Love Monkey is the most innovative show to hit the airwaves in quite literally years. Thats not to say it cannot be compared to other pop culture items (most commonly compared to High Fidelity, or a male counterpart to Sex and the City). The show has its own unique sense of humor that, sure, fans of the genre will find entertaining, but god forbid CBS or another major network broadcast a show that people actually have to use their brains to enjoy. I assert that the key reason that this show was cancelled after a mere three episodes is, in addition to CBS's lack of promotion and marketing on this gold mine they had on their hands, was that it didn't have the elements that appeal to the most common denominator. Its a well written show, with an intellectual comedy vibe. Since people seem to like mindless dribble nowadays, it makes sense that it got canned.
Tom Cavanagh is spectacular in his role as the moody yet optimistic thirty-something attempting to come to terms with his new role in life. Seeing the character thrive in the small Indie label environment, as opposed to his big cold and impersonal corporate gig from the pilot, is a catharsis in itself in the sense that its the only true environment for that particular character. The dialogue between Tom and his clique of friends is fast paced and witty, a refreshing change to the sitcom jokes that you can see from a mile away. All the characters, Tom included, are terrifically flawed and hilarious in their own right, and the on screen chemistry between them allows the dialogue to flow continuously and intriguingly for a full 42 minutes.
The show was still early and could have gone in countless directions before it was cancelled. I can't say for certain that it would have been an instant classic, but it certainly had the potential to reach that greater plateau that so few television programs, scripted or reality, ever truly reach. I am excited to see how the full first 8 episodes pan out as VH1 shows the replays every Tuesday at 9pm starting April 18th. You should too.
Tom Cavanagh is spectacular in his role as the moody yet optimistic thirty-something attempting to come to terms with his new role in life. Seeing the character thrive in the small Indie label environment, as opposed to his big cold and impersonal corporate gig from the pilot, is a catharsis in itself in the sense that its the only true environment for that particular character. The dialogue between Tom and his clique of friends is fast paced and witty, a refreshing change to the sitcom jokes that you can see from a mile away. All the characters, Tom included, are terrifically flawed and hilarious in their own right, and the on screen chemistry between them allows the dialogue to flow continuously and intriguingly for a full 42 minutes.
The show was still early and could have gone in countless directions before it was cancelled. I can't say for certain that it would have been an instant classic, but it certainly had the potential to reach that greater plateau that so few television programs, scripted or reality, ever truly reach. I am excited to see how the full first 8 episodes pan out as VH1 shows the replays every Tuesday at 9pm starting April 18th. You should too.