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Herc Thinks ANDY BARKER, P.I. Is One Of The Funniest Sitcoms Ever Forged!! And You Can Watch All Six Episodes Now!!
SPOILER ALERT !!
I am – Hercules!!
Conan O’Brien and his old head writer and his old sidekick got together and created something called “Andy Barker, P.I.,” which is kind of a perfect thing and may very well be one of the funniest sitcoms in the history of history.
It’s about an accountant who stumbles into a career as a private investigator. Sounds terrible, right? It isn’t!
Andy Richter and the old guy from “Fargo” and the guy who played Buster on “Arrested Development” are the stars. NBC sent over three episodes – “Pilot,” “Three Days of the Chicken” and “Fairway My Lovely” – a few weeks ago. All three are laugh-out-loud hilarious. I’d give each between four and a half and five stars.
So here’s the good news. You don’t have to trust Herc on this. (And you shouldn’t trust Herc. On anything. Herc only likes girly crap the talkbackers hate, shows like “Larry Sanders,” “Freaks and Geeks,” “The Office,” “South Park," “Venture Bros.,” “Heroes,” “Buffy,” “Firefly,” “Galactica,” “Veronica Mars,” “Twin Peaks,” “The Prisoner,” “Fawlty Towers” and “24.” Herc has no taste.)
NBC knows it’s got gold on its hands with “Andy Barker, P.I.” The network is going to put the show on in the “30 Rock” slot - Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. starting March 15 - but NBC knows a lot of people will probably be watching “Grey’s Anatomy” and “CSI” at that hour.
So get this. Before the show even premieres, NBC has put all six episodes of “Andy Barker’s” first season online at NBC.com. They’re there now!!
Watch any or all of the six episodes here!!
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And it was co-written by Jane Espenson (who is also a consulting producer for this show). The 6th episode reaches levels of lunacy right out of Arrested Development. Too bad that I can't see this lasting more than 6 episodes. But watch it with the mindset that it's like a British comedy (which only get 6 episodes per season) and these 6 episodes will seem more fulfilling.
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I will check it out, but isn't this a little odd? shouldn't you put it up online AFTER it's shown on network TV, ala Heroes? if you put it up before, how can you trust any numbers for the show, and gauge the interest level?oh well, who cares? just bring back Studio 60.
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And I concur with Pop-Cult: the Espenson episode is the best of the best, and had me laughing aloud every time we saw that sandwich.
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Buster? I'm there!
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How can someone be so spot on with their undying love for shows like Heroes and the Office, but then think that something like this is humorous or even clever? The jokes are played out and stereotypical of bad tv writing, it's got about a pinky finger's worth of the brilliance that Arrested Development had, and it's just plain goofy. Andy Richter needs to accept the fact that he's just plain unfunny. Herc, you couldn't be more aligned with me on somethings and completely off base on others. What blows me away is that you do have good taste in a lot of smart and well acted comedy, but yet, not only do you think this trite garbage is funny, but you are of the opinion that "this is one of the best comedies ever forged"? You just blew my mind.
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The reviews will be out next Wednesday and Thursday. Do you think I'll be the only critic in America to give "Andy Barker" a thumbs up?
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Take off Scrubs for 6 weeks for Christ sakes! 30 Rock has been so freakin good lately. Especially the "Hard Ball" episode, fucking genius.
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So I get to watch Heroes and Studio 60 (when it was on) a day early but I'm not allowed to see this online (Vancouver). But they sure don't mind running their commercial a dozen times while I try to figure a way around the NBC website.
