TV Review: Neurotic, Annoying Characters Sink ‘Free Agents’

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CHICAGO – Sitcoms need likable characters. We have to want to spend time with people to laugh at their insights or behavior (a lesson that the writers of “Entourage” forgot somewhere along the way) and comedies with people that are more annoying than humorous never last. Look no further than tonight’s debut of the awful “Free Agents,” a new NBC comedy with excellent actors given nothing entertaining to do.

TV Rating: 1.0/5.0

Perhaps something was lost in translation but this new series based on a hit U.K. program simply fails on every level. “Free Agents” want to be part romantic comedy and part workplace sitcom but falls flat as both. One of the biggest problems with the show is a complete lack of chemistry between Alex (Hank Azaria) and Helen (Kathryn Hahn), two co-workers who recently jumped into bed together. They don’t get along at work or really in life either, but they’re stressed out (he’s recently divorced and her fiance just died), they have a few drinks, and they hop into bed. Where does the one-night stand go when you have to see your partner at the office the next day?

Free Agents
Photo credit: NBC

It’s not a bad concept for a modern comedy. There are offices all over America with co-workers that have dipped their pen in the company ink well. But for such a concept to work, it requires at least one half of the couple in question to be likable and entertaining. Alex is a neurotic bore and Helen is just abrasive. The post-coital repartee between this two is simply annoying. No one will see themselves in either character and anyone who does should be taking a long look in the mirror instead of at their television.

The romance is flat enough but the workplace dynamic is nearly as flawed. The great Anthony Head (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) plays Alex’s boss while relative unknowns Mo Mandel, Al Madrigal, and Natasha Leggero co-star as office-mates. Joe LoTruglio (“Paul”) plays a security guard ready to give the pair love advice.

“Free Agents” simply isn’t funny. Azaria, Hahn, and Head are too talented for this material and you can almost see it in their eyes (especially Azaria, who looks defeated). Imagine the two most self-centered, annoying people at your office. Imagine them sleeping together. Ask yourself if there’s enough material there for a sitcom. Then start the cancellation clock ticking on one of the worst new sitcoms of 2011.

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com [email protected]