This jury is still out on The Deep End

ABC’s The Deep End has been loosely marketed (or at the least, heavily critiqued) as a legal sister of Grey’s Anatomy (Love the “Grey’s Attorney” reference, by the way). Since there is sex amongst adults in a work environment, of course it’s a Grey’s clone. What will they think of next, Grey’s in space?? Going into the second episode, our loyal CliqueClack readers will know that Aryeh hated it, and I kind of, but not completely, liked it. Sometimes, it’s episode two of a new show that is more critical in defining what the show is going to be. In this case though, I’m still up in the air.

The heart of the show (and its strength) is still the first year associates. The five of them have great chemistry. They are young, excited, and highly motivated. They’ve got the “us against the world” mentality down pat, and it works for them. Making mistakes at every turn, and lucky enough to correct them most of the time, they are the show’s heroes — if a show about lawyers can have heroes.

But as much as I like them, they are all too alike. Sure, Dylan is the idealist (but aren’t they all?). Liam sleeps around (but, in two episodes, we’ve seen three of them do so already). And Malcolm, well he’s … um … ah … well, truthfully, his has got to be one of the worst character introductions in television history. Addy is precious, but way too wet behind the ears for someone in her position (something she shares with Dylan). We need to see more of these characters, more of who they are, and what sets them apart.

Despite their lack of individuality, they’re the best part of the show. And despite that shortcoming, I’m still tuning in each week (but, how much of that is Tina Majorino love?). Surely, The Deep End is no L.A. Law, or heck, Grey’s Anatomy even, but there is some potential. More potential than Defying Gravity (just to throw out an example of a show ABC put a lot less weight behind)? Um, no. But Dylan and Addy are characters that I can get behind, and Beth and Liam are a relationship I’d like to see explored. But, as I mentioned last time, I could care less about the partners.

Notes & Quotes:

• So, will Rachel Leferve be replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard?
• I get very happy when I see “Directed by Timothy Busfield” in the credits of anything I’m watching.
• Cliff throwing Beth against her dad in court was a total Kanyebag move.
• Hart stepping in front of the drug charge was a pretty valiant move.
• I sincerely doubt that Dylan would be one of the ones arguing with the DEA agent about getting Hart bail.
• I’m just saying: There are much worse things in life than random beautiful women grabbing me and kissing me all day.
• Chemistry? Beth and Liam have got it in spades.
• Two posts about The Deep End so far, and the Water Park professional (that’s me, BTW) hasn’t made one pool joke yet.

Clacked by Ivey West
on Jan 29, 2010 @ 09:00 EST5EDT