Pilot Review: Ghosted

Ghosted (FOX)
Premiered October 1 at 8:30pm

If you told me that there was a show starring Adam Scott and Craig Robinson, I think I’d be sold. I’m a huge fan of the former from “Parks and Recreation,” and I also enjoyed him on “Party Down” and in the movie “A.C.O.D.” as well as in his recent guest spot on “The Good Place.” Robinson I liked in “The Office” and can appreciate his contributions, however unserious, to the likes of “Pineapple Express,” “Hot Tub Time Machine,” and “This Is the End,” as well as a brief foray into drama on “Mr. Robot.” I like the idea of seeing them both on television again, though I really would have preferred a different premise. I’m all for the multiverse existing, but I can see that on “The Flash” and enjoy it more than enough there. Here, there are aliens and ghosts and other things, which leaves the door open for a wide array of otherworldly beings with no tie to any sense of reality other than that they don’t fit. This is a buddy action comedy, and we’ve seen more than enough of those over the years. This one just feels stupid, and Scott and Robinson have been much better in so many different roles. I can’t help but think of Ally Walker from her role on “Sons of Anarchy,” and she seems wasted here as their moderately sarcastic boss. I’m not sure there was all that much potential with this concept, and therefore I don’t think I would have been as underwhelmed if I had gone in knowing what it was about.

How will it work as a series? As expected, one short mission has now turned into a desire to stick around to finish what they started, something that can be extended as long as it needs to keep the show going for a while. The door is always open for as many different kinds of bad guys – or bad things – for the duo to fight, which at least might not get boring.
How long will it last? I’m surprised to see that the reviews aren’t all terrible and actually pretty decent. That could help this show, but the more important factor is the fact that the ratings were good, outperforming its lead-in “The Simpsons.” I’d say that’s a promising start, though I think it’s too early to expect a second season renewal, which is a possibility.

Pilot grade: C+