The Bottom Line
ABC can be commended for premiering a primetime show with a major gay character (played by Fred Savage) but it falls short on gay dialogue and humor with "Crumb." It's as if the word "gay" was thrown in during the brainstorming character development sessions with no real thought as to how central such a detail is to character development. "Crumbs" may be working out the kinks, but Fred Savage's performance and innuendos as a gay man are less convincing than Nathan Lane playing a straight one.
Pros
- Major gay character.
Cons
- Weak humor.
- Gay content seems forced, not real.
Description
- ABC Primetime show featuring Fred Savage.
- Savage plays a gay character.
- Gay characteristics are used more to express dysfunction rather than a normal aspect of life.
Guide Review - ABC's "Crumbs"
The major non-cable networks have the attention of mainstream America, which may explain why certain programs seem like forced ratings boosters and others super dull. Either way, they're traditionally known to steer clear of too many risks, which is why NBC's "Will & Grace" was such a surprise. However, because of the popularity of gay characters, gay TV shows have been popping up everywhere.
Desperate for a piece of the ratings pie, ABC premiered "Crumbs," starring teen star Fred Savage as Mitch Crumb, a failed Hollywood screenwriter who happens to be gay. Central to the plot is Mitch's deranged mother, Suzanne Crumb (played by Jane Curtin), who was just released from a psychiatric hospital only to learn her husband-old-enough-to-be-her-father (William Devane) is having a baby with his mistress. Most of the drama takes place in the family restaurant run by Mitch's womanizing brother Jody (Eddie McClintock).
The storyline is fairly weak and the message seems lost in a dumpster full of corny one liners. The fact that Fred Savage's character is gay seemed like an extra addition to a dysfunctional family, coupled with mental illness, infidelity and sexual harassment. The best part about "Crumbs" is the creative fact that a family that owns a restaurant has the last name Crumb. Besides that, the table should be bussed.
Desperate for a piece of the ratings pie, ABC premiered "Crumbs," starring teen star Fred Savage as Mitch Crumb, a failed Hollywood screenwriter who happens to be gay. Central to the plot is Mitch's deranged mother, Suzanne Crumb (played by Jane Curtin), who was just released from a psychiatric hospital only to learn her husband-old-enough-to-be-her-father (William Devane) is having a baby with his mistress. Most of the drama takes place in the family restaurant run by Mitch's womanizing brother Jody (Eddie McClintock).
The storyline is fairly weak and the message seems lost in a dumpster full of corny one liners. The fact that Fred Savage's character is gay seemed like an extra addition to a dysfunctional family, coupled with mental illness, infidelity and sexual harassment. The best part about "Crumbs" is the creative fact that a family that owns a restaurant has the last name Crumb. Besides that, the table should be bussed.