Oh well, at least I tried the legit way first. -
And I thought they were ok. Not that funny at all. In fact, I think the premise and its execution is what will keep people coming back for more, but I doubt it, because Knights of Prosperity was the same way and it just got yanked. The idea of the show and the stylized way they pull it off is good, and I love Andy Richter and Tony Hale. But the show is like the Michael Richards post-Seinfeld detective sitcom and we all know how that turned out. I mean, I'm a fan of the series but I suspect I'll be in the minority. There were people who loved Andy Richter Controls the Universe of course and I couldn't really stomach that show, so maybe this one will turn out to be a surprise hit with a likable lead and a wacky sidekick, but if Arrested failed, why wouldn't this, and what kind of faith does it seem NBC has in the show by putting it all online, as in they've conceded it will be canceled and figured they'd just slap the whole series online so those who enjoy the first cpl. eps that make it to air can see the rest, including an exclusive web-only episode. I'll review this one soon if I can, but I gotta say Herc, I am pretty surprised by your reaction here. Even if you reccomended it and said it was good, that'd be cool, but it seems like you are almost being sarcasting or mocking how much you love the show. It is not worthy of being loved. It is unlovable. Likable sure, lovable absolutely not. Who are you kidding, Herc. C'mon, broseph. Don't even think about comparing this to the holy grail known as Freaks and Geeks. This one makes me miss Dana Carvey's unheralded cult classic of an ABC show. That fast food bit where they pay for a shitload of food but don't actually take it, saddling the restaurant with a bunch of extra food, is hilarious. I'll give NBC credit tho, I would much rather watch this than Grey's Anatomy. There is some real chemistry and Harve Presnell is great as a semi-delusional old man like Dirty Harry without the gun or the balls of steel.
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I always thought Andy was a cool guy, though I haven't seen any of his starring roles until now.This show is really the polar opposite of The Office's well-written comedy. I mean, pratfalls?PRATFALLS?I giggled about 3 times in the pilot -- not nearly enough to be worth my time. Sorry, NBC, no go.
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But that didn't stop them from playing a fucking commercial before they told me. Assholes.
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I watched the pilot and half of the 4th episode and boy did you hype it up. I will never watch another episode of this show again. It was awful.
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Thanks AGAIN, ABC. Now I know why there was three episodes of According to Jim last night instead. And, I'd also prefer that Andy Barker replace Scrubs - 30 Rock keeps getting better and better.
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Watched the first two episodes...nothing that special. I'll watch the other later, but I'm not expecting anything earth shattering to make it better. This gets a "Meh" from me.
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Herc do you know the difference between being a publicist or a reviewer?
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I jsut played a HUGE bonud points (the points you gget by playing normal games with real money) tournament on fulltilt poker...took me 3 hours, the 1st place finisher got a free pass to a big REAL money tournament...I got 2nd...I am very close to murderous right now...
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These 6 eps are so good they shouldn't try to produce anymore. NBC already has 4 good sitcoms on Thursday with Scrubs going on Season 6, they'll get moved back to Tuesday which could kill them.
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Definitely some laughs in there, but a poor mans police squad more like it. I'll let you know when i get to the sandwich!
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Jesus fucking Christ. Why will America not watch good TV shows anymore? Arrested Development was maybe the greatest TV comedy of all time and it got yanked. Now 30 Rock is the funniest (if shallowest) show on NBCs already pretty-spiffy Thursday night, and it's tanking. Fuck.
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Really, April 23rd. WTF
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I trust a lot of the Talkbackers and that's why I forced myself to watch Battlestar Galactica. I watched Season 1 straight through Maelstrom and loved every minute, once I was hooked. But I'm watching Season 1 of Venture Bros., right now and only find it mildly amusing. Does it get better, or is it just not my thing?
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And it was pretty bad. Just another subpar show like Knights of Prosperity.
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The second Episode has the guy who played lebowski in it. What's the connection to the coen brothers?
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That explains ALOT.
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damm you nbc, if i can't watch the ep, why allow me to watch the advert for farking turbo tax.
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Just goes to show...even the fans of Studio are forgetting about it already.
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I just finished watching a few episodes and I don't understand Herc's reaction. "Mediocre" is the best word I could use to describe it. Andy Richter is a likable guy, and I probably wouldn't mind the show being aired on a Sunday, Tuesday or Wednesday night when it isn't responsible for knocking out something superior in quality. Personally, I think 30 Rock is the best comedy on TV right now and I've managed to get about a dozen of my friends absolutely hooked on it. NBC should do whatever it can with the show before dropping it all together. I wouldn't call "putting it up against Grey's Anatomy and CSI" the best way to gain a following. The advertising on that show is seriously lacking (you'd have no idea from watching the promos just how funny Alec Baldwin, Jack McBrayer, Tracy Morgan and Tina Fey actually are on the show). I hope NBC doesn't make the same mistake it did with Kidnapped.
