Pilot Review: Crusoe

Crusoe (NBC)
Premiered October 17 at 8pm

I'm not familiar at all with any of the Robinson Crusoe mythology, but I think I can get the gist of it from this premiere. It's an undeniably hokey show which I find pretty difficult to take seriously. Philip Winchester gives it all his corny best as the lead character, who seems like the nicest and jolliest guy ever. Friday's also a pretty happy-go-lucky guy. The guest star pirates in this episode are all entirely ridiculous characters, and I just can't image how anyone's supposed to take them seriously. I do like the adventure music that plays whenever Crusoe's running, and the traps and effects are a high point of the show. Otherwise, it's devastatingly slow and boring, but is that really a surprise?

How will it work as a series? Sure, in the first episode there were pirates, but after that, how will this show remain interesting? There are only two characters and next week looks to involve ghosts as a way to make things exciting. If there are constant shipwrecks or pirates plundering the island, that could easily get old right away. The relationship between Crusoe and Friday doesn't seem that deep, so it's going to have to depend on flashbacks to Crusoe's former life to keep it fresh.
How long will it last? I think this one will be gone within just a few weeks. I'm sure it's insanely expensive, and it's just not good enough to merit the money. I also don't think it is likely to have a very high audience.

Pilot grade: D