If you're looking for the next "How I Met Your Mother," look elsewhere.
"Mad Love," the latest sitcom from CBS, tells the story of two pairs of friends, Ben and Larry, and Kate and Connie, searching for love in New York City.
The pilot begins as Ben (Jason Biggs) and Larry (Tyler Labine) are leaving the observation deck of the Empire State Building and Ben forgets his phone. He returns to the top and finds Kate (Sarah Chalke) holding it. They share instant "fireworks" — coincidentally the same name as the pilot episode and an obvious allusion to the classic movie, "Sleepless in Seattle" (1993).
The pilot retains its unoriginality as Ben invites Larry to go out with Kate and her best friend, Connie (Judy Greer). Larry and Connie, as the best friends of Ben and Kate, respectively, are at odds from the start, a sort of hate−at−first−sight, and viewers are expected to find comedy in their snarky bickering.
A strong point of the show is the relationship between Ben and Kate. Biggs and Chalke are not only well−suited for each other chemistry−wise, but they are also matched in their acting abilities. Biggs, known for his starring role in the famous teen film series "American Pie," has found similar roles ever since, perfecting his lowbrow comic acting. Similarly, Chalke's role in "Scrubs" (2001−10) exhibited her "dramedy" sensibilities, which she effortlessly brings to her new show.
Their charm, comedy and touch of romance could have enhanced this failing comedy, if only their lines hadn't been heard countless times in varying combinations over the past 20 years. Their chemistry is dependent on the script and could have been more pronounced and unique had the lines contained an ounce of novelty. Instead, the romance falls on its face.
Greer and Labine, on the other hand, prove to be a disastrous match. Greer has played more challenging roles that better demonstrate her talent in movies such as "27 Dresses" (2008) and "13 Going on 30" (2004), and in TV shows such as "Arrested Development" (2003−6). This role is a step down for her — it demonstrates none of her range. She could bring so much life to the show if it just offered her some creative freedom.
Greer is quite unequally matched with Labine, an actor who has not nearly as much acting prowess. His acting experiences display a remarkable lack of variety or range, and his character attests to that. His role is a combination of all the crass, goofy men who appear in TV shows and is reminiscent of a stripped−down Barney Stinson of "How I Met Your Mother," adding nothing to the show. His character is not comical — he's unappealing and will certainly turn off many viewers if his streak of tactless comedy continues.
Though the "Mad Love" cast includes familiar names like Biggs and Greer, and the producers attempt to use them to create a competent show, the program's major downfall is its writing. It doesn't make any departure from more relevant and successful sitcoms, yet it constantly reminds us of its competitors. The series could showcase its actors' talents and strengths; instead, it takes the tack to entertain the audience, recycling material from relationships on past sitcoms. Even the settings lack a certain believability.
Greer's character could be made much more human by adding humor that doesn't involve venom. Occasional snide comments, given the right circumstances, can certainly enhance a show, but they shouldn't be used a first option.
And as for the lead romantic couple, the writers could afford to differentiate the characters. "Mad Love" may be a comedy, but every comedy has to have a bit of drama in it — a quality that will be lacking if the two are too compatible and similar.
"Mad Love" may be a failed "How I Met Your Mother," but if the producers were to make it its own show and flesh out its characters' intentions, it could be promising and enjoyable to watch. It would be a shame for these actors, aside from Labine, to be robbed of the opportunity to make the show a success.