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The show has it's funny moments. I like the overall vibe, but I think it's a sense of humor that might not rub on everyone. It took me three or four episodes to get into the characters as well.
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someone is putting the wood to a quality broad.
That shit cracks me up. -
And I dig it. Nothing special...but it has a few laughs crammed into each episode to keep me interested. Love the episode where everyone loves the fat guy.
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Adam West as the washed TV actor turned detective. Conan! Smigel! West! Watch it and bow down! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBQ3HbB0c8Y
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Stick with it. I think its the funniest thing on TV at the moment. Have you seen Ghosts of the Sargaso yet? If you dont find that funny then this show is not for you; and there is no hope for you either! :)
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Andy Richter Controls The Universe ever coming to DVD??? If this show is as good as that, I'm there. And outside of Taladega Nights...can Richter only play characters named Andy? And Conan orders you to watch this show, or he and Gaffigan will attack you with nipple lasers.
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And was it before or after Joss and Abrams were involved? Better late than never I suppose.
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...is better than all 6 of these episodes combined. His reaction after listing off all the rappers Tracy has a beef with in the Source Awards episode was priceless.
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That would suck. I thought it was hy-sterical!
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The fact thatyou like is almost enough for me to distrust you. Almost. But youlike Fawlty Towers so all is forgiven.
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everyone here was bitching about how much they detested "30 Rock". Nice to see you guys come around to it.
"I'm not a drug addict, I'm straight-up mentally ill."
"But this isn't HBO, this is TV."
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30 ROck has NOT been cancelled. This is airing in MARCH, not FEB sweeps. Even Zucker knows that 30 ROCK has good buzz and Baldwin is a lock for EMMY nod now that he has a Globe in his pocket. Check out HDNET; they show ANDY RICHTER CONTROLS THE UNIVERSE---love that show. also, REGINALD VAN HOOKSTRATTEN RULES!!!!!!
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that Andy Richter sitcom on FOX I think where he was the dad to like 3 sets of twins? Watched a couple of eps of that and it just..felt flat to me, I'll watch this when I have the time. I loved Richter on Conan but after that sitcom I'll hold off just a little bit and not make it a priorty
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don't you guys get bored with how much the dudes that run this site constantly try to pump themselves up? Don't trust Herc he only likes (list of great shows), Moriarty(I TOLD you shia was gonna be indiana jones! see i am right!). It is like being at 4th grade lunch recess talking about basketball with my obnoxious ass friends.
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I've been waiting for like 2 weeks for some fine American citizen to take the episodes off NBC and make a torrent... Anybody find one? Thanks in advance.
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I don't think its one of the funniest sitcoms ever forged. It reminded me alot of ARCtU actually. The flavor of comedy is the same, with the similar "pause for laughter" pacing. Except there is no laughter, just a wink after each joke. Still, its definately got its moments, and I totally agree that Ep4 was really funny.
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Mrs. Slocombe's pussy will never recover...
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...It's probably not for most people. Personally, I don't find Scrubs funny (I find it nothing more than just the cast mugging and talking all cute.) But I don't put it down, because I recognize that many people find it funny. Same thing with The Office -- its sense of humor is very droll. I find it more "amusing" than laugh-out hilarious. The audience for Andy Barker is those who loved Get A Life, Strangers With Candy, the pilot HEAT Vision and Jack, and (for those familiar with Britcoms) Darkplace... in other words, people who generally don't like sitcoms; Andy Barker is a straight-up parody of the sitcom format and detective show cliches. Speaking of Strangers With Candy, Amy Sedaris appears in the third episode of Andy Barker. As for the sixth episode, the wacky Albanian "family" felt like characters out of Arrested Development, but presented in a different humorous way. Bottom line, if you like the sense of humor in the shows I listed, and like Conan O'Brien's sense of off-kilter humor, then you'll most likely love Andy Barker.
