Pilot Review: Viva Laughlin

Viva Laughlin (CBS)
Premiered October 18 at 10pm

Just when I thought "Caveman" was hands-down the worst show of the season, this show comes along to make me question that certainty. Who thought this could have been a good idea? The whole breaking-out-in-song gimmick fails miserably. It is erratic at best, and the fact that the music plays over the cast member singing makes it even more unbearable. I cannot discern why that element of the show seemed necessary. The cast and the writing are just as bad as the tone and flow of the show. Even the usually excellent Hugh Jackman is terrible. I never thought that I would wish that DB Woodside was back in command as President of the United States on "24". Lead actor Lloyd Owen is pretty much an eternally angry Eric Mabius, which is in no way a good thing. The most inexplicable part of this whole affair is that the preview for Sunday's episode reminds viewer that it airs immediately after "60 Minutes". Because that is definitely the audience they are going for.

How will it work as a series? Simply put, it won't. 'Nuff said.
How long will it last? Those precious few who made it through the first episode might not stick with it for long. The premiere did worse than any episode, new or repeat, last year in this timeslot (per "The Futon Critic"). The show actually airs on Sunday, but I doubt it will live to see a fourth installment. It might even have the dishonor of being the first scripted show of the season axed.

Pilot grade: F