Secret Girlfriend – Webisode Clack

We’re taking a bit of liberty with the Webisode Clack column this week, to talk about a new show on Comedy Central, Secret Girlfriend. The show premiered with the first of six ordered episodes on Wednesday night. It’s notable here, though, because of its history. Secret Girlfriend started out as a mobile phone series, and then was later released as a web series through Atomic Wedgie.

That’s the interesting bit, because we haven’t seen a lot of shows make that jump from the web to broadcast. And the most notable one, quarterlife, did not fare well at all. Fortunately for Secret Girlfriend, it looks to be in a much better place. Not only is it a better match for its network, as the content fits the Comedy Central style very well, but it also has the luxury of South Park as a lead-in. On top of that, it’s also really funny.

The most unique thing about the series is the fact that you, the viewer, are the star of the show. Everything on screen plays out through your eyes. It’s different enough that it gets your attention, but not so gimmicky as to quickly wear out its welcome. The humor would best be described as “frat boy.” And, because of that, I could see it not floating the boats of a certain segment of viewers. If you do like to take an occasional trip on the low-brow train, though, the show is well worth a look.

As the show moves along, you find yourself getting into all manner of odd situations as you try to balance time with your crazy best friends (Sam and Phil), your secret girlfriend (Jessica), and your insane ex-girlfriend (Mandy). All of the characters make for some great laughs, but the real star of the show is Alexis Krause as Mandy. To call her crazy is to put it mildly. Something we learn right away in the first episode as you return home to find her in your apartment … naked … with a guitar.

“I just wanted to come over and play you a song … or murder you.”

The situation just continues to get more complicated. Jessica (Sara Fletcher), it turns out, is the perfect girlfriend. She loves pizza and beer, video games, fantasy football, and is as easygoing as they come. Even Sam (Michael Blaiklock) and Phil (Derek Miller) are fans. But Mandy — she’s like a yo-yo. No matter how hard you throw her, she just keeps coming right back. Here’s a look at Mandy’s love song. More videos are available at the Comedy Central site, and new episodes air Wednesday at 10:30.

Clacked by Brett Love
on Oct 08, 2009 @ 12:00 EST5EDT