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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Fired Up’ Trapped By Uninspired Premise

John Martin New York Times Syndicate

You can never tell about comedy pilots. I say that as a hedge against my first reaction on NBC’s “Fired Up” premiering at 9:30.

I praised Sharon Lawrence’s guest performance on “Caroline in the City,” declaring her energy and timing top rate. But the former “NYPD Blue” star is less impressive opposite Leah Remini in this new buddy comedy.

The main problem is that the premise traps Lawrence in the role of a self-absorbed and insensitive snob. She plays Gwen Leonard, a top executive at a promotions firm who loses her job as a result of corporate downsizing. Desperate for a place to live, she moves in with her former secretary Terry (Remini), also out of work. They decide to start their own business. That Gwen can’t get out of the habit of treating Terry like hired help is the basis for most of the humor.

That there’s practically no explanation why Gwen is without a lucrative severance package or big savings is an indication of how thin this premise is.

The bottom line: Lawrence would be funnier if you liked her character more.

Highlights

“Diagnosis Murder,” CBS at 8: Four Van Dykes star in this episode. When 17-year-old Shane Marshall (Shane Van Dyke) is charged with murder, his 21-year-old brother and guardian, Terry Marshall (Carey Van Dyke), turns to his mentor, Steve Sloan (Barry Van Dyke) and Dr. Mark Sloan (Dick Van Dyke) for help.

“Friends,” NBC at 8: Alison LaPlaca (“The John Larroquette Show”) guest stars as Rachel’s (Jennifer Aniston) new boss, a strong-willed single mom who sets her sights on Chandler (Matthew Perry). Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) is steamed when Monica (Courteney Cox) refuses to let her play with her new dollhouse.

“Living Single,” FOX at 8:30: Max (Erika Alexander) gets help from Khadijah (Queen Latifah) and a new Flavor reporter (Duane Martin) uncovering a city hall scandal. Meanwhile, Overton (John Henton) mourns the NFL Browns’ departure from Cleveland. Former Browns running back Jim Brown guest stars.

“ER,” NBC at 10: Greene (Anthony Edwards) is accused of racism when he treats two gunshot victims - one black and one white. Also, Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) suspects that a young patient is the victim of date rape.

xxxx SEARCHING FOR TIM McVEIGH “Peter Jennings Reporting” (ABC at 10) asks “Who Is Tim McVeigh?” One of the reasons defense lawyers have encouraged such profiles is that a broad look at the Oklahoma City bombing defendant’s background may lead some to wonder if he was capable of the massacre.