Strays

I have only watched 2 episodes so far, but here is my 2 cents. As much as I liked Shannon in Kim's Convenience, I can't seem to like her here in Strays. She is the main character, yet her characterization here is bland at best. Surrounding characters and the not funny "supposedly funny moments" didn't help either. Compared to the characters at Handy, all new characters here are either bland or borderline annoying. I do hope this show will get better in future episode.

However as of now, no Appa, no Omma, no good...

Strays replicates much of the humour and charm of Kim's Convience, but never quite lives up to the original. As a standalone series, it's a solid addition to pad the CBC lineup, but isn't going to be sweeping any awards shows.

The show takes a few episodes to pick up, but shows a lot of potential in its diverse cast of characters and solid premise.

It's hard not to compare this show to Kim's Convenience and given the abrupt, unexpected and rather strange way the latter ended, leaving fans frustrated and upset, many may be unfairly harsher in their reviews of Strays. I was a huge fan of Kim's but I will try to stay objective in reviewing. To be honest, I was actually looking forward to watching it, as I always found Shannon very funny and the trailers were promising so I was quite disappointed with the first episode. Shannon is still funny but her new environment and cast mates just not as interesting. They come across as slightly boring stereotypes from old office sitcoms instead of a believable group of people working at the same place. The cousin character, probably the worst of the bunch, is the cardboard-cutout slacker cliché and is mostly annoying rather than funny. And the Asian character being good with numbers and computers...really!?

What made Shannon a great character in Kim's convenience was her trying to be the nice, accessible and (cheesily) funny boss at a place where there is a clear hierarchy between manager and staff. That aspect is so far missing from the new show which dulls out a key part of her character.

It's too early to form a definite opinion of the show and I'm willing to give it a chance and watch the rest of the season but I would rate the first two episodes as average to below average.

Whereas Kim's had plots and humour- this show falls flat straight from opening. Nicole is not a lead actor and the supporting cast is simply not interesting.

Did the writers watch episode one?

Refreshing laughs in an easy to watch show. So far so good. Only two episode so far. And the second is better than the first. I hope that continues. But can't really give it a solid review until I see more. And more is what I would like to see.

Honestly so far all the characters are enjoyable to watch and you get a lot packed into only a half an hour. I'd say I'm a fan. Who knows when this season is over I may change my review and be back.

For a half hour show, refreshing and easy to watch. And pets at the centre of it, I would give this show a shot. Who knows where this could go!