Pilot Review: Married

Married (FX)
Premiered July 17 at 10pm

Because they premiered at the same time, it’s inevitable that this show will be compared to USA’s similarly-themed “Satisfaction.” It’s not entirely fair since this show is something altogether different. It’s emblematic of FX’s new brand of comedy, shuttling a few of its flagship comedies to new sister network FXX and holding on just to “Louie” and “Anger Management.” This show’s humor is reminiscent of the former show, with its protagonist wandering around awkwardly, fated to end up in uncomfortable situations laced with irony. I was a big fan of Nat Faxon in the underrated “Ben and Kate” a few years ago on FOX, and it’s great to see him back on TV. This role is considerably different, but he’s just as well-suited for it as he is for more physical comedy and sarcasm. Judy Greer, who is also a delight, has the opportunity here to be in a perpetual bad mood and deliver her lines with the most attitude possible. Having Jenny Slate and John Hodgman in the supporting cast is an added treat, and this ensemble is perfectly set up for sardonic humor. Watching Faxon’s Russ shop around for a mistress and then find just the girl for it proved hilariously entertaining, particularly with his ill-fated dog purchase and his daughter’s subsequent discovery of that same dog. I think this show could well prove to be enjoyable on a weekly basis, though it’s not almost going to pleasant to watch its characters worm their way out of unfortunate and regrettable situations.

How will it work as a series? Greer’s Lina can only be cool with her husband not being straight with her and insinuating that he may or may not have just come from an extramarital affair for so long, so it’s a question of whether this show is able to make her just as interesting a character as him and to make them both drastically and comically believable.
How long will it last? This show managed to succeed well with its target audience in its initial offering, and it bested its lead-out, “You’re the Worst,” making it easy for FX to decide which of the two shows it should keep going forward. I think this could be a good companion for “Louie,” and I suspect FX will want to stick with it.

Pilot grade: B+