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Reviews
Fresh Off the Boat (2015)
Another wasted opportunity?
There are a few funny moments, but predictably, as with so many previous minority-themed sitcoms, the unimaginative writers resort to stereotypes, both old (Asians good at math, perpetual foreigners with accents) and new (nazi-like Asian tiger moms, greedy tightwads, desperate need to be validated by "white people") for most of the humor, with the cast's Asian-ness (i.e. otherness) being the butt of the jokes.
In this case, ABC has hired Natchaka Khan (sp), a woman of Iranian descent, to write from the perspective of a Chinese-American family. Perhaps the dunderheads at ABC think all minority experiences are alike and that one person of color can write for all others. Ms. Khan has formerly written for shows like "Don't Trust the B in Apt. 23", which was hardly sensitive to minorities and regularly included offensive racial humor directed at Asians and other groups. If you're going to produce a minority-themed show, I think it's just common sense to include individuals from that particular minority among the chief writers, for more authenticity that will resonate with audiences. Perhaps Ms. Khan was hired partly because it'll allow the network to claim "hey the show was written by a minority" if the show comes under criticism.
On a positive note, the cast members are very good and as the characters are developing nicely with each new episode. Early ratings are respectable (though declining) and hopefully the show will be given a chance, unlike the recent "Selfie" (starring John Cho) which was pulled after just a few episodes. As long as the writers don't blow it by alienating Asian audiences (which I read was a main factor causing the last AA sitcom, "All American Girl" to flop 20 years ago), I think it stands a decent chance.
Selfie (2014)
I didn't expect to like this, but...
Despite being put off by the title and previews, I decided to watch the pilot and give it a chance. I was familiar with Cho, but not Gillian. To be honest, I almost turned it off after the first few minutes on the plane, which featured an obnoxious lead character, bad jokes and poorly executed gags. But once the characters (esp Eliza) were allowed to develop and open up a bit in the second half-hour, they quickly became likable, sympathetic and easy to relate to. By the end of the pilot, Gillian and Cho have a charming rapport and a hint of romantic chemistry. I also thought the supporting characters were well cast. Looking forward to the upcoming season, but I agree with other reviewers that the simple premise doesn't provide for a long running series.