the best episode you're going to see, so I don't like to jump in too soon. But this series just keep getting better and better. Strong acting from everyone, including relative newcomer Mary Elizabeth Ellis who plays the wife. I say "relative" because with such TV staples as William Devane, Rob Lowe, and Fred Savage it's hard to steal a scene, but Ellis does a great job. Let's hope they keep up the good work.This latest episode had a guest appearance from Timothy Oliphant, one of my favorite actors ("Hitman", "Justified"). It was good fun and let's hope they have more guest appearances, perhaps from past cast members from "Parks and Recreation" or "The Wonder Years".