Breaking In is back, and I was pretty excited to see what the show gave us in the new season that almost didn’t happen. I enjoyed the quirkiness of its freshman season and really wanted to see how the characters continued to grow and mesh together as a team. When we received the screener for this episode, though, I was a bit confused … I was sure that was Megan Mullally on the cover, but, huh? Why was she added to this cast and what could she possibly have to offer the show?
I’m not sure if the Powers That Be were trying to target an older demographic or to bring in a big name (um … Christian Slater, Bret Harrison, Odette Anable — we had it covered, thank you very much) but it’s likely that the addition of Megan Mullally to the cast of Breaking In will attract some different viewers … and possibly alienate some former ones. I don’t have anything against Megan Mullally, though I was not a huge Will and Grace fan ( a show she did annoy me in), I do enjoy her guest spots on Happy Endings and I tolerated her on Party Down, while missing Jennifer Coolidge desperately.
Another decision I question is whether or not it’s good for Oz to be broke. Part of the allure of his character was his mysteriousness, which was in part due to his riches — the jet-setting here and there, Japan for dinner, the mansion, the Maserati. I’m hoping his character doesn’t become too “real” now that he’s broke and had to sell his company. I loved the team trying to figure him out, and if he’s now working with them to figure out Veronica instead, a character that is simply not as compelling, I’m thinking the show will lose some of its uniqueness.
The jury’s still out on whether or not the loss of Josh will be good for the show or not. Although his character was simply odd, it sometimes worked. It’s true they had a hard time figuring out exactly who he was supposed to be — sometimes he’d be threatening Cam with his life, other times he’d be one of the gang — the writers may have been able to mine more material from his character than they will Veronica’s assistant, who seems to be nothing more than blonde chick with a British accent at the moment.
Here’s what Breaking In did do right to start off its second season: they got rid of Melanie’s ridiculous bohunk of a boyfriend, Dutch; in jail, never to be seen again, good riddance. It was so far beyond my comprehension what a sensible, pretty girl like Melanie saw in that foolish man, and then when Oz gave him a job I just about lost it. Nicely done, Powers That Be.
Also, they kept Crazy Carol and gave her something awesome to do — getting drunk on a scorpion bowl was hilarious, and she’s like Dwight Schute and Angela from The Office all wrapped into one crazy package; actually, there’s a little bit of Meredith thrown in there too. It will be fun to watch her weirdness.
It remains to be seen whether or not the retooling of Breaking In will make the show better or worse, but I respect the fact that they are trying something different. It shows their commitment to giving this show a fair chance at surviving. I’m rooting for them — how about you?
Oh, before I leave you, Keith needed for me to point out to you all that Cash’s t-shirt (pictured above) said “cake = lie” from Portal. Whatever. I am not in the know on that tidbit, but to those of you who are, you’re probably grinning goofily much like Keith is.
Clacked by Debbie McDuffee
on Mar 06, 2012 @ 21:50 EST5EDT
I’m glad they added Megan M. She’s a great comic actress and Oz’s hyper-exaggerated man of mystery was too extreme. I felt they needed another character to balance him, which Megan’s character does.
However, they didn’t need to bankrupt him. I would’ve preferred his just wanting more money like the kids first thought.
I still don’t like the Melanie character. The ‘tough’, pretty girl just feels too cliched. Odette did a better job on House. I don’t wish the actress unemployment, but I hope they find a personality she can play more believably.
Overall, while the show’s first half felt disjointed, the second half seemed more cohesive. Nice Breakfast Club nod. While I look forward to the battle between the new king and queen, I hope Veronica’s annoying assistant doesn’t continue past this episode.
Side note: Does ‘Breaking In’s’ revamp remind anyone of ‘Human Shield’s revamp, before they permanently cancelled it?
I’m gonna miss Josh.
me too =/
he was the best! after oz of course
To me this sound like another Human Target shuffle. Wealthy woman buying/financing the company – check. Annoying new sidekick – check.
To be fair I have not watched it yet but this killed HT for me. I miss Guerrro and Winston….
Totally agree. Miss the old HT.
The additional of Megan M ruined Breaking In. The show was built around a dynamic of trying to outsmart Oz. The character of Veronica added nothing to the show and she doesn’t hold a candle to Slater in portraying the role of whacko boss. What made the show worthwhile was that it was totally over the top. Veronica is just annoying. About 10 minutes into the show I said “They ruined the show with their recasting.”
I was looking forward to the show coming back, now I’ll give it one more viewing before deleting the season pass on TiVO.
Finally watched and was not impressed in the slightest. I will try another episode or two but am not holding out much hope.
Megan Mullally adds nothing to Breaking In, and her character actually detracts from the original premise of the show. I guess you could say that Breaking In has jumped the shark. Too bad.
I just caught up on this show, and have to agree with An and daniac. Also, both shows’ basic premise were changed for their second seasons, likely in the hope of drawing in more viewers than they alienated. It’s like FOX has a checklist for revamping failing shows for one more season before their inevitable cancellation.
The show has been ruined! Megan Mullallys character has completely ruined this once great show, her character brings nothing to the show except disappointment! What a surprise Mr. Fox ruined another show.
the first season is really better than the second! i can’t believe that they kick Josh out of the serie! And where is Melanie? I thought she would come back later, but she’s gone for 2 episodes and anybody talk about her anymore! i prefer the 1st season, and i didn’t like at all tha changes, i mean, veronica is funny, but she couldn’t take oz place, he is a better boss than her!