New Girl: The Complete First Season (2012)
New Girl: The Complete First Season (2012) Reviews
Prior to the start of the 2011 television season, there was nowhere you could turn without seeing Zooey Deschanel and the endless promotion for Fox's new sitcom "New Girl." As a longtime fan of Deschanel, it seemed like an ideal fit to have her brand of quirky charm headlining a weekly series. Advance word of "New Girl" was quite positive and the critical consensus was generally welcoming. The massive advertising budget put into the program paid off as well making "New Girl" one of the season's early break-out hits. But after an amusing pilot and when the initial glow had worn off, it became easier to discern just what was working and what was not. First of all, some viewers reacted poorly to Deschanel's wide-eyed girlishness thinking it represented women in a negative light. I personally disagree but I can see how Deschanel's shtick might be a bit over-the-top for some. But while I continue to love Deschanel and find her absolutely hilarious, I'd like to shoot the person who coined the description "adorkable!" More problematic, however, was that Deschanel was so front and center that the rest of the show suffered by comparison. Early plot lines were uninspired and the other cast members seemed ill defined. The basic premise of "New Girl" is pretty straightforward. After a break-up, Deschanel takes up residence with three bachelor friends in some expected twists of sitcom mayhem. Naturally, this was designed to bring about maximum hilarity as various living styles clashed and Deschanel brought a feminine presence to the ultimate man cave. Nothing particularly new or revelatory, but the irresistible Deschanel had moments of comic genius. The men playing her roommates are Jake M. Johnson, Max Greenfield, and Lamorne Morris (replacing Damon Wayans who left after the pilot episode due to the renewal of ABC's Happy Endings). The other primary cast member is Hannah Simone as Deschanel's gal pal. At first, none of the principles seemed particularly well developed (with the possible exception of Johnson) and with a lack of character depth, most everything played as lightweight slapstick. For "New Girl" to last and improve, though, the writers had to focus on developing a crack ensemble for Deschanel to play off. And after some growing pains, the show's timing and focus really started to gel. Deschanel was put in more realistic situations and relationships (some good: Justin Long, some awkward: Dermot Mulroney) and really started to integrate well into the core group (as opposed to being its centerpiece). Greenfield is easily the season's breakout star as a total tool whom it's impossible not to love. Johnson (whose season was all over the place) really committed to the sensitive soul trying to move firmly into responsible adulthood. Simone seemed like an afterthought at the beginning of the season, but is firmly entrenched in the year's most rewarding story arc (I won't reveal it here, it's best to let the surprise unfold naturally). It is only Lamorne (who is likable) that still seems relatively sidelined or unexplored. I wonder if Wayans had stayed on if the writers would have felt compelled to come up with more involving plot threads for this roommate. "New Girl" started as a very funny show. Through 24 episodes it has settled into a very funny show with a lot of heart. As the peripheral characters moved up to match Deschanel, the show really makes magic. This is a group you want to spend time with and that's a big selling point. The program and Deschanel were both nominated for Golden Globes and it seems likely she will follow suit with an Emmy nomination when they are announced shortly. I don't say that "New Girl" is a perfect show, but it began strong and has only improved. Love Deschanel and love Greenfield, in particular, but this is now a solid ensemble show and all the better for it. About 4 1/2 stars, I genuinely look forward to Season Two. KGHarris, 5/12.. this is my New Girl: The Complete First Season (2012) reviews
New Girl: The Complete First Season (2012) Specs
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- Price for both: $61.13
- One of these items ships sooner than the other. Buy the selected items together
- This item: New Girl: The Complete First Season ~ Zooey Deschanel DVD $25.15
- New Girl: Season Two DVD $35.98
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