Grammer’s ‘Hank’ Tries Different Comedic Approach
by S.T. KarnickThe new ABC sitcom Hank is rather short on big laughs, but it’s well-stocked with good ideas and sound values. The big question is, will ABC give it a chance?
Hank is the first of two family-oriented comedies ABC is running back-to-back on Wednesday nights beginning at 8 p.m., with each show featuring a big former sitcom star.
Most TV sitcoms, and that goes double for ABC, are largely about what the great filmmaker and satirist Preston Sturges referred to as Topic A. That is because Americans presumably have nothing else on their minds–other than being murdered or having to go to the hospital, the subject matter of most TV dramas.
Hank bucks that restriction, attempting to mine humor from family relationships, romantic love, and social conditions–which used to be the central subjects of Anglo-American comedy before the relaxing and eventual discarding of social and cultural restrictions on discussions of sex freed Hollywood to parade its inner sex maniac with impunity and in fact great financial success.
The concept of Hank is this: newly fired big-business CEO Hank Pryor—played by Kelsey Grammer—moves his family out of their now-unaffordable Manhattan apartment and goes back to his hometown, River City, to start over.
Without money and servants to take care of them, the family members have to live like actual human beings. And without a job at which to hide out, Hank has to deal with his family. Those are reasonable ideas on which to build a comedy. Unfortunately the pilot episode does not try to go for many really amusing jokes, and the second episode is funnier but definitely does not conform to the contemporary trend of trying to mine as many laughs per episode as possible.
If the standard for judging a situation comedy is simply the number of laughs per episode, Hank will not do well. However, that is not necessarily the best way to look at the genre. Older classics such as The Honeymooners, The Andy Griffith Show, and Cheers were actually short dramas with varying amounts of humor deriving organically from the characters and situations, instead of cardboard characters and merely skeletal plots on which to festoon a string of double entendres and outright sexual references intended to be funny by virtue of their exceeding public vulgarity.
One could even argue that Seinfeld, far from being a “show about nothing,” did a fine job of showing the rootlessness of ‘90s America and the dismaying results of the lurch into relativism.
Thus one can surely make a case that the situation comedy can be more than just jokes—and perhaps that it should be. Hank attempts to do just that, affording some insights into the characters and their situation, in particular the title character. For example, Hank’s attempt to connect with his family, as he has never done before, rightly suggests that overcoming one’s selfish impulses is essential if one is to have a truly satisfying life.
A scene in which Hank awkwardly tries to connect with his son in the pilot episode illustrates this theme and is both funny and touching in the odd way the best TV sitcoms often manage such scenes, and it shows the series has the potential to be effective.
In this fish-out-of-water scenario, Grammer’s Hank becomes the type of clueless, would-be Autocrat of the Breakfast Table character made famous by William Powell (Life with Father) and Clifton Webb (Cheaper by the Dozen, etc.) and reiterated by countless sitcom actors since then.
Like those predecessors, Hank also has a wholesomely attractive, smart wife who keeps the household running, and a pair of intelligent, quirky children who continually point out his personal shortcomings.
In addition, Hank’s attempts to get back on his feet and start up another business, suggested in the first two episodes, are both ripe for comedy and, if developed, will be a welcome treatment of an essential and characteristic aspect of American life which is all too seldom given positive attention by Hollywood: entrepreneurship.
Hank ultimately supports bourgeois, middle-American values, which is rather unusual for both ABC and contemporary TV sitcoms. As such is it quite refreshing. Mainstream critics, however, will not like it, for it does nothing to contribute to the devaluation of all values and the effort to transform the United States into an oversexed socialist paradise.
Quite the contrary. Hank doesn’t try to break any new ground, and it doesn’t grasp for too many memorable jokes. However, the characters are largely likable, and with Grammer leading the way, the show might survive if ABC gives it time.
But that’s a big if.
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
| 
Follow Us on Twitter
Subscribe via RSS
Tips & Feedback
32 Comments
That was a great review, and after being disappointed by just about every new show in recent years, except LOST, the Office (although recently the writing has been very disappointing..lowbrow dialogue), and now Community, there's not much that is just enjoyable. Do you do movie reviews too? You ought to.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Big Hollywood, Clyde. Clyde said: Grammer’s ‘Hank’ Tries Different Comedic Approach: The new ABC sitcom Hank is rather short on big laughs, but it.. http://bit.ly/roTvD [...]
