Dean Hendler/NBCNBC has had success in the whole "taking over British material" thing, especially when it comes to the workplace (see: The Office), and their latest foray into bringing Brit humor to the States comes in the form of Free Agents, starring Hank Azaria and Kathryn Hahn.
Free Agents' premise isn't anything groundbreaking plot-wise (office romances, midlife crises, coworker shenanigans), but the idea of Party Down scribe Jon Enbom behind the wheel just might pique your interest. Not to mention, Buffy fans, did you ever want to hear Giles (Anthony Head) talk dirty? No, just us? Oh, shush now, you big fat liars.
So what else does Free Agents have going for it? And should you watch? Here's our take:
Free Agents (NBC)
Premieres: Wednesday, Sept. 14 8:30 p.m.
Time-Slot Competition: Survivor (CBS), The X-Factor (Fox), H8R (CW), Suburgatory (ABC)
Cast: Hank Azaria, Kathryn Hahn, Anthony Head, Mo Mandel, Natasha Leggero, Al Madrigal, Joe Lo Truglio
Status: We've seen the pilot episode
The show revolves around two public relations executives: Alex (Azaria) is recently divorced, and Helen (Hanh) is trying to move on after the death of her fiancée. Naturally, since they work together, they end up in bed together. In fact, the first seconds of the pilot find them in bed together. Alas, they must get up, go to work, and try and pretend nothing happened.
Free Agents finds its humor in the reality of the situation its characters are in. Azaria is awkwardly trying to date again. Helen is finding solace in wine and no-strings-attached sex. Of course, is sex ever without strings on TV? The supporting cast peppers in laughs outside of Alex and Helen's relationship. Their friends are trying to get them back in the dating scene, which made for some of the pilot's funniest moments. And as the boss who is so offensive he'd make even Michael Scott blush, Anthony Head (Buffy) is just so wrong he's right. And knows more sexual positions than the Kama Sutra.
While it might not be the best comedy pilot of the season, we can't help but root for Free Agents. Again, British. Workplace. And a stellar cast. Sure sounds like that other NBC import that started off slowly but built into one of the best TV comedies of all time. Here's hoping Free Agents finds a similar path.
Verdict: DVR. Could be a relatable comedy for anyone with a job (slackers, do not apply!), and the cast is strong enough to carry it home.
Fall TV Preview 2011: Free Agents
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