Since “Friends” ended way back in 2004, every network exec has been on the hunt for an ensemble show that could possibly replace it. As they would have said on the show, “The one with legs.”
Welcome to “Happy Endings,” ABC’s finally funny new set of legs.
“Happy Endings,” which sounds like the special at a cheap massage parlor, is so funny I heard a noise I haven’t heard in a very long time while watching a sitcom: the sound of me yelping so loudly it could frighten dogs. OK, yes, I like cheap one-liners.
The premiere opens with a scene stolen straight out of “The Graduate.” A couple is at the altar getting married and a nearly shirtless guy in Roller-
blades declares his love for the bride. What’s a bride to do? Run off with the intruding, old boyfriend, that’s what.
That might cause you to shut off the show, since it’s a rip-off of such a famous scene, but, trust me, stick with it. It’s not that the runaway bride, Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) has abandoned the groom, Dave (Zachary Knighton), at the altar that matters — it’s what he does about it and what their ensemble of friends can do about it.
While Dave wallows in liquor, pizza and wedding presents in their apartment, the friends show up and inform him that Alex has gone on their honeymoon with Rollerblades, and he’s got to get a grip.
The distressed ensemble includes Jane (Eliza Coupe), her husband, Brad (Damon Wayans, Jr.), Penny (Casey Wilson) and Max (Adam Pally).
When Alex returns and tries to get back in their apartment, Dave is appalled to see her new look. “You got the white-trash tourist braids — you look like ‘Predator,’ ” he yells.
And that’s when the laughs start and keep coming fast. Unlike every other show in TV history with the screaming stereotyped gay man, here, Max is a football-loving, beer-guzzling slob. And, unlike every other show that has a racially mixed couple, Jane and Brad are just an average married couple — who still send white Max to pose as Brad for their country club acceptance interview.
The actors are terrific in their roles, but they couldn’t do it without the very funny writing.
Like? Like when Penny moans that she wishes Max were gayer acting so they could shop for accessories and go to flea markets together. He says, “I’d rather get into wet clothes and watch ‘Schindler’s List!’ ”
And, then, there’s the incredibly annoying dancer who gets hit by a bike messenger. Don’t ask, but damn! I’m still laughing.