Man Seeking Woman (FXX)
Premiered January 14 at 10:30pm
The FX brand, which now includes a network aimed at younger audiences, FXX, has some comedies that I do enjoy, like “Wilfred,” “Married,” and “You’re the Worst.” Others I don’t watch regularly but do appreciate, like “Louie.” And then there are some that just are not for me. Unfortunately, FXX’s newest comedy, which the network was kind enough to send me a press kit of with the first two episodes included, falls into that category. Jay Baruchel, who was the star of a breakout comedy hit called “Undeclared” way back in 2001 that was Judd Apatow’s follow-up to “Freaks and Geeks,” plays Josh Greenberg, the sad sack main character who is more than unlucky in love and generally in life. I went into it knowing nothing more than that the poster for the show and the press kit art shows Josh holding out a rose to a troll on a date. It turns out that it’s not a metaphor or representation of his love life, but an actual scene from the pilot following his successful sister’s idea to set him up with a troll from Sweden. The episode also includes an introduction to Josh’s ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend, who happens to be Adolf Hilter, who according to many isn’t as bad as he’s made about to be. This show is not meant to be taken seriously, but it interprets what people often say their worst dates and moments are to be literal occurrences. Some may find that funny; I certainly don’t. This is a grating series that I just can’t stand.
How will it work as a series? I broke my own rule and decided to watch the second episode right away to see if the show gets any better. The second episode includes a control room in which military personnel help Josh craft a text message to a girl he met on the train. In short, the pilot is a perfect indicator of what the series is, and that’s not a good thing.
How long will it last? Headline Planet describes this premiere on Wednesday as “one of the worst-rated and least-watched original offerings on cable.” Even though FXX is not a ratings juggernaut, this show couldn’t match “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and likely won’t be back for a second season until FX Networks really wants to expand its brand.
Pilot review: F-
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