Pilot Review: Marry Me

Marry Me (NBC)
Premiered October 14 at 9pm

Love stories are very common on TV, especially this pilot season. Each show needs its own specific hook, and not all of them can be entirely romantic. This show established its own incredibly awkward vibe with a memorable first scene in which what should have been a surprising and sweet proposal was ruined by a lengthy and catastrophic speech from a woman who thought her fiancé-to-be was never going to propose. What started as one entertaining isolated incident, however, seems fated to be repeated over and over again, and that’s where the idea of this show as a weekly series becomes a question mark. Jake has proposed, Annie has proposed, and both have had disastrous consequences. That they would both retreat to the same homophobic Mexican restaurant and then realize that they’re fated to be together doesn’t quite sew things together in the way that it should, and it’s hard to tell where this show could possibly go next. It may be that I saw an overindulgent trailer for this show, but that’s not the only reason that much of what happened here felt relatively familiar. Viewers are likely thrilled about this show because of its two stars, each of whom starred on a short-lived comedy with a cult following in the past five years. I watched and liked “Party Down” but never got into “Happy Endings.” While I admire the talents of Ken Marino and Casey Wilson, I don’t see either of them as romantic leads. Given the choice, I’d rather try to get attached to something like “A to Z” where I know that I’ll find the couple endearing rather than watch these two more purposely awkward comedians navigate their way towards an enduring and lasting engagement.

How will it work as a series? That’s the reason to sit through a second episode – to see what this show and fate have in store for its characters. Will there be more proposals or engagement parties, or other hiccups in the relationship? I’m not sure what could turn this show around and make it worth watching going forward.
How long will it last? Possibly a while, actually. The pilot fared well in the ratings, and should be a good companion piece for another not-so-sappy NBC comedy, “About a Boy.” I wouldn’t get too excited just yet, but this show may have found a semi-lasting home on Tuesday nights.

Pilot grade: C+