"Happy Endings" Review: Another "Friends" Clone?
There will eventually come a day when networks will stop trying to create the next “Friends.” But that day has not come yet, as evidenced by the new ABC comedy, “Happy Endings”…
“Endings” revolves around a close-knit group of friends: Dave (Zachary Knighton), Alex (Elisha Cuthbert), Alex’s sister Jane (Eliza Coupe), Jane’s husband Brad (Damon Wayans, Jr.), their gay friend Max (Adam Pally), and their single friend Penny (Casey Wilson).
The premiere opens at Alex and Dave’s wedding. When another man interrupts the ceremony to declare his love for Alex, Alex runs away and leaves Dave at the altar. Her escape also leaves the rest of the group to help Dave pick up the pieces. And when Alex returns, the group must figure out how they can still be a group.
Since this is a sitcom, there has to be a really awkward situation and in this case it’s Penny’s birthday party. It’s made even more awkward when Dave brings a date.
About halfway through this one, I was already writing in my head what I was going to say about how unfunny this one is. But then something happened that actually made me laugh out loud. However, I can’t really see that happening too many times in the future.
I’ll give ABC credit for a new twist on the “Friends” dynamic, but how many awkward parties can there be before it gets REALLY old? I’m thinking the show actually reaches its quota in the premiere.
I’m pretty sure we won’t see a happy ending in this show’s future…
“Happy Endings” premieres Wednesday, April 12th at 9:30 p.m. on ABC with back-to-back episodes.
