Comments on: Grammer’s ‘Hank’ Tries Different Comedic Approach

By: jlakely

jlakely — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:12:42 +0000

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.

By: jlakely

jlakely — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:04:27 +0000

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.

By: jlakely

jlakely — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:01:44 +0000

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.

By: Guest

Guest — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:04:49 +0000

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.

By: reactionaries

reactionaries — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:06:19 +0000

whoa there big fella, we all know Trek is real. Go to sickbay, and lie down. It will pass.

By: A.Men

A.Men — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:09:45 +0000

It was painful to see Frasier in this pitiful role.

By: crunchycon

crunchycon — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:46:37 +0000

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.

By: David

David — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 07:25:10 +0000

HANK http://abc.go.com/shows/hank

By: Stergeye

Stergeye — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:11:10 +0000

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.

By: Bikerdad

Bikerdad — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:06:52 +0000

"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.