Take Three: Grandfathered

Grandfathered: Season 1, Episode 3 “Guys’ Night” (B)

There are a number of elements of this show that feel formulaic, but the characters are turning out to be relatively entertaining, and so it’s not much of a problem. I like how unapologetically nonchalant Jimmy is about not knowing a single fact about his son and about constantly dodging uncomfortable conversations at work by commissioning new pepper mills. The fact that he always puts effort in eventually is a dependable inevitability, and that’s what manages to keep him likeable. Gerald continues to be a bit of a dweeb, but at least he is enthusiastic about his feelings for Vanessa and even drunkenly put together a pretty impressive display that might have won her over had she actually been present to see it. My favorite character is Sara, who racked her brain to find things to do with her time when Gerald skipped out on their “Amelie” viewing date to spend time with his father. That her activities included calling to switch to paperless billing she was already received and taking quizzes to find out which “Friends” character she was proved entertaining, particularly because of the humorous nod to her time spent as a guest star on that show. Giving Annelise something to do after she tried to speak her mind with Jimmy was interesting, leading to a mediocre plot involving Jack McGee’s old-fashioned bartender and the seemingly amazing daughter who will now work with him, which might end up being a problem given the unfortunate way in which her relationship with Jimmy ended years ago.