6A - Monday, April 15, 2013 T

The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com


New Netflix show
does no good

'Bad Samaritans' is
a weak attempt at
original comedy
By RADHIKA MENON
DailyArts Writer
Netflix is expanding. What
started with cult excitement
in the announcement of an
"Arrested
Development" (C
resurrection
quickly moved Bad
to actual origi- SmaritanS
nal program-
ming - most Netflix
noteworthy of
which is the
political thriller "House of
Cards." The online streaming
service is branching out, now try-
ing its hand at original comedy.
Unfortunately, unlike its prede-
cessors, "Bad Samaritans" is far
from brilliant.
After Jake (Brian Kubach,
"Piranha") and Drew's (Julian-
na Guill, "Crazy Stupid Love")
anniversary-turned-breakup
ends with a park fire, the duo
is sentenced to 2,000 hours of
community service. They meet
a bunch of weirdos during their
time, including a socialite look-
ing for a sugar daddy, a stoner

with no plans of ever leaving this
gig and a tattooed ex-biker with
good intentions. It's an interest-
ing take on the group-based com-
edies that have recently become
the go-to formula in the genre,
but sadly there's no spark here.
A nursing home is the back-
drop of the pilot, forcing Jake
and Drew to explore their broken
relationship in the face of Drew's
grandmother who is a resident
there. The former couple dili-
gently avoids telling her about the
breakup, and instead takes mat-
ters to the other extreme.
The community service angle
allows the location of the series to
be forever undetermined, adding
fresh scenery to every episode.
However, this ever-changing set-
ting makes it impossible to cre-
ate a solid secondary cast beyond
the core group of community
servants. If we're likening it to
"Arrested Development," this
means that there is no Gene Par-
mesan, no Ann Veal and no Steve
Holt. What makes a lot of com-
edies stand out is the strength of
the supporting cast - often they
are the true cult clinchers.
Without this important group,
"Bad Samaritans" must rely sole-
ly on the talents of the core group,
and mainly Drew and Jake. Jake
is the typical underachieving
boyfriend while Drew is the

uptight borderline bitch who
has had enough in the relation-
ship; there's nothing new here.
The characters are bland, and
their close proximity and banter-
ing will undoubtedly bring them
back together by series' end. Bo-
ring.
The main problem with "Bad
Samaritans" is that it's just not
funny. The jokes are flat, the
characters are dull and the act-
ing is extremely forced. The lack
of advertising and low produc-
tion value makes it almost certain
that Netflix wasn't channeling
much money into this project,
and it shows. You don't necessar-
ily need A-list actors like Kevin
Spacey a la "House of Cards,"
but you do need quality writing,
directing and producing - all of
which "Bad Samaritans" lacks.
While the premise is a fresh
take on the sub-genre of group
comedies, "Bad Samaritans"
lacks the comedic element nec-
essary for success. A series like
this with a lot of potential would
be better served with more crisp
writing, and realized and distinct
characters.
Netflix has shown that it has
the ability to create and develop
meaningful and exciting drama
series. If only it would put the
same energy and effort into
everything that they produce.

0

NBC
Jay's suit seems to fit pretty well.
ooking forward to
'onigh'withJi*mmy

By ALEC STERN press release highlighted Leno's
Daily Arts Writer 22 successful years as host of the
iconic late-night talk show. (Iguess
Well, NBC has done it again. it's better if we all just forget about
In 2014, Jay Leno will officially Conan O'Brien's brief stint as host
step down as host of "The Tonight in 2009, while Leno was headlin-
Show"... for the second time. ing his own show on primetime.)
Via press release on April 3, Over the past few weeks, there
NBC confirmed what had been the has been a lot of speculation over
worst kept secret of the year: "Late what "The Tonight Show with
Night"host Jimmy Fallonwillsuc- Jimmy Fallon" will be like and
ceed Jay Leno after the conclusion what will happen with the rest of
of the 2014 Winter Olympics. The NBC's late-night line-up. While

the move is still several months
away, it's confirmed that "The
Tonight Show" will be moving
back to New York, where Johnny
Carson hosted the program for
the first 10 years of his 30-year
tenure. The Roots' lead MC, Black
Thought, also confirmed that the
group, which has been the house
band for all five seasons of "Late
Night with Jimmy Fallon," will be
making the move to 11:35 p.m. as
well.
Fallon's promotion leaves
an empty seat on "Late Night,"
and in the past few months, two
names have floated as possible
replacements: Seth Meyers and
Alec Baldwin. Both would make
sense, having strong ties to Lorne
Michaels, the executive producer of
"Late Night" and creator of "SNL,"
where Meyers has served as head
writer since 2006. He was also an
executive producer on "30 Rock,"
where Baldwin spent seven seasons
playing Jack Donaghy.

