What I’m Watching: Apartment 23

Apartment 23: Season 2, Episodes 10 and 11 “Mean Girls” (C+) and “Dating Games” (B)

Including more episodes that should have aired in season one isn’t doing this show any favors, and it doesn’t help that the second, more time-appropriate installment, feels awfully formulaic and like it would be a better fit for the show’s first season. I was pleased, however, to see Fiona Gubelmann, who stars on FX’s “Wilfred” as Jenna, in the role of the main mean girl who June thought Chloe had murdered. The whole plot played out rather obnoxiously, and there wasn’t much to take away from it. This show has proven itself to be clever, and it’s a shame to see episodes like this which don’t take full advantage of the relationship between June and Chloe. Episode two from Tuesday night was considerably better if still unsatisfying, mainly because June, as easily manipulated as she may be, wouldn’t likely go along with a scenario that prevents her from dating the man she wants. Kyle Howard, recently seen as jerk Dr. Van Dyke on “Royal Pains,” was an interesting choice to play the charming, entirely sympathetic pawn in their game since it’s far from his typical role. My favorite moment of the many unfortunate dates – June at a dungeon, really? – was Chloe bringing Daniel an uncooked egg and a rented chair for herself only on their picnic. This show doesn’t seem to know what to do with Robin or Eli, whereas it knows just how to use Ray Ford’s Eli to this utmost scene-stealing potential, which just gets better every episode.