Round Two: Samantha Who?

Samantha Who: Season 1, Episode 2 "The Job" (B+)

This one very well could be the frontrunner for best new network series of the fall. This episode follows up on the pilot and delivers just as well. Jennifer Esposito and Barry Watson are great background players whose incessant sarcasm is truly biting. Jean Smart and Kevin Dunn are truly funny as Samantha's parents who just do not get her condition. It is great to see Rick Hoffman, who always portrays the most obnoxious characters ever, in a role that fits his talents and allows him to blend in well with the rest of the cast. I think it is fine that Joy Osmanski seems to be typecast as the tormented assistant (see also: "The Loop"). The best casting, in my opinion, has to be Tim Russ, Tuvok of "Star Trek Voyager" fame, as the doorman who Samantha tries to talk to before he sharply reminds her that they are not friends. It is a relief to be able to say that the writing and the acting are entirely deserving of each other.