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The concept of Andy Barker is similar to that pilot Lookwell, which starred Adam West and was created by Conan, too.
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Seriously, he fails everytime- why bother?
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See my above post.
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I have to admit it's funny, but it suffers from one of the same problems that SNL had - it can't find it's last act. The last two shows ended with Jenny being branded a Nazi and Liz shooting a guy. By that account everyone should be ruined and out of work. I know it's a comedy, but it can't find that knock-out punchline to end all it's episodes on. Oh, and best American comedy show? Larry Sanders.
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I noticed that. 30 Rock just... stops. Abruptly. And it isn't helped by NBC's new policy of saying "[NBC show] will be right back" when they are just returning for credits.
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I can only see that stupid tax commercial. it's fine tho, now that I've been duped into seeing the commercial, I won't feel guilty when I download the episodes later when they come out (not that I'd ever need to "file taxes" in the US, whatever that means)
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It reminded me a bit of Get a Life or Sledge Hammer. I think the people posting who say they hated it probably were setup to react that way by the absurdly high bar AICN's article set for the show.
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But is it of Andy Richter quality?
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No, it's not about taste. There are RULES that must be followed. See my post in the thread about Fox's comedy show. But suffice to say, if Brannon Braga and Jane Espenson write a Pringles™ commercial, it WILL be posted for discussion.
Class dismissed! -
especially with The Black Donelley's ratings doing even poorer than before. Also "Earl" totally was ripping off "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" plots tonight, and with poor execution.
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We talkbackers will talk about it! I certainly acknowledge that, full disclosure and all that. Sort of the "because it's on TV" Seinfeld principle...
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make it back into the Office next week.
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Just block your IP and DNS from being read and you can watch it fine. Same as MTV.com and all the other stupid US sites that have set up this inane virtual border.
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...while I admire your taste in some projects, I just gotta say that this one just isn't that funny. I mean, it's cute, and it has a certain style, but it's sort of dull. I didn't think anything about it really soared. Andy Richter is a good, amiable goofball in the show, and the cast is fine, but there's just something about it that just doesn't click. Maybe it's the retro faux-"Quinn Martin Productions" style to some bits, or maybe that it just doesn't go far enough. I don't know, it feels dated before it even airs. Possibly that's part of the charm, I dunno. I'm not discounting it getting better for me, but it needs...something. I'll wait and see, maybe I'll find that something in there.
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...it only figures that the one episode I found to be truly funny is the one that Jane Espenson had a hand in. You go, Jane!
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If you didn't like any of the comedies he listed, then you probably won't like Andy Barker PI. The show is meta in how it parodies familiar story conventions seen in TV shows and movies about private investigators. The best example of this would be Amy Sedaris' loopy performance in the third episode. However, the Albanians in the last episode also reminded me of the kind of kooks who would show up on Arrested Development. This show isn't going to last beyond its six episode order -- the fact that NBC is streaming all episodes before airing them suggests the network doesn't have much confidence in this show. But these six episodes are a treat. Think of this as a limited series.
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This is a long-running joke with him. Traditionally, the first name of the lead character in a sitcom is usually named after the actor. (This goes all the way back to I Love Lucy, but maybe even to another show before that during TV's Golden Age, which I cannot remember.) So Andy Richter has always played a character named "Andy" or an unnamed character (like for all his cameos on Strangers With Candy) -- but you can assume that his unnamed characters are named Andy, too.
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I guess that means 'Canada' and not my den. But apparently TurboTax commercials are still available. Thanks, NBC. Assholes.
