2008 Woodie Awards
"Do Not Disturb" lacks some originality, still has potential
By Phil Donahue, Collegian Correspondent
Issue date: 9/10/08 Section: Arts & Living
Do not miss Fox's "Do Not Disturb," or it just might fail to reach its potential. The new show is a work-place sitcom with a funny ensemble cast airing on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. The show was created by Abraham Higginbotham, whose credits include previous work on Fox's critical hits and ratings failures "Arrested Development" and "Back to You."
"Do Not Disturb" does not feature cutting edge comedy like "Arrested Development" and it does not boast a pair veteran sitcom stars like "Back to You," but considering those two short lived shows are cancelled, maybe it's a good thing.
The pilot episode introduces several staff members at an unnamed hotel. Neil, the general manager played by "Crossing Jordan's" Jerry O'Connell, is a self described "respectful and decent" boss. Unfortunately, Neil's staff sees him more as "some lecherous, hornball boss running around with his fly open."
In contrast, human resource director, Rhonda, played by "Reno 911!" star Niecy Nash, is known as the hotel "basin of self-control." It is only natural that the events that take place in Jason Bateman ("Juno") directed pilot soon flip the roles of the characters. This very situation makes "Do Not Disturb" a difference from other recent sitcoms.
This sitcom places a beautiful, thin, wannabe-model against a plus-size model representing the "second largest plus size clothing chain in Indiana." It also features a witty bellhop named Gus, played by the dryly humorous Dave Franco (brother of the "Spider-man" series actor James Franco) teamed with a homosexual hotel worker with a muddled sexual drive.
The interaction between Neil and Rhonda and the other pairs create the show's stimulating plot hinting more potential than the pilot exhibits. Fox ordered twelve episodes of the show, which implies that the network has faith in the show's potential as well.
The question is, will "Do Not Disturb" share the same fate as Higginbotham's past endeavors? His works have digressed in edginess and originality since "Arrested," falling into a trend of conformity to the mainstream idea of sitcoms.
The traditional set-up for the situation comedy has been a rare event on network television. With everyone searching for the next new, outrageous idea, maybe it has become time to watch something reminiscent of where it all started.
"Do Not Disturb" isn't the next "I Love Lucy," and it's not original enough to be labeled "revolutionary." But its lack of originality isn't its downfall.
Then again, there is an "Arrested Development" movie in pre-production, so maybe edginess and originality isn't so out of style.
"Do Not Disturb" does not feature cutting edge comedy like "Arrested Development" and it does not boast a pair veteran sitcom stars like "Back to You," but considering those two short lived shows are cancelled, maybe it's a good thing.
The pilot episode introduces several staff members at an unnamed hotel. Neil, the general manager played by "Crossing Jordan's" Jerry O'Connell, is a self described "respectful and decent" boss. Unfortunately, Neil's staff sees him more as "some lecherous, hornball boss running around with his fly open."
In contrast, human resource director, Rhonda, played by "Reno 911!" star Niecy Nash, is known as the hotel "basin of self-control." It is only natural that the events that take place in Jason Bateman ("Juno") directed pilot soon flip the roles of the characters. This very situation makes "Do Not Disturb" a difference from other recent sitcoms.
This sitcom places a beautiful, thin, wannabe-model against a plus-size model representing the "second largest plus size clothing chain in Indiana." It also features a witty bellhop named Gus, played by the dryly humorous Dave Franco (brother of the "Spider-man" series actor James Franco) teamed with a homosexual hotel worker with a muddled sexual drive.
The interaction between Neil and Rhonda and the other pairs create the show's stimulating plot hinting more potential than the pilot exhibits. Fox ordered twelve episodes of the show, which implies that the network has faith in the show's potential as well.
The question is, will "Do Not Disturb" share the same fate as Higginbotham's past endeavors? His works have digressed in edginess and originality since "Arrested," falling into a trend of conformity to the mainstream idea of sitcoms.
The traditional set-up for the situation comedy has been a rare event on network television. With everyone searching for the next new, outrageous idea, maybe it has become time to watch something reminiscent of where it all started.
"Do Not Disturb" isn't the next "I Love Lucy," and it's not original enough to be labeled "revolutionary." But its lack of originality isn't its downfall.
Then again, there is an "Arrested Development" movie in pre-production, so maybe edginess and originality isn't so out of style.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Kreg
posted 9/10/08 @ 11:50 AM EST
They're making an AD movie? Wow my wildest dream has just come true!
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