TV Review: "Are You There, Chelsea?"

Laura Prepon as Chelsea Handler

I love comedian Chelsea Handler. She's ridiculous and her late night show, "Chelsea Lately" on the E! network is often very funny. She's also the author of four semi-autobiographical books, one of which is titled "Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea." Which also happens to be the original title of the new NBC comedy which is loosely based on that book. Somewhere along the way, some NBC exec got nervous and removed the vodka from the title. 

That's kind of how the show feels - like someone removed the vodka. Oh, there's plenty of vodka and drinking in the show (it's partially set in the bar where Chelsea works), but NBC seems to have honed the edge off of Chandler's humor, leaving a dull and mostly unfunny show behind.

Laura Prepon ("That 70's Show") plays the young Chelsea, while Chelsea Handler plays her uptight sister (Handler thought she was too old to play herself). Comedian Lenny Clarke plays their father and the rest of the cast is rounded out with folks you've seen here and there, but don't really know. Oh, and just like in Chelsea's real-life, there's a little person. Prepon does her best, though in in scenes with Handler, we can't help but long for the real thing to play herself. The stand-out in the ensemble is Lauren Lapkus as Chelsea's goofy, virginal new roommate Dee-Dee.

The writing (such as it is) is lame, truth be told. Riddled with unfunny, repetitive jokes; bad one-liners and improbable situations, "Are You There, Chelsea" makes me long for the days when NBC had the best comedies on TV. Honestly, I can't believe Handler allowed this show to air as is. It's like someone filed down her teeth and then asked her to gum a steak. As much as I love Handler, I think I'll stick with ABC's hilarious Wednesday night line up. "Suburgatory," "Modern Family" and "Happy Endings" just seem to get better and better with each episode. I'll get my Handler fix on E!

Since this trailer was shot, several characters have been re-cast and a few moments re-written for the pilot episode that aired last night. For the record, the changes didn't help.

More, anon.
Prospero

A Few More Things I Don't Like

I am a fan of comedienne Chelsea Handler. I DVR her show, "Chelsea Lately" and watch a week's worth every Friday. And while I have plenty to say about the Chaz Bono comments and GLAAD's demand for an apology, I'm more offended by the fact that she had Snooki on as a guest. To me, MTV's "The Jersey Shore" is everything makes the rest of the world hate the U.S. 

These idiots (none of whom are actually from Uncle P's native New Jersey) have gotten famous for getting drunk, spreading STDs and generally acting like morons. Proving that she's a complete moron, on a recent episode of "Chelsea Lately," Snooki said that the ocean is salty because it is filled with whale sperm. 

Really? As Snooki suggested, I Googled "Why is the ocean salty?" After two very thorough and scientific explanations, the third result was an About.com link for Urban Legends. And it is from this result that Snooki got her information. I can only hope the stupid bitch never breeds.

So, topping my second list of things I do not like:

Snooki, The Situation and Everyone Involved With "The Jersey Shore."

And here are just a few more:

"The Real Housewives" of anywhere...
"Survivor"
"Barney and Friends"
Rachel Zoe
Clamato Juice
Sage Dressing
Purity/Chastity Rings
Crystal Meth
Pedophilia
Deforestization
Chtlins
Bad Alfredo Suace
Cheap Cologne
Christina Aguilera
Saw III through VI
People Who Don't Flush
People Who Don't Use Their Turn Signals
Benny Hill
Bad Romantic Comedies
"The A List"
Mint and Chocolate
James Cameron's Ego
Westboro Baptist Church
The Pope

I could go on and on but I don't want to alienate fans of so-called "Reality TV;" Republicans; Catholics; Tweakers and anyone else who doesn't possess a fully functioning brain.

So, once again, something I like, a lot:



Come on, Alex. I know you have another great film in you...

More, anon.
Prospero