What I'm Watching: The Loop (Season Premiere)

The Loop: Season 2, Episodes 1 & 2 "Windows" & "The Phantom" (D-/F)

Please tell me that "The Loop" did not return for its second season minus the fantastic talents of Sarah Mason and Amanda Loncar as Sam's friend Lizzy and crush Piper, respectively. Not only that, but the rest of the characters have been severely scaled back: assistant Darcy has gone from a strictly sarcastic, angry employee to a pitiful, lovestruck suckup, brother Sully has lost his comedic edge, Meryl has returned without her constant flirtation, and boss Russ no longer delivers great one-liners. This show, which was always heavily uneven, has plummeted in quality, and without the more intriguing half of the show's plot, it is highly unlikely to recover. Sam's endearing crush on Piper in the first season has now been transformed into a dumb quest for sex with the first secretary he can find. The storylines are still ridiculous, and the lack of the supporting cast makes it impossible to balance it out. "The Loop" airs next Sunday at 8:30 and 9:30, and for the following two weeks, will air at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30.