I’m single and have no kids, yet that didn’t stop me from enjoying FX’s new half-hour dark (read: very dark) comedy Married. Starring one of my personal favorite actresses, the grossly underrated Judy Greer (13 Going On 30), and Oscar winning writer Nat Faxon (The Descendants), Married follows a married couple that have become lost in issues of debt, romance, and the pains of suburbia. Between annoyed glances and arguments, however, the couple is reminded of what drew them together in the first place, they’re best friends. Though this is a fairly tired concept, the show uses raunchy humor and very adult situations to show it is something different. If you’re looking for a wholesome comedy, look to the 8 PM slot on ABC. FX is clearly aiming for the HBO/Showtime comedy clientele and it works!
I was sent the first four episodes of Married and to be honest, it was a lot different than what I expected. Don’t let the pilot episode turn you off. It definitely wasn’t my favorite because the characters aren’t immediately likeable. After all, who wants to like or relate to Russ (Faxon) when he takes an exasperated statement from his wife Lina (Greer) to heart and tries to find a mistress? Of course, things don’t go the way he envisions and he realizes the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Don’t let this episode turn you away. The subsequent episodes only get better and you are given a better look at the characters, especially Lina who proves she isn’t the stereotypical one-dimensional harpy wife that many of these types of shows like to portray. Both Faxon and Greer are incredibly funny and interesting to watch onscreen and it’s about time they received a vehicle to star in themselves. It should also be noted that Married has an AMAZING cast of supporting actors, like Jenny Slate (Obvious Child), Paul Reiser (Mad About You), and Regina Hall (Scary Movie)… just to name a few.
Beneath the dark humor, it’s easy to tell that Married has serious heart. This story feels a lot more realistic than the syrupy sitcoms we’ve become accustomed to. With such busy lives, Lina and Russ have to make room for their relationship. In my busy life, I’m ready to make room for Married.
