NexusFields
Joined Sep 2006
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IFC is a low rated cable channel that airs a scant few hours of "original" programming every year that's none too original, mostly because their shows are based on preexisting pod-casts and SNL skits. Actor David Krumholtz, under heavy prosthetic makeup, had been dressing in drag on the web for some time, portraying a Laine Kazan style yenta that also scrounges a fair share of Linda Richman from "Coffee Talk." While this character has been described as the proverbial "Bubbe," the shtick seems reminiscent of Martin Short's Jiminy Glick, namely the thick makeup striving to mask a grating, one note character.
For inexplicable reasons Krumholtz was given a weekly half hour series revolving around this impersonation's exploits as "she" utilizes a heretofore undiscovered fortune to indulge in a bucket list.
Indulgence is a key word for this series that literally has no reason to exist. The novelty of Krumholtz in drag wears out fast and the sole trait designated for his character is to say bawdy things, essentially the ribald old lady routine that's the province of Betty White.
Debuting to scathing reviews and pathetically paltry ratings, "Gigi Does It" is one of the most bewilderingly bad TV shows of all time. Unfortunately, it's not "so bad it's good" and is just an embarrassment. It's perplexing to think how IFC executives felt there was ever an audience for this fiasco, even more mystifying is the fact that the lead-in is a sports comedy, a typically hackneyed affair from Denis Leary revolving around amateur hockey players.
With all the fresh talent waiting to be discovered, as well as veteran voices deserving of a comeback, IFC has committed to many weeks of this horrendous show revolving around a man in drag saying crass things. Krumholtz isn't really to blame, he's gifted and could pull off a "Tootsie" style premise ala the way "Bosom Buddies" mimicked "Some Like It Hot," but this is more about the judgment of whoever's running IFC that this conceit was somehow deemed worthy of a weekly vehicle.
Even the worst shows often get cult followings, but that won't be the case for "Gigi Does It" since "Sophie's Choice" is funnier. That this travesty could attract Lesley Ann Warren as a guest star, playing second banana to this third rate kosher Madea, is additionally depressing.
Go to your neighborhood 7-Eleven and watch the monitors that show advertisements for coffee, Slurpees and beef jerky because that's more entertaining than this garbage.
For inexplicable reasons Krumholtz was given a weekly half hour series revolving around this impersonation's exploits as "she" utilizes a heretofore undiscovered fortune to indulge in a bucket list.
Indulgence is a key word for this series that literally has no reason to exist. The novelty of Krumholtz in drag wears out fast and the sole trait designated for his character is to say bawdy things, essentially the ribald old lady routine that's the province of Betty White.
Debuting to scathing reviews and pathetically paltry ratings, "Gigi Does It" is one of the most bewilderingly bad TV shows of all time. Unfortunately, it's not "so bad it's good" and is just an embarrassment. It's perplexing to think how IFC executives felt there was ever an audience for this fiasco, even more mystifying is the fact that the lead-in is a sports comedy, a typically hackneyed affair from Denis Leary revolving around amateur hockey players.
With all the fresh talent waiting to be discovered, as well as veteran voices deserving of a comeback, IFC has committed to many weeks of this horrendous show revolving around a man in drag saying crass things. Krumholtz isn't really to blame, he's gifted and could pull off a "Tootsie" style premise ala the way "Bosom Buddies" mimicked "Some Like It Hot," but this is more about the judgment of whoever's running IFC that this conceit was somehow deemed worthy of a weekly vehicle.
Even the worst shows often get cult followings, but that won't be the case for "Gigi Does It" since "Sophie's Choice" is funnier. That this travesty could attract Lesley Ann Warren as a guest star, playing second banana to this third rate kosher Madea, is additionally depressing.
Go to your neighborhood 7-Eleven and watch the monitors that show advertisements for coffee, Slurpees and beef jerky because that's more entertaining than this garbage.
In 1986 ABC aired a subversive half hour situation comedy unlike any other called "Sledge Hammer!" A trenchant satire on tough guy law enforcement stereotypes, the young creator Alan Spencer sneakily filled the show with subversive political commentary while maintaining credible mystery plots. The comparisons to "Get Smart!" were well founded, but "Sledge" was darker and more twisted, especially for the times.
Flash forward decades later and we have Spencer's latest offering, cable TV's limited run series "Bullet in the Face." This is a Canadian production which Spencer was brought in to retool and he took full advantage of the newfound liberties at his disposal. The series is seriously twisted and features a reprehensible main character acting as the hero. The direction isn't very inspired and many of the performances are over the top, but Spencer's wicked wit shines throughout.
Spencer's scathing voice assails religion, conservatism and even Gilbert and Sullivan in a surreal provocative next to last episode. All those bemoaning how safe TV has become owes themselves to check out this bizarre six episode entry. And be forewarned, this is no ordinary half hour comedy. The violence is extreme and portrayed on par with most R rated feature films. I laughed, but was also disturbed by what I watched; particularly the episode wherein a teenager jacked up on energy drinks becomes a killer. The ending to that one must be seen to be believed.
With headlines often proclaiming the latest act of violence in real life, it's bold to see a comedy daring to be this incendiary and crazed. While "Sledge Hammer!" is more widely loved, "Bullet in the Face" is the more risky endeavor. For lovers of offbeat TV, Alan Spencer remains someone to watch.
Flash forward decades later and we have Spencer's latest offering, cable TV's limited run series "Bullet in the Face." This is a Canadian production which Spencer was brought in to retool and he took full advantage of the newfound liberties at his disposal. The series is seriously twisted and features a reprehensible main character acting as the hero. The direction isn't very inspired and many of the performances are over the top, but Spencer's wicked wit shines throughout.
Spencer's scathing voice assails religion, conservatism and even Gilbert and Sullivan in a surreal provocative next to last episode. All those bemoaning how safe TV has become owes themselves to check out this bizarre six episode entry. And be forewarned, this is no ordinary half hour comedy. The violence is extreme and portrayed on par with most R rated feature films. I laughed, but was also disturbed by what I watched; particularly the episode wherein a teenager jacked up on energy drinks becomes a killer. The ending to that one must be seen to be believed.
With headlines often proclaiming the latest act of violence in real life, it's bold to see a comedy daring to be this incendiary and crazed. While "Sledge Hammer!" is more widely loved, "Bullet in the Face" is the more risky endeavor. For lovers of offbeat TV, Alan Spencer remains someone to watch.