Call: #734-418-4115
Email: dailydisplay@gmail.com

COLLEGE PRO IS now hiring
painters all acossthe stateta work out-
dorsw/other stadents. Earn53k-5k.
Advancement opportunities +
intemships. 1-888-277-9787 or
www.collegepro.com
HEADED BACK TO the Grosse
Pointe area this summer? Want to work
outside? We are looking for student
painters. 40 hrs/wk. $8.50/hr. Bonus
based on work completed. Email
William to apply at willcail@umich.edu

PRIVATE TUTORING FOR LSAT,
LAW SCHOOL, BAR EXAM 516 S FOURTH STREET
My credentials: Availability: 5/6/13-8/16/13
" perfect 180 on LSAT Price: $400 per month
" Michigan Law grad (3.85 GPA) Features: Two available rooms in a
" licensed attorney two-story apartment near main st. 8
" 20+ years' teaching experience minute walk from Michigan Union.
" hundreds of delighted students Free parking spot included!
734.996.2861 www.TESTGURU.com Link: cribspot.com/sublet/31
SUMMER STORAGE STUDENT
Specials- Indoor and closestto campus.
Book online now annarborstorage.com 517 BENJAMIN
or call 734- 663-0690 Availability: 5/5/13-8/25/13
THESIS EDITING. LANGUAGE Price: $500 per month
organization, format. All disciplines.' Features: Large Room can fit up to
734-996-0566 or writeon@iserv.net two beds in the room, less than a
minute walk tothe IM building.

PaRK ENWWW.800FULLER.COM
(734) 769-7520
I & 2 bdrm., modern, clean, quiet
5 min. walk. Free Wi-Ft.
HOUSE BDRM ON Benjamin St near
2013-14 IM hldg, famnished, $400 neg, prkg inct
PARKING FOR SALE 704-650-9929sor chkeeler@umich.edu
*Great Locations
*Central Campus
7Great Rates ! STERLING 411 LOFTS - Reserve
your 2013-14 bed space at U-M's Best
www.primesh.com housing. Sold out early for the last 3
years. 2 blocks from Central Campus
"PRIME" PARKING FOR SALE and downtown. 1 - 4 bedroom apart-
2013-14 ments with May to May or August to
Great Locations: August lease terms available. First
721 S. Forest $1500 month FREE on a May to May lease.
1320 S. University $1500 Sign within 48 hours of a tour on an
520 Packard $960 August to August lease and receive a
515E. Lawrence $720 $500 gift card. Limited academic
511 Hoover $720 leases available. Roommate matching,
Parking for less than the rest! parking and private baths available.
Call 734-761-8000 Rates starting at $675. 734-998-4400
www.4etevenlofts.com

But who will
replace Fallon?


RELEASE DATE- Monday, April 15,2013
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

Link: cribspot.com/sublet/335
THE DEAN: 1021 VAUGHN ST
Availability: 5/10/13-8/20/13
Price: $400 per month
Features: 2 floor apartment, 2 bath-
rooms, free WI-Ft/heat, water, gas, AC
unit & balcony in bdrm, full bed, huge
closet & dresser, bright room.
Link: cribspot.com/sublet/32

ACROSS DOWN
1 Wynonnaor 1 Comic's delivery
Naomi of country 2 Dickens villain
music Heep
5 "Doctor Zhivago" 3 Like a thicket
heroine 4 Folded corer
9 Files opened with 5 Tina's "30 Rock"
Adobe, for short role
13 Lickedecookie 6 "... for_, a
14 Underage person tooth.Fs"
lSOLa Scala 7FPoet Front
showstopper 8 Franklin of soul
16 *Comforter-and- 9 Hippie's digs
sheets setfor a 10 Dentist'stool
large mattress, 11 Traffic violaon
sayo nsequences
19 Enter gingerly 12 Slumps
20 Bigfootlcousin 14 Camera maker
21" Misbrables" that merged with
22 *Gaga way to be Konica
in love ne 17Fries, orone
25 Follow one's new 18CkZro
2o, in Realtorese competitor
2t "Cheero!"' 23 Batery unit
27 Sci-fi vehicle. 24Sunup point
Abbr. ~ 27 Baseball official
30AttentionfromOr.28 Gary Larson's
o m The _Side"
32 Answersan 29 Pedro's peeper
31 01p~
invite, for short 33 Compete
36 'Big tourist draw 34"The Raven"
41 Movie trailer, e.g. petR
42Sun, in Spain p
43 Seashocker 1 2 3 4a
44 Hieroglyphic 13
snakes 1
47 Lovers' spat, say 165 i
0'*Industry-
spanning work 19
stoppage
55 Right-angle piece 22
56 Pamplona 25
runner
57 Professor's 2 2 29
security z
59 Simon Says 373
relative, and a T
hintlto what

