Fox released its pilot episode of its new sitcom “Weird Loners” last week. Unfortunately, based on the predictable plot and cringeworthy attempts at humor in the show’s “Weird Pilot,” the series doesn’t look promising. The setup is intriguing: four single New Yorkers are unexpectedly forced together after tumultuous life events untether them from their respective jobs, homes or relationships. However, the pilot plays out like an unhumorous “New Girl,” and the overblown performances render the setup entirely unconvincing. For lack of a better description, “Weird Pilot” was just a little weird.
One problem with the episode was the simultaneous implausibility and predictability of the group’s formation. At the beginning, Caryn Goldfarb (played by Becki Newton) is trying to decide whether to settle down with her decidedly boring fiancee, Howard (David Wain). Meanwhile, her obtuse neighbor Eric (Nate Torrence) reconnects with his womanizing, recently-evicted cousin Stosh (Zachary Knighton), who manipulates Eric into living together. From the moment Stosh and Eric are in the same frame, it’s clear Stosh will try to exploit his cousin and Eric will remain oblivious.
In one of the more random turns, Eric befriends a homeless street artist named Zara (Meera Rohit Kumbhani) who tags along for the rest of the pilot. While entertainment requires suspension of disbelief, it was hard to accept that these four near-strangers would all have crises on the same day and find each other out of the blue, thus resolving their problems. Either the plot or the mood of the episode needed to change — if it were zanier, it might not have needed such a realistic portrait. But the choices in settings, costumes and subject matter made it seem like “Weird Loners” is trying to portray an average group of single adults down the street.
Furthermore, the “Weird Loners” pilot didn’t make up for the lackluster plot with its sharp, unique humor. The jokes play on stereotypes. The writers cover the unhappy woman about to settle, the flirtatious bachelor and the guy who never moved out of his parents’ house. The show tries but fails with two masturbation jokes in 25 minutes. A clever lipreading scene ends the pilot with a genuine chuckle, but it’s not enough to salvage the entire episode.
Although the premise is intriguing, the boring humor and poorly-written plot ultimately hold “Weird Loners” back from its potential audience appeal. If you’re seeking a fresh new comedy, look elsewhere. The “Weird Loners” pilot has the show poised to miss the mark.
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