09/07/12 - 0 Comments
Matthew Perry Attempts to “Go On”
“She was the only girl I ever loved. That part was true.” Matthew Perry’s latest strike at a new successful sitcom may have just hit gold. Perry has been grappling to find something to follow his infamous and enduring role on Friends, but we believe this particular gem may just be exactly what he needed.
Go On centers around Perry’s character, Ryan King, as he attempts to cope with the very recent death of his wife. A stubborn sports radio talk show host, King tries very hard to pretend that everything is fine. However, his coworkers are not to be fooled and his boss insists he go to group therapy before he can make his return back to radio. It is there that we encounter some of the most broken, odd and refreshingly hilarious characters of the show. It is also here that Perry really shines as he struggles to open up.
King fights tooth and nail to avoid speaking or participating in his sessions. But ,in that, the eccentric group of people suddenly begins to respond. His utter refusal is what ultimately softens those around him and, unintenionally, brings him closer to not only his feelings about the loss of his wife, but also the group’s leader, Lauren, played by Laura Benanti.
From the pilot episode, King comes in and immediately connects to the somewhat peculiar characters. His unusual take on sharing tragic stories suprisingly helps his peers cope. He even gets through to one of the most stubborn group members, played by Tyler James Williams.
Some of the standout group members are Anne, played by Julie White, a lesbian lawyer angry after the death of her partner, and Mr. K, played by Brett Gelman, a member whose reasons for being there are unknown because others are afraid to ask. Creator Scott Silveri, who worked with Perry on Friends, says he subconciously wrote the part specifically for the actor. As of late, the show has received generally favorable reviews.
While there’s only been one pilot episde (the season will officially premiere September 11 on NBC), it shows a ton of promise. Go On is smart, funny and an overall hit—we can’t wait to tune in regularly!
