I know what I like and I like what I know
Men in Trees is predictable. It's routine. It's recycled from a bunch of different shows. So why do I still like it? Because like an old sweater, it's familiar and comfortable, and it makes me feel good.
Men in Trees focuses on Marin Frist (Anne Heche), an author and relationship expert who's on the way to the small, testosterone-heavy town of Elmo, Alaska, for a book promo and talk when she finds out her fiance is cheating on her. Marin has the expected meltdown, complete with cathartic wedding-dress shredding, and decides to stay in Elmo to learn about men straight from the source and get fodder for her next book.
Other than Marin, the town is populated with some interesting characters: hotel proprietor Patrick, who brings dorky sweetness and levity to any scene; lumbering romantic Ben, who you might remember from ER; devoted, optimistic fan Annie, who followed Marin to Alaska; practical, laconic pilot Buzz, who you might remember from The West Wing. As Patrick puts it, "we're a town full of dudes." I'd add "...who like to sit around and talk about relationships," if you can believe that.
We're only a couple episodes in, but the show has potential. Each episode can be a lesson for Marin, another chapter for her book, as she makes discoveries about men, love, and life in Elmo. Lesson one, for example: "Heartbreak sucks, but not having heartbreak sucks more." One caveat for my ongoing enjoyment of the show? That Marin actually has to want to learn these lessons. She's got to feel a sense of adventure or exploration. It's no fun if she's just a fish out of water in every situation -- that would get old. For the show to really work, Marin needs to embrace her newly single status and the Alaskan lifestyle.
Part of this need, I think, stems from the fact that Marin is played by Anne Heche. Heche always seems wound a bit too tightly -- a little manic and a little brittle -- so it's interesting to watch her in quiet, vulnerable moments. I'm a feminist, don't get me wrong, but I think Marin could benefit from one of those strong, silent Alaskan men to loosen her up a bit.
I've got just the one in mind, too: local hottie Jack. Curly hair and a cable knit? I'm sold. (In fact, they'd have done better calling the show "Men in Sweaters" - it perfectly conveys the appeal of the lead man and the show itself.) Marin isn't sold quite yet, but she seems sweet on him already. After all, in the pilot Jack told her he didn't want to have sex with her. What girl doesn't love a challenge like that? ;)
To fully grasp the deliciousness, check out the interview with James Tupper, who plays Jack.
One last critique: lose the raccoon. There's a fine line between eccentric and annoying, and Marin's raccoon stalker is just asking to become roadkill.
Men in Trees airs Fridays at 9 on ABC.
Comments:
|