What I’m Watching: Bent (Season Finale)

Bent: Season 1, Episodes 5 & 6 “Mom” & “Tile Date” (B)

After premiering just two weeks ago, this show is already over, and its fate remains undetermined. This pair of episodes was entertaining, and the second installment made some strong developments in terms of the characters. Pete’s mom, who was played by Marcia Gay Harden, coming to visit didn’t prove to be all that consequential, and was more impactful for the effect it had on Pete’s relationship with Alex. Not working because he was mad at her for telling Walt that Vanessa was in town produced some rather ineffective results thanks to Clem’s lackluster leadership. Alex’s visit to Pete’s Gamblers Anonymous meeting was highly destructive, as she destroyed the table and then revealed one of the members’ identities. It’s nice to see Alex put her foot in her mouth for once instead of Pete, and I enjoyed hearing Pete tell Alex that she’s a good friend. By episode two, her sex dream about Pete and her competitive spirit against the mediator demonstrated that feelings had evolved between them and, once again, Alex was the less cool of the duo. That final moment in the kitchen was sweet, and a good note to end on in case this show never returns. Though it was highly awkward, Gary’s bout of courage with Screwsie was endearing, and it’s good that he finally took a stand and confronted her about abusing his affection for her. This show could well become more entertaining and developed if it’s given the chance to continue, though I wouldn’t lose sleep if it wasn’t renewed.

Season grade: B
Season MVP: Amanda Peet & David Walton

Round Two: Bent

Bent: Season 1, Episodes 3 & 4 “HD & A-Game” (B-)

It’s weird to think of this show in the usual terms I use to look at installments, since this is only the second batch of episodes but next week will mark the final hour of this show’s first season order. It’s hard to get attached with such a limited sampling, but I think the bigger issue is that, entertaining as this show may be, it’s not very tethered to reality, incorporating irreverent elements like the group’s impossible lack of productivity and the relationship between Alex and Pete. It is enjoyable to see Ben upstaged by Pete when he plans a surprise birthday party for her as they’re knocking the door down about to have sex for the first time, and I like the dynamic between Ben and Pete, agreeing that her room is not optimal for seduction and then fighting later, essentially over Alex. Leaving his crew in the car while he ran into the wedding to drop something off and ended up having to play Alex’s date because everyone though that her absent boyfriend meant she was single was amusing as well, mainly because of how Clem and Vlad started saying that Gary’s back fat was looking like a T-bone steak. Gary’s obsession with Screwsie is a bit creepy, but her indulging him and startling him is decently fun. I’m enjoying the dynamic between James and Screwsie, but I’m not as sold on their supervision of Frankie, which involves allowing her to skip school and come with them to a drum circle populated by eclectic artists and homeless people.

Pilot Review: Bent

Bent (NBC)
Premiered March 21 at 9pm

It’s always useful to have a double-dose of a series right away when it premieres, especially when it’s a half-hour sitcom. This show is an interesting new addition to NBC’s Wednesday night lineup, which is autonomous from but not entirely different from its more stable Thursday night fare. In many ways, it’s a traditional comedy that one might find on any network, yet it still looks and feels like a distinctive NBC show. It’s not wholly funny, but its characters are decently endearing, and it’s hard not to smile every once in a while. I enjoyed Pete’s conversation with his father about their contraception situation, which he deemed “awkward and separate,” and I liked Pete’s rapport with Screwsie, both looking at each other carefully to determine if they slept together. David Walton, seen within the past two years on different failed NBC sitcoms, "100 Questions" and "Perfect Couples," is perfectly at home in the role of Pete, and Amanda Peet is always great, and Alex is another terrific showcase for her. They immediately have a great dynamic, and I look forward to seeing it develop. Jeffrey Tambor, Margo Harshman, and Matt Letscher stand out in the supporting cast, and I suppose I’ll get used to the presence of excessive scene-stealer J.B. Smoove from “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and Matt Damon-lookalike Jesse Plemons, from "Friday Night Lights," as carpenter’s apprentice Gary. I’m not so impressed with Joey King, who played Jess’ student nemesis Briana in a recent installment of “New Girl,” who portrays Alex’s daughter Charlie as way too precocious and distracting of a character. Premiering this show so late into the spring means that I’ll likely have more attention to focus on it, and it could well become one of my regular shows if it remains fresh and funny.

How will it work as a series? This contract job on Alex’s house can’t last forever, but at the rate that Pete and his crew seem to work, he could be there a while. As their sexual tension builds, there are plenty of situations that can arise, as evidenced by the return of Pete’s ex-fiancée and Ben’s efforts to get Charlie to like him. I think this could be a show that, like “Cougar Town,” evolves past its premise when its characters have the chance to develop.
How long will it last? It may not have that chance, of course, given its poor performance on opening night, coming in lower than the quickly-axed “Free Agents.” With NBC’s other Wednesday finishing up their seasons this coming week, this show could stick around if viewers still want to watch something, but I don’t see it making it past the end of the season.

Pilot grade: B