I agree with the critique, it's got promise if people give it the time and space to evolve. Grammer is very good (as always), and shows good depth in his character. Let's hope ABC doesn't see the need to cheapen or weaken his character for the 'cheap' laugh as was suggested in the article. By the way, the two shows that follow Hank, 'the Middle' , and 'Modern Family', are very good too! Keep em All!
That was a great review, and after being disappointed by just about every new show in recent years, except LOST, the Office (although recently the writing has been very disappointing..lowbrow dialogue), and now Community, I may give this a try.
I watched about 10 minutes of last night's episode, and cannot imagine watching one second more. Annoying and trite. Expect it to join the great TV graveyard in a month or less. No one will miss it.
I will give it a go.
Thanks for the review.
I also enjoy the Unit, I know its a few years old, bbut it is on the whole very entertaining.
I also enjoy the Unit, I know its a few years old, but it is on the whole very entertaining.
I absolutely love Kelsey Grammer, however, he will always be Frasier Crane, to me. Unfortunately, I fear we'll never again enjoy the quality writing, producing and acting that Frasier sustained for 11 seasons. I have watched Hank and I enjoy Kelsey's character – he's still Frasier. The supporting cast leaves much to be desired, and the sets are cheap and very amateur. I was happy to see that during the pilot episode, Grammer had no problem taking some jabs at the person who now lives in our White House – thrilled that ABC apparently hadn't a problem with this, either. I'm hoping the network sticks with Hank longer than they did The Goode Family.
Thanks for the review, I'll give it a shot. Kelsey Grammer deserves support.
My wife and I like Kelsey Grammer and we really wanted to like Hank, but it (and worse it's follow-on The Middle) both came off as seriously putting down average American families and their average American lives. We watched the first two shows of each and couldn't watch it again. I figure I'll give it a couple weeks then tune back in, but if it continues to belittle the average middle-American family and its values, we won't be back.
I watched the second episode and what I liked about it wasn't so much the lack of laughs, there were enough, but rather the lessons being taught. Real quick for the folks. His daughter wants a new computer, Hank tells her to get a job they both wind up working at an ice cream store.
The message that was sent was one which seems to have been lost in parents zeal to be their kids best friend by buying them everything. It is good to see a show which espouses something that a lot of Americans deal with and that makes this a show the family can sit down and watch. I hope it stays this way and doesn't go off the rails and turn into something whereby all of sudden you can't sit and watch it with your kids but rather you have to shuffle them off to another part of the house.
Sure it was humiliating for the former corporate CEO to have to scoop ice cream while wearing a uniform, but the message was just because you get knocked down doesn't mean you have to stay down, no job is too small, and like he said at the end, heck he might just stay around so he can move up the chain and wind up being the CEO of the franchise.
So my own opinion – It is a good family show, I don't think you will have to stay drawed up waiting for some more 'adult' theme to all of sudden spring out at you and it can provide for some good conversation among families.
Much as I try to avoid the 3 major networks, I have always been a big fan of Kelsey Grammer and his ability to bring out the humanity in his characters, unlike many actors who, being shallow themselves, always portray characters without depth and genuineness. Might have to give it a try.
The Unit is gone. It is sorely missed.
We watched it to the end and will give it one more try, but in truth it was awful. The sets even looked temporary. Made the original Star Trek sets look real.
I think "Modern Family" is hilarious.
I hope Hank does well, but The Middle doesn't appeal to me … the comedy isn't quite there, and the youngest son has a squeaky voice that grates on me.
Gone? NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
They weren't real? Star Trek isn't real? Whaaaa?
Of the two shows I like "The Middle" more.–it struck me as a celebration of average American families and values The comedy is off, but ABC has renewed it, so I'm hoping the writers will find the way. (It helps that I think Patricia Heaton is hot without being a cougar.)
I would like the show but…
In the 1st episode of his show he mentioned obama……
I DO NOT want to hear or see obama on a show I want to watch.
BTW it was not a funny line nor were the replies. The show was boring. Cardboard.
Hank does not have good writers.
