You're reading PILOT BUZZ CENTRAL!
#14 The Return of Jezebel James
Who picked it up? Fox
When does it air? Wednesdays 8:30/7:30 starting in January -- if Fox, for the first time ever, sticks to its midseason plans
Who stars? Parker Posey and Lauren Ambrose!
Why should you care? The talent behind Gilmore Girls returns to network television with Parker Posey (a real movie star!) and Lauren Ambrose (a fan favorite!) providing warmth and wit as almost-estranged sisters. Not only will the star power and creative talent behind the scenes guarantee that some viewers will give it a try, but it should do well in a pre-Idol time slot.
Why should you worry? If you liked Gilmore Girls for its wit, only half of that wit is here. In fact, the best way to think of this series is the last season of Gilmore Girls (the Rosenthal version) with an out-of-place laugh track. As anyone who follows Parker Posey knows, she can also overact at times. She gets a little hammy here.
Bottom line? The only thing in need of major fixing is the laugh track. Either get some jokes that make it seem justified, or throw it out. People should be willing to give this one a try, and even though it likely won't be a huge hit it should provide the young, upscale demo advertisers crave. One look at the pilot says that a second season should be in the cards. While it is no surprise Lauren Ambrose is wonderful in the series, it is a surprise that she outshines Posey. Let's hope the chemistry between the two builds as the series continues.