Pilot Review: Wrecked

Wrecked (TBS)
Premiered June 14 at 10pm

Was someone asking for a parody of “Lost” more than five years after the show’s end that directly spoofs nearly every scene from its opening episode? I certainly wasn’t, and I’m a fan of the popular island-set thriller that had more than a few inconsistencies worth mocking over the course of its run. I would never have expected that this could actually be a series, mainly because it’s so tightly based on another show in a way that’s less than favorable. The jokes are moderately funny on occasion, but this is not the basis of a long-lasting and enjoyable series. I recognize Zach Cregger, who plays the aimless drug addict flight attendant, but couldn’t exactly place where I’ve seen him before - some brief research doesn’t help me much either. I do like Ginger Gonzaga, who was on “Togetherness” and in Tribeca hit “Dean,” and while this isn’t a superb role for her, she does a pretty good job. And then there’s the dependable Rhys Darby, who fills the apparent quota set by this show’s inspiration to represent the Oceania area and manages to be the show’s most entertaining element, chiming in that he literally can’t go because of his broken leg and offers regular humorous comments that elevate the show’s unsophisticated humor to mildly bearable. Though the actor was fun in “Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” he hasn’t had a great TV success since “Flight of the Conchords,” and this forgettable show surely is not going to be it.

How will it work as a series? “Lost” ran for six seasons, so there’s plenty of fodder for all the comedy here. This show could go on forever, especially with installments half as long as the more serious hour-long episodes that serve as their basis. If audiences are enthralled now, there’s no reason they won’t laugh later when lamentable plotlines are parodied.
How long will it last? The ratings were fine and the reviews weren’t as bad as I might have expected, but I don’t see this being one of TBS’ long-running successes. It’s too early to tell, and two episodes was more than enough for me, so I’m sure I’ll read what ends up happening in a while.

Pilot grade: D