I still watch Frasier and Cheers and like Kelsey Grammer but jeez has tv writing dropped in quality over the years.
We've watched all the Hank episodes, and we'll continue to watch them as long as they're on. It's one of the few shows that isn't vulgar and degrading to the characters, and Hank particularly shows a vulnerable side that is refreshing. Yeah he's a bit overbearing before he gets called on his behavior and chooses to be different. Each of them is in transition in the plot, which is what makes it interesting. For families who are looking for something redeeming, and not just raunchy, cheap, smartelec jokes every two minutes, I believe this show has good potential. Kelsey Grammar is a fine actor, and will develop this character well if given the chance. Watching him choose to stand by his principles in the ice cream episode was a great moral message to parents and kids too!
"In this fish-out-of-water scenario, Grammer’s Hank becomes the type of clueless, would-be Autocrat of the Breakfast Table character made famous by William Powell (Life with Father) and Clifton Webb (Cheaper by the Dozen, etc.) and reiterated by countless sitcom actors since then.
Like those predecessors, Hank also has a wholesomely attractive, smart wife who keeps the household running, and a pair of intelligent, quirky children who continually point out his personal shortcomings."
ahh, yes, just what we need. Another clueless, idiotic, bumbling man with a smart, attractive wife to rescue him. An improvement over 2.5 Men? Perhaps, but not by much.
Viewed "Hank" for the first time this week. Not as crisp or howlingly funny as "Frasier", but again, shows real possibilities. Together with "The Middle", great family comedy.
Interesting how these two shows with conservative stars are themed on the challenges of getting by in our current economy. The central message for both is that in tough times we have to draw on our character and hang together.
I hope the suits give them both time to get the fine-tuning neccessary for ensemble shows. Great potential in both.
HANK
http://abc.go.com/shows/hank
I watched about 2/3 of this week's episode. I too am a Kelsey Grammer fan, and he's the only thing worth watching on this show — so far. I've had my fill of sardonic wives and smarta– kids on the tube. Let's hope the show evolves.
It was painful to see Frasier in this pitiful role.
whoa there big fella, we all know Trek is real. Go to sickbay, and lie down. It will pass.
Was I watching the same show as the commenters? I thought it was actually better than Mr. Karnick's review made it out to be. The dialog was funny and clever, the supporting actors much better than average, and Grammer as a blustery CEO out of the boardroom is a terrific character. And while it certainly has the sitcom flavor (which has its own plusses and minuses), it just feels different — none of that exaggerated harshness that says, oooooohhh, edgy!
I rarely laugh out loud at comedies, but for this first episode, I did just that — a number of times. When the daughter sees the house for the first time and says, "Why is God doing this to us?" And the mother comforts her, saying "Oh honey… I don't know." Excellent line, perfect delivery. Like much of the show. I may start watching TV again. Or at least Hulu.
If ABC has any brains (sheesh, who am I kidding?) they'll keep this show going.
Agreed, at least on Community. A real surprise. Joel McHale makes things funnier just by walking into the scene. The latest episode was a little weak, but the show definitely has promise. Heck, if a show can be funny even if Chevy Chase is in the cast … well, that's a grand accomplishment.
Kelsey Grammer will always be Frazier Crane … which is why he'll probably never have another successful sitcom. I actually like that sitcom he did about the local TV news business with Patricia Heaton and Fred Willard. But, again, he was basically playing (a randier and less articulate) Frazier again.
It is nearly impossible to capture that kind of magic again.
Mr. Karnick writes:
"Hank ultimately supports bourgeois, middle-American values, which is rather unusual for both ABC and contemporary TV sitcoms. As such is it quite refreshing. Mainstream critics, however, will not like it, for it does nothing to contribute to the devaluation of all values and the effort to transform the United States into an oversexed socialist paradise."
Ain't that the truth. The last "wholesome" and hilarious sitcom in my mind was "Everybody Loves Raymond." Though nearly every joke and storyline centered around family conflict, the show had real heart and did not have a cynical bone in its body. "Raymond" ultimately celebrated the idea of an old-fashioned nuclear and extended family. And it had an immensely talented cast and first-class writing. Lots of bad sitcoms can succeed — and there are many stinkers that have lasted for years — but the truly great shows come together in an almost miraculous way.
You must be logged in to post a comment.