"Episodes" Review: Welcome Back, Matt LeBlanc!

If you read my column in the H-D Thursday, you already know that I liked the new Matt LeBlanc comedy, “Episodes.”

Usually, I can only base my opinion of a show on the pilot. And more often than not, the pilot is not a good measure of the show. But in this case, I can promise you the show is good because I’ve actually seen the entire seven-episode season.

In all honesty, if I had only seen the pilot, I might feel differently. It’s a little slow and Matt LeBlanc barely appears in it. But when combined with the rest of the season, you have a complete picture. And a funny picture it is.

The story revolves around Sean and Beverly Lincoln (Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Grieg), the hottest comedy writers in England. An American TV executive (John Pankow) decides he wants to bring their show to America with them writing it. But things don’t go easily for the couple as they realize in Hollywood, nothing is what it seems and no one really tells the whole truth.

Soon, their smart, witty comedy becomes just another ordinary sitcom starring Matt LeBlanc. But as Beverly gets more and more frustrated, Sean starts to enjoy the Hollywood life to which his new friend, Matt, introduces him.

“Episodes” is a witty satire of life behind-the-scenes of a sitcom. Pankow is great as the completely clueless executive and Kathleen Rose Perkins steals every scene she’s in as his second-in-command. I have to say that the show’s a little sad too, because you know that there are network executives who are just that clueless.

You’ll see how the season ends coming from a mile away, but it’s a fun ride getting there. And you’ll be eagerly waiting for the ride to start again.

“Episodes” premieres Sunday, January 9th at 9:30 p.m. on Showtime. Please note the show contains strong language and adult situations.

Photo Credit: Showtime