I watched most of the pilots for the season, and found the winners and losers. I concluded that "serial" is the watchword for drama and "tired" the watchword for comedy. I thought I had it all figured out but then came ABC's Men In Trees, starring Anne Heche, a surprise gem on the fall schedule.
I like Anne Heche (whatever you may think of her spaceship) but I had little hope for this show, even going so far as to vote if off on Brilliant But Cancelled 's fall countdown contest.
But then I actually saw the show, and I take it all back. This show is really fun. Let me count the ways:
Anne Heche: Whatever you may think of her sanity, she's a strong actress, and she owns the character of Marin Frist, a relationship coach who discoveres her fiance is cheating on her. She then finds herself stranded in a remote Alaska town and decides to stay. Derivative? Yes. Contrived? Of course. But Heche can combine beauty and brains, crazy and charming, and make it work. She makes a potentially shrill character not only likeable, but sympathetic and fun.
James Tupper: As animal biologist (or something) Jack, the self-contained sexy-as-hell actor is the find of the season. More than Marin's love interest, he's an interesting character by himself. He's got a secret lurking behind that grin, and I'd certainly tune in to see him once a week.
The supporting cast: Finally Abraham Benrubi gets a part where he has something to do. Not only that, but he gets a love interest too! Emily Bergl is fun as Marin's biggest stalker...er, fan, and Colby Johannson is hysterical as an excitable front desk clerk at Marin's hotel.
There is nothing original about this show, but it's fun and stocked with a cast of characters that makes me think of moving to Alaska. Men In Trees is yet another reason to look foward to Fridays.
