"Running Wilde" Review: Is it the Next "Arrested Development"?

“Arrested Development” was probably the most creative comedy to ever air on TV. So now its creator, Mitch Hurwitz, has reunited with one of its stars to try and create that same magic with the new show, “Running Wilde.”

They haven’t quite succeeded, but they’re working on it—if FOX will just give them the time…

Will Arnett stars as Steve Wilde, an immature playboy whose biggest concern in life is competing with his neighbor, Fa’ad (Peter Serafinowicz). But when he crosses paths once again with his one true love, Emmy (Keri Russell), he starts to realize that he might need to find more in his life if he plans to win her heart…

That’s because Emmy is a do-gooder living in the Amazon to try and save the rainforest. She loves the life, but her daughter, Puddle (Stefania Owen), wants to live like a normal kid. In fact, she’s stopped talking in protest. But when she meets Steve, she sees an opportunity to get what she has always wanted—and maybe help Steve get what he’s always wanted too.

“Wilde” is definitely quirky and reminiscent of “Arrested” in a number of ways—Puddle serving as the narrator being one of them—but it just doesn’t reach that level of humor in the pilot. Arnett is playing the same cocky screw-up he always does, which is a little annoying. But Russell is adorable and has great chemistry with Arnett, so that salvages things a great deal. Fa’ad and the other supporting characters need fleshed out a little more, but they’ve got potential.

In fact, I think the whole show has got potential. It’s just not showing it yet. It’s like…well…arrested development. But hopefully it will get past that and become the show it could be, which is the next…you guessed it…

“Running Wilde” premieres September 21st at 9:30 p.m…

Photo Credit: FOX