Round Two: I’m Dying Up Here

I’m Dying Up Here: Season 1, Episode 2 “Midnight Special” (C+)

I think I’d like to get into this show, ideally, but I just don’t have the patience for it right now. Its dated feel is matched by its glacial pacing, and it’s hard to watch at certain points due to the extremely uncomfortable tone of just about every scene. There are some innocent enough things, like Goldie having Adam come to her house to do handywork because he knows when not to say anything and he happens to know how to fix things too. And then there’s the rampant chauvinism best represented by Bill’s visiting father, played by a surprisingly enthusiastic Glenn Morshower, compared to his dry portrayal of Agent Aaron Pierce on “24,” who couldn’t believe that Cassie would could both have a job and be his son’s girlfriend. Bill’s set in which he shouted down the group of laid-off women in the front row was truly painful. I’m not sure if it’s thought-provoking or just mundane to hear the comics make the same jokes again and again, since the laughter serves as an endearing comfort. Eddie and Ron’s time on “Let’s Make a Deal” was pretty ridiculous – apparently, it’s not that hard to get picked – and oly they could celebrate winning Rice-a-Roni for a year, literally putting food on their table and nothing more. Ralph and Edgar’s feud was more than just a little petty. I think this is enough of this show for me now – it’s been mildly interesting and I’m more than okay parting ways with it.

Pilot Review: I’m Dying Up Here

I’m Dying Up Here (Showtime)
Premiered June 4 at 10pm

It’s a good bet that most actors who end up starring in comedies have roots somewhere in standup. The history of the standup scene is also ripe to be dramatized, and that’s the obvious reason that this show got picked up by a network known for edgy comedy programming. I wouldn’t exactly call this show a comedy since it’s mired in a melancholy presentation of how unfulfilling life spent living in a closet trying to slowly climb an increasingly long ladder up to success. I’m not usually all that fond of shows set in the 1970s since they’re often inundated with a drugged-out vibe and don’t usually move all that quickly. That’s certainly true here, though I can see the appeal. The most enticing part of it is the fact that it features some rising talent that may well rocket to stardom with these great starring roles. The most notable face is that of Ari Graynor, who has been a memorable part in the ensemble of a few films and short-lived TV shows, and rivals Rachel Brosnahan for best monologue of the year in a series debt. I remember Michael Angarano from “Will and Grace” and Clark Duke from “The Office,” and they seem like a fun pair transplanted to Los Angeles from Boston to a whole that’s way over their heads. The one who’s really a fish out of water is RJ Cyler, one of my favorite parts of “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” and it seems like he’ll play a fun part. I’m not sure that this show’s energy level is high enough for me, but I’m willing to give it another shot to see if it livens up a bit.

How will it work as a series? There’s a big cast, led of course by Oscar winner Melissa Leo, and so that’s sure to provide more than enough fodder for dramatic exploration of comedy. It also means that characters might be rarely featured and underdeveloped, but this show seems to have a decent handle on what it wants to be.
How long will it last? I can’t find much ratings data for the pilot episode (or the second, which has already aired), but it does appear that the reviews are pretty solid if not entirely enthusiastic. This could go either way, since Showtime hasn’t embraced all of its programming recently, and my bet is that this one won’t last past this season.

Pilot grade: B-