Estados Unidos do Al

It's rare and about time that network comedies take a chance on a new challenging premise. Al is an Afghanistan legal immigrant who worked as a translator for the United States military. He comes to Columbus, Ohio where the American soldier and his family welcome him into their home. The sitcom needs time. The cast is fine but the show is stilling trying to find itself. The actor who played Al I'd not Afghani but he is talented an experienced. He was David spade's assistant in rules of engagement and played a Muslim foreign exchange student in another sitcom. I'm glad to see chs exploring other cultures and religions. I only wished they did it sooner.

I confess I was somewhat predisposed to like this show because I am very fond of both of the lead actors. Moreover, I have lived overseas, so some of the humor about cross-cultural differences resonated with me in a way it might not have for everyone who tuned into the United States of Al. That being said, I see potential in this show.

While the pilot was not filled with non-stop laughter, there were a lot of cute moments and it served its purpose by conveying the storyline and providing insights into the main characters. Personally, I find the concept of this show appealing because it portrays a very plausible situation. Being able to look a the return of a soldier who served his country set up storylines that could both tickle your funny bone and pull at your heartstrings. Naturally, the inclusion of his one time translator opens up the fish out of water trope, as well as the possibility of some serious bromance.

What remains to be seen is whether or not the writers can pull all that together into a funny package, while avoiding the pitfalls most Network sitcoms are falling prey to these days. If the creators of this show continue to focus on the human element, storytelling, and jokes, this could become something special. Alternately, if they go the preachy route, turning this into a vehicle to push their preferred political ideology, there will be no saving it.

For now, I see enough of a spark that I will keep my fingers crossed and continue to watch...

I normally don't review a show until it is done, however if I want this show to get a second season, it might need a couple reviews. An honest take on United States of Al. Al himself is one of the main controversial parts of the show, I cannot speak for if it offensive personally, my friend found him relatable, however the character is the only one that's fleshed out. Everyone works when there playing off Al, but stray so far when there apart. Riley, Art, Vanessa, Lizzie and the stereotypical kid trope, all aren't given time to flesh out yet, similar to the problems plaguing B Positive which time hopefully will solve.

If you find offensive to this show, that's your right, however I cannot say this show is trash, awful, or even racist. It tries to diversify television, it has decent enough characters that need a little fleshing out, it can tell heartwarming stories but rarely blends the comedy with them. It has it's heart in the right places, and I hope it doesn't become the last we see of Al. Chuck Lorre, you did alright this time.

I thought it was a good show!! We laughed and for a pilot episode think that it's good enough to watch again!!

The main character is not funny, the plot is not funny. It seems preachy, and condescending, at times. I am pretty sure it misrepresents culture in the Middle East.