I’ve never really been a huge fan of the webisode content that the networks have done to coincide with existing shows. More often than not, it just feels like they are checking off a box for “web promotion” than doing anything of real substance. That’s not to say that the networks can’t get it right with web based content. When they get on board with something totally original, that’s when I get interested. And, ya know, if they can get Tony Hale to star in it, so much the better. This week, we take a look at NBC’s workplace (time travel?) comedy, Ctrl.
I can sum the idea behind the show up for you pretty easily. Nerdy Stuart (Tony Hale) has had just about all he can take from his jackass boss Ben (Steve Howey). And then one day, Stuart’s keyboard is damaged in an accident and he discovers that the keyboard now works on everything, not just his screen. So, Ctrl+z, actually undoes things. It’s the kick-off to ten episodes that explore various key combinations while bending time and mucking with reality. I could go on, but to give away what the other keystrokes are would take the surprise away, and it’s very fun watching it all unfold.
Of course, that fun is helped along greatly by the presence of Tony Hale. He’s perfect for the part of Stuart, and certainly the star of the show. If you were a fan of Reba, you will see shades of Van in Steve Howey’s performance here. And that’s a good thing. I’ve always found Howey’s over the top, loud-is-funny delivery very amusing. The cast is rounded out by Emily Coligado (Crossing Jordan), as Stuart’s partner in crime, and possible love interest.
The script from writer/director Robert Kirbyson is very clever, and well paced. The natural appeal is to those of us that spend our days banging away on keyboards (I love my Model M), but there is enough comedy there that even those that don’t automatically know what ctrl+z, F1, or HOME do will still enjoy the ride. Originals like this are what I want to see more of from the networks. You can watch the whole series at NBC’s Ctrl site, or on Hulu. Here’s the first episode, to get you started.
Clacked by Brett Love 
on Sep 03, 2009 @ 15:00 EST5EDT
If you’re out of the US, ctrl site works, hulu not.
It reminded me of Click, but it was even worse than that.
It was like an extended ad of nestea…
It can’t be that bad… can it?!?!
Well, I feel like an idiot, I thought only first episode was online yet, so i made that comment only for the first episode.
Than I watched other episodes and it’s not that bad, I don’t see a tv series in the future but it was decent for a web series…
Thank you! Thank you for introducing me to such a fun series. :o) I watched all ten webisodes today. Do you know if there will be a season 2???
As I understand it, Ctrl was originally a short that was picked up and expanded with the original cast. The product placement was added in return, but I found that a small price to pay for the higher budget and visibility.
*POST AUTHOR*
I didn’t mention the product placement because I didn’t mind it at all. Out of hand product placement is one of my pet-peeves, but this was an example of how it can be done right. Nobody ever even mentions Nestea. It’s not like they pause to pitch the product. And looking at my desk at work right now, there is a Powerade bottle and a Dr. Pepper can.