THE LOOP

Recently I had the pleasure to review a pilot and about seven episodes of a TV situation comedy called “THE LOOP” soon to be released on DVD. The show was the product of Twentieth Century Fox Entertainment and produce and created by: Pam Grady and Will Gluck.

The theme of the show is that a young man, “Sam”, played by Bret Harrison becomes the youngest executive of an airline based in Chicago. He is caught between his serious ambition as a young up and coming superstar executive, and a young 20-year old living in a young man’s world. Sam has a brother, “Scully,” played by Eric Christian Olsen who is a free spirited wild and crazy guy, living on the precipice of disaster. It is an excellent combination for trouble to brew; yet brotherly-love exists.

The cast of characters that compliment the show include: Philip Baker Hall, an old favorite actor of mine who you all may know as the Library Detective from the Seinfeld show, playing Sam’s boss “Russ”, a hard nose boss of Trans Alliance Airlines, a WWII veteran with a hard nose attitude and a tough fatherly love for Sam. Again “Russ” becomes a favorite character of mine, since he is key to many situations that challenge Sam, who in a constant bind with his boss finds a way out. “Russ” is very funny, quick and just great in the role of the boss.

Included in this cast is a very talented actress that truly helps the show along by the name of Mimi Rogers, who plays “Meryl” the 48-year old predator and workaholic senor executive, with Sam constantly in her sites. There is Joy Osmanski, playing “Darcy”, the bitter MIT graduate who is the company receptionist and like many graduates today, she can’t find a job in her chosen field of study. “I graduated 4th in my class, the top three are in outer space!”

Sam’s love life is a confused situation in his love for “Piper” played by Amanda Loncar, who is totally unaware that Sam even cares, as she struggles to take courses to become a doctor.

Rounding out the cast is your usual ditzy blond played by Sarah Mason, “Izzy” a barmaid wanna-be who does very little bartending.

I enjoyed the different episodes, even though it is a young person’s comedy, filled with great one-liners and some sight gags. It reflects the problems of young people today, yet does it in a funny way. If you are in your twenties, this will make you laugh out loud, and if you are older, don’t bet it won’t.

When I was asked to do this review, I thought that it would get panned because of the type of comedy it is. So look for the DVD in a store near you.

On a scale of 5 Dels, I give it a 3 and one half.