35 NBC sketch 49 Big operatic
show ending
37 Yemen neighbor 50 Mowing
38 Met, as a difficult flower
challenge 51 DeGeneres's
39 Decays sitcom
40 Somewhat 52 Actress Lindsay
45 Like political 53 Praise
hawks 54 Straight up
46 "Hell mother 005Young newts
pople" French 09 Greek Cupid
dramatist 60 Golfer Trevino
48 At no charge 61 Self-importance
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

xwordeditor@aol.com 04/15/1:

|

SUBLET WANTED JUL-AUG.
Very near campus. Please contact me at
gaylness@umich.edu
H ELP WANTED
GROUNDS CREW TEAM
LEADER
We are looking for an experienced
person to lead our grounds crew.
Full-time seasonal position offers wage
based on experience, E.O.E.
Apply immediately at: Forest Hills Co-
operative, 2351 Shadowood Drive
Ann Arbor, MI - Mon., Tues., &
Thurs. - 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM
Paid survey takers need in A2.
100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys.
U OF M student lab assist.
Aging research. Mouse husbandry and
data collection. Holiday and weekend
availability needed. 10 to 15 hours per
week. Contact Sabrina at
lienzar@umich.edu or 734-936-2164.
WORK ON MACKINAC Island This
Summer - Make lifelong friends. The
Island House Hotel and Ryba's Fudge
Shops are looking for help in all areas:
Front Desk, Bell Staff, Wait Staff,
Sales Clerks, Kitchen, Baristas. Hous-
ing, bonus, and discounted meals.(906)
847-7196. www.theislandhouse.com

!NORTH CAMPUS 1-2 Bdrm.!
! Riverfront/Heat/Water/Parking.!
! www.HRPAA.com 996-4992!
STERLING 411 LOFTS has limited
summer only bed spaces available start-
ing at $599 all inclusive. Lease dates
are May 3rd -August 13th, 2013. 2
blocks from Central Campus and
downtown. 734-998-4400
www.4elevenlofts.com
ARBOR PROPERTIES
Award-Winning Rentals in Kerrytown,
Central Campus, Old West Side,
Burns Park. Now Renting for 2013.
734-994-3157. www.arborprops.com
EFFICIENCY 1 BDRM. Fall 2013-
14. $825-925. Most include heat & wa-
ter. Prkg extra cost where avail. cappo-
management.com 734-996-1991.
CAMPUS MANAGEMENT, INC.
invites you to visit
www.CampusMgt.com
the best local website for a wide selec-
tion of apartments and houses. We spe-
cialize in houses and apartments very
close to central campus. Alt are attrac-
tively priced, most include parking,
many are furnished and some include
utilities. Contact us for details. Com-
plete listing for Fall 2013 available
now! Or call and speak with our
Leasing Consultant, Pat at
734-663-4101.
HALF OFF SALE
EXPIRES 4-30-13
HALF OFF PROCESSING FEE
HALF OFF SECURITY DEPOSIT
PLUS GET $250 OFF 1ST MONTH'S
RENT!
(FULL 2 BEDROOMS AND MAY
TO MAY ONLY)
Visit us at
www.universitytowers-mi.com
536 S. Forest Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48160
734-761-2680

IUniveiiy
Towe
"HALF OFF SALE"
(Expires April 15, 2013)
Half off processing fee
Half off security deposit
Plus get $250 off
first month's rent!
(Full 2 bedrooms
and May to May only)
Visit us at
universitytowers-mi.com
536 S. Forest Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48160
734-761-2680

Baldwin's name originally came
into the late night discussion as a
possible replacement for Carson
Daly, whose 1:35 a.m. "Last Call"
has very quietly made it 12 sea-
sons on the network. However,
this proved only to be specula-
tion when "Last Call with Carson
Daly" was renewed for a 13th sea-
son on April 10.
Similar to 2009, Jay Leno didn't
exactly step down from "The
Tonight Show" as much as he was
forced out. Strange, considering
"The Tonight Showwith JayLeno"
continues to be the most-watched
program in late-night. However,
like most television shows, it's not
about how many people watch -
it's about how many young people
watch.
In that regard, neither Leno or
his broadcast rivals, David Let-
terman and Jimmy Kimmel, are
winning the ratings race. During
the first quarter of 2013, in the key
18-49 demographic, Comedy Cen-
tral emerged as the big winner:
"The Daily Show with Jon Stew-
art" and "The Colbert Report"
were the No. 1 and No. 2 shows,
respectively.While Stewart has the
advantage of airing30minutes ear-
lier - in direct competition with
only "Conan" and "Chelsea Lately"
- Colbert goes head-to-head with
Leno, Letterman and Kimmel.
Though Leno was a strong No. 3
on the list, with only 60,000 view-
ers separating him and Colbert,
NBC has been grooming Fallon as
his replacement for some time now.
Fallon is NBC's investment for the
future, and with "Jimmy Kimmel
Live" now airing an hour earlier,
it's time Fallon makes the move as
well.
At only 62 years old, there's
no telling what Leno's next move
could be. He has a very loyal fan
base andcould easily set up at a dif-
ferent network - rumor has it he's
been fielding offers from many. But
NBC seems ready for a change,
and with the potential lineup of
Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers,
they could end up with the fresh-
est and funniest duo inlate night.

startnof , 22-,
36- and 50- no 51a
Across56
62 Shade provider
63 In __: mad In, 60
64 Not right in the
head a 23
65 "Auld Lang __"6
66 Nevada gambling5
67 Auto repairfigs l02613 Tr tPattMi e sis,

04/15/13