Pilot Review: Tacoma FD

Tacoma FD (TruTV)
Premiered March 28 at 10:30pm

It’s important to have the right kind of expectations when going into a new show, and there are going to be factors influencing your opinion that can’t be helped. In the case of this show, it airs on a network – TruTV – that houses one of the more under-the-radar comedies that I enjoy, “I’m Sorry,” and it comes from a comedy troupe that I haven’t liked all that much in the past. “Super Troopers” is a movie that amuses some but not me, and I felt similarly negatively about “Beerfest” and “The Slammin’ Salmon” when I saw them. Now the group is coming to television, and the product isn’t nearly as crude as I would have expected. There’s not much maturity, sure, but Kevin Heffernan’s Chief Terry McConky at least understands the notion of responsibility that he doesn’t always adhere to, especially if there’s an opportunity for childish competition with his underlings. There’s not much in the way of sophistication either, which doesn’t make getting to know this firehouse any better. Presumably, Hassie Harrison’s female firefighter from the opening credits will be added going forward as part of the effort to make everyone take their jobs a bit more seriously. Again, I’m surprised that, even on a cable network, the envelope isn’t really pushed too much, and I imagine that true fans of Broken Lizard might be disappointed by the relatively reserved nature of this show. I’ve seen much worse, and therefore I’ll be more than happy just to forget this show existed without being bothered much by the experience of sampling it.

How will it work as a series? Terry tried his best to act like the boss even though he let Eddie drive him crazy with pranks and baiting him into taking part in unauthorized activities, and there’s likely to be much more of that going forward, leading to moderately humorous antics. There may be more recurring subplots in there too, though I don’t know how much multitasking this show will really feature.
How long will it last? It doesn’t look like many people have actually found this show since there are few reviews out there, but the premiere was apparently a huge success in the ratings for the network. I suspect that, as long as Broken Lizard wants to continue making this show, it’s going to live a long, healthy, and maybe even raunchy life.

Pilot grade: B-