Apt 23 – Take 2

Well, ABC’s buzziest new comedy, Don’t Trust the B- in Apt 23 now has two episodes under its belt, and I’m glad to see that it’s moving right along. For one, the writers seemed to further nuance what was already an interesting a delightfully snarky tone. Secondly, it kept up a lively pace that had me laugh out loud just as much as last week. However, the story moved pretty quickly away from the original premise AND bordered on farcical for a few moments… I’m not sure how I feel about that. In terms of what they did right, there was a lot. Furthermore, I think the good outweighs the bad. I very much enjoyed every single joke that played on James Van der Beek’s past on Dawson’s Creek. It’s just perfect, actually, because how many times have we seen someone equally iconic star in a new show or movie, and though, “God I just can’t stop seeing them as…(insert ’80s or ’90s teen idol here).”

Well, ABC realizes this and plays on it to no end. This entire episode was filled with references to Dawson’s Creek and James’ inability to get any kind of part that doesn’t resemble Dawson Leery. He even recited a monologue from the first season (word for word, but don’t ask me how I know that) on demand! Next, while I enjoyed the fact that they’re humanizing the B-, it really does take the show further and further from its original premise. If, by the end of the season, the two heroines are friends, the title will be virtually irrelevant. It should just be called “Two Friends in Apartment 23.” Granted, their relationship can’t just stay static for the duration of the show, but why not choose an easier title then? Lastly, there were definitely some imperfections. For instance, I know that Chloe is supposed to be crazy, but is she also supposed to be stupid? The whole “Oh I’ll just set you up with my father – OH MY GOD GROSS” storyline was kind of hard to take. I guess in my mind, this character was going to be more of a silly but smart friend, rather than an erratic and spacey one. And whenever a show ventures into “Uggh, this would NEVER happen” territory, I worry. This show isn’t 30 Rock or Glee, so let’s try to strike a balanced tone, OK? We’re only two episodes in, though; they have plenty of time to figure things out!