If you haven’t seen the previews of CBS’s new sitcom “Rules of Engagement” – the ones with David Spade shimmying around the screen slightly off the beat of the groove playing in the background – you will.
CBS will likely blow it out during its coverage of Super Bowl XLI on Sunday as the new show premieres at 9:30 p.m. Monday on KIRO, Channel 7.
If you’re thinking that this show – which centers around three guys, one married, one engaged and one swingin’ single – is different from any other love-and-marriage laugher, you know the one where the married and engaged guys are all bitter and jealous of the swingin’ single guy, you’re wrong.
Here’s some bad news: I’m about to tell you the crux of every joke on the show (at least after previewing three episodes):
Single guy: “You married guys are always trying to find a flaw in my series of shallow, sex-based relationships based on lies.”
Married guy: “You’re right, it does sound perfect.”
Single guy: “Is that supposed to be sarcastic?”
Married guy: “I’m not sure.”
And we all double over with laughter.
The good news is that if you enjoy this particular brand of humor, then you probably won’t mind what I just gave away and you can continue to soak in all the stereotypical goodness this show has to offer.
If you’re thinking this plot sounds familiar, you’re probably thinking of Brad Garrett’s “‘Til Death” on Fox – or every other sitcom involving a married couple since “I Love Lucy” and “The Honeymooners.” But those had something more to offer. There was a context, a world around them that directed the jokes in a natural way.
After three episodes of “Rules of Engagement,” viewers have no idea what any of the five main characters does for a living, where they live, why anyone should care. All that defines them is their relationship status, and that’s not enough to maintain interest beyond the length of your average “Saturday Night Live” sketch, let alone an entire series.
To be clear, the problem is not so much in the acting, but in the writing and overall concept, which leads to another sad case of “bad shows that happen to good people.” And this show claims two actors, in particular, who deserve better than to get wrapped up in this mess.
The most notable for local viewers is 29-year-old actress Bianca Kajlich of Woodway, who plays the newly engaged Jennifer. Kajlich’s star is rising, with appearances on Fox’s recently canceled “Vanished,” The WB’s “Dawson’s Creek” and UPN’s “Rock Me Baby,” as well the movies “Halloween: Resurrection” and “Bring It On,” among others.
Despite its flaws, “Rules” is a logical step for Kajlich and while this show likely won’t last long, it should open more doors for her on network TV.
The second unfortunate casualty is Patrick Warburton, better known to most as Elaine’s boyfriend David Puddy on “Seinfeld.” He was only in 11 episodes of “Seinfeld,” but that’s the kind of impact Warburton has. He can deliver a passage from a chemistry textbook and get a laugh, which almost makes him reason enough to stumble onto “Rules” now and then. Almost.
Here’s hoping casting directors are paying attention.
Victor Balta’s TV column runs Mondays and Thursdays on the A&E page. Reach him at 425-339-3455 or vbalta@heraldnet.com.
For more TV scoop, check out Victor’s blog at heraldnet.com/blogpopculture.
On TV
“Rules of Engagement,” 9:30 p.m. Monday, KIRO, Channel 7
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