Haven’t We Seen This Somewhere Before?
I should be able to review “Good Company,” CBS at 9:30, in my sleep. It’s so familiar that it’s entirely possible that it’s been on before and I’ve just forgotten about it. But, hey, if CBS says it’s a new show, I’ll take their word for it.
This unoriginal workplace comedy set in a New York advertising agency stars Jon Tenney as a young ad man named Will who more than anything wants to get out of the business and pursue a serious art career. He has the support and friendship of the creative team that shares an office cubical. (The series was originally titled “The Cube.”).
They’re fast friends, sharing a common disdain for their aloof and calculating boss Zoe, played by Wendie Malick of HBO’s “Dream On.” What? You’re surprised the boss is aloof and calculating? Go back to sleep. Dropping by with a caustic remark is the requisite overdressed, obnoxious account executive (Jason Beghe).
In the premiere, Zoe gives Will a tough time when he asks for some time off. He quits in a huff, realizing immediately he’s made a stupid mistake. Zoe agrees to give him his job back if he can come up with a campaign for a product that has everyone else at the agency stumped.
Terry Kiser (“Weekend at Bernie’s”) gets a few genuine laughs as the firm’s stoic, almost comatose, CEO.
Otherwise, “Good Company” is deja vu all over again.
Highlights
“The Nanny,” CBS at 8: Fran (Fran Drescher) becomes a lucky charm for the New York Rangers hockey player (Anthony Addabbo) she’s dating. But when his luck changes, fans take it out on her. Former Rangers Ron Greschner and John Davidson make cameos.
“3rd Rock From the Sun,” NBC at 8: The producers tempt us to tune in with the creative casting of another loony guest star. Bronson Pinchot (“Perfect Strangers”) plays Dr. Albright’s (Jane Curtin) brother, who brings a dinner party to life when he mentions he was once abducted by aliens.
Is it possible he knows the Soloman family’s secret? If so, Sally (Kristen Johnston) decides she’ll have to terminate him.
“Brotherly Love,” NBC at 8:30: The Sunday series moves to Mondays with Joe (Joey Lawrence) treating his littlest brother Andy (Andy Lawrence) to a “Batman” birthday. And in one of the oldest plots in TV comedy, Matt (Matthew Lawrence) uses a fake ID to get into a salsa dance club only to run into his mother (Melinda Culea).
“High Incident,” ABC at 9: Don’t miss the premiere of this engaging new police series from Steven Spielberg’s Dreamworks production consortium. A throwback to “Hill Street Blues,” it offers pleasant surprises and powerful drama at every turn.
David Keith heads a largely unknown cast. The script is excellent and the stories - ranging from domestic squabbles to a jolting homicide - are highly compelling. Louis Mustillo as officer Russell Topp is one of the most fun-to-watch TV cops in recent memory.
“Murphy Brown,” CBS at 9: House Speaker Newt Gingrich guest stars as Murphy lobbies for the role of Hillary Clinton in Washington’s “presscapades” follies. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer and CBS’ Paula Zahn also have cameos.
Cable Calls
“Andersonville” (1996), TNT at 5, 7 and 9: The two-part Civil War saga concludes with the exploited prisoners rising up against the gang that runs the Confederate prison.