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Watching
Television with
Steven Lance, Spring 1997
Arsenio
What Network: ABC
When It's On: Wednesdays 9:30-10:00 p.m. ET
Category: Sitcom
The review:
There's no more raucous audience with clenched fists "whooping" it up. No more
smug mugging for the camera, and no more late night talk show. This Arsenio is a
kinder, gentler Arsenio that may just have found the formula to win the hearts
of television viewers everywhere.
Playing Michael Atwood, Arsenio Hall is the on-air co-anchor for ASTV, the All
Sports cable television network in Atlanta, Georgia.
And, after spending more than a third of a century perfecting his bachelor
act...whammo, Michael falls in love with a beautiful attorney named Vivian
(Vivica A. Fox). They're both new at this marriage thing, but Michael is trying
extra hard to be good at it -- though he still needs a little practice...maybe a
lot of practice.
Putting a large crimp in the newlyweds' privacy, is Vivian's brother, Matthew
(Alimi Ballard), who has just graduated from Harvard, and is living with them
until he finds himself, and a job.
In the pilot episode, Vivian is passed over for a partnership with the law firm
she has been working for, and tells Mike that she wants to be alone. So, he
leaves her alone and goes out to the sports bar to watch the game with his
co-anchor, Al O'Brien (Kevin Dunn).
But, when Michael returns home, Vivian, in typical sitcom wife fashion, tries to
explain to him that when she says she wants to be alone, she usually wants to be
alone, unless she's upset then when she says she wants to be alone, she doesn't
really want to be alone. Confused, Michael asks, "Is there a manual for this?"
There were no major dilemmas that had to be solved and wrapped up in thirty
minutes in this series, just a small slice of the lives of these two lovely
people. Two people that I encourage you to visit with me each Wednesday evening.
TO THE PRODUCERS:
There is so much good about this series that I'm not sure where to begin. Lets
start with the technical. Arsenio is shot on film not videotape, so right off
the bat this series comes across with a warmer, more professional look.
The script was very strong, which is most difficult to pull off in first
episodes of new series that often take far too much time trying to introduce all
of the wacky characters. Here, the show moves along at a gentle pace while
introducing us to the other main characters that include Matthew, Al and
Vivian's Lori Petty-like friend, Laura Lauman (Shawnee Smith).
And, while I am trying very hard not to compare this show with the highly
successful Cosby, it should be pointed out that the characters on this series
can also serve as strong and positive role models for kids. All of the
characters are educated and treat each other respectfully...even when they are
angry.
I am particularly impressed with Mr. Hall's understated acting style, proving
you don't have to shout to get your point across. Hall's character is
intelligent, warm and very likable.
Perhaps what I enjoyed the most about this show, which from my perspective puts
it even ahead of Cosby, is the even-handed casting and mixture of blacks and
whites...giving Arsenio realism never before achieved on television. I commend
both Arsenio Hall, and the series' co-creator, David Rosenthal.
My best advice to both of you, is to not stray too far from this unusual formula
that you have created. Keep the humor on a high level and continue to deal with
relationships.
Please allow me to apologize for being so tough on your new series, but believe
me, you deserved everything I've said. Congratulations and good luck.
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