The pilot episode for The Critic contains plenty fun moments, odd characters and awkward moments, and thus serves as a good introduction to the rest of the series.
The plot revolves around Jay Sherman, film critic and host of his own TV show. Jay is chubby, balding and disturbingly short, and so is perplexed when he meets the beautiful actress Valerie Fox, who appears to genuinely like him. His puzzlement continues as she prefers him over his handsome Australian friend, meets with his parents and even puts up with his personality. However, the plot thickens as it is revealed that Valerie could just be seeing him for a good review for her upcoming film.
The episode works quite well and features some of the signature gags of later episodes. We're introduced to all of the regular cast members, all of them expertly voiced - this series was blessed by a brilliant cast, with Jon Lovitz leading the cast as the sarcastic yet curiously optimistic Jay.
Although it includes many great gags, the pilot does fall short of the later episodes in the series. The writers hadn't established the boundaries and borders of the humour yet, which is clearly shown in the "Beauty and the Beast"-spoof. It simply tries too hard, relies on references and spoofs to succeed, rather than spawning jokes on its own. All in all though, the pilot episode is entertaining enough to pass by, and it introduces the viewer to all of the cast. A wonderful introduction to the series, even though the later episodes did a better job.
The plot revolves around Jay Sherman, film critic and host of his own TV show. Jay is chubby, balding and disturbingly short, and so is perplexed when he meets the beautiful actress Valerie Fox, who appears to genuinely like him. His puzzlement continues as she prefers him over his handsome Australian friend, meets with his parents and even puts up with his personality. However, the plot thickens as it is revealed that Valerie could just be seeing him for a good review for her upcoming film.
The episode works quite well and features some of the signature gags of later episodes. We're introduced to all of the regular cast members, all of them expertly voiced - this series was blessed by a brilliant cast, with Jon Lovitz leading the cast as the sarcastic yet curiously optimistic Jay.
Although it includes many great gags, the pilot does fall short of the later episodes in the series. The writers hadn't established the boundaries and borders of the humour yet, which is clearly shown in the "Beauty and the Beast"-spoof. It simply tries too hard, relies on references and spoofs to succeed, rather than spawning jokes on its own. All in all though, the pilot episode is entertaining enough to pass by, and it introduces the viewer to all of the cast. A wonderful introduction to the series, even though the later episodes did a better job.