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Didn't get to check the post today, sorry for the late response. I have no doubt that you will NOT be the only critic to like this show. After all, there are many critics out there, and even Gigli and Eragon had a few individuals with credentials talking about those movies in a positive light. I will however predict the following two things, just as I predicted Serenity was going to crash and burn HARD at the box office even as you were talking that piece of junk up: 1) Reviews will be split between bad and lukewarm. VERY few critics, if anyone, will claim this show is littered with side splitting humor or crown it "the best comedy ever". 2) It will not get picked up for a long term deal. Those are the predictions, carve them in stone. As much as you make me shake my head guy, I still get giddy hearing you squeel with joy like I do when a great episode of Heroes or the Office is coming on :).
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I Effin' love LOOKWELL. And ANDY'S show looks great...hmmmm, maybe i should watch it....
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That show is really funny!
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try to solve crimes while sitting on his sofa eating an ice lolly?
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Great casting for Jack's family. And, speaking of how TV shows end an episode, I always enjoyed how Chris Elliot would die at the end of various Get A Life episodes (sorry if that was a spoiler).
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Coffee? I'm growing a set of jugs just looking at it.
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You ruin a good show again. Andy Barker PI is great, really funny stuff. And you come in here with this hyperbole shit and make me almost hate it. Do you realize how horrible a writer you are, when your review can make me hate something that I previously liked?
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cornball PI shows from the 80s, particually Scarecrow and Ms. King.
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Apparently so, because the network has scheduled #4 (the episode co-written by Jane Espenson) to be bumped up and aired the following week after the pilot.
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iTunes just put up the pilot for free. They are also selling the other five episodes. Does this series have a shot at a second season? I would hope that NBC considers ordering another 6 episodes to air during the summer break. Personally, I think Andy Barker PI would work best if it served as a midseason fill-in every season, with 6 or 13 episodes per season. This is the kind of show that I don't think could sustain being funny if they stretched it out over a 22 episode season.
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it's not that bad. Of course humor is subjective but it has a strong, likable cast with good comedic timing, characters that play off each other well, a blend of humor styles (mostly Simpsons-esq) and the music, editing, directing etc are all pretty solid. It's not going to attract the crowd that seems to be keeping "According to Jim" on the air but I say give it a full season to see how it settles in.
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Whatever the relative merits of this seemingly mediocre show may be, it is CERTAINLY not one of the funniest ever. Could we chill with the hyberbole a bit? We all need to agree to some standards here...
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I just watched an ad for taxes, filled with ads for tax software... oh and I think there was a joke or two in there.
This site is filled the the most hyperbole in the entire history of carbon... -
I know there are only so many ideas out there... but we had this one first... really.
So, just for the record, I'm linking to the following strip that we posted on Vince Germain over a year ago.
http://vincegermain.com/ep7a.html
That said, Andy Barker, P.I. looks really, really funny. -
Andy Barker is amusing, but I wouldn't say it's "one of the funniest sitcoms ever forged!!" (And, technically speaking, it's not a "sitcom" -- it's a single-camera comedy, like The Office and Scrubs are, too.) Herc, tone it down and make the expectations realistic... you're sounding like the voice-overs in the previews for upcoming LOST episodes. :)
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Richter on a talk show complaining that everyone was saying they hated "Quints" because they loved "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" so much, so he was in a position where fans you claimed to love his past work were dumping on his new show.
I haven't gone to see Barker yet, maybe I will, but I won't go expecting the greatness of "ARC the Universe" or "Arrested D--", Funny, no one bitches that the new Sarah Silverman show isn't as good as Greg the Bunny. At least now she's just racist and not anti-Puppish. -
and I think that there was enough solid writing/acting, stylish directing/camera work/editing to make me a regular "must see" viewer...at least as far as "Andy Barker, P.I." is concerned. The case is far from closed on this likeable, bumbling gumshoe.
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Word of God for me. And I like gilmore girls dammit. I'm not ashamed. It's the best writte nshow on TV...STILL.
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Looks like I'm in the minority here, but I really like this show. Just finished watching all six online. The 4th is my favorite.
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http://www.usatoday. com/life/television/reviews/2007-03-14-andy-barker_N.htm
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http://www.nytimes.com /2007/03/15/arts/television/15heff.html?_r=1&ref=television&oref=slogin
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