Raising Hope

It may not be the smartest written comedy, and it probably helps that I began watching it as early morning reruns, but there's something very endearing about the quirky characters. It's definitely goofy, but it's also quite funny. It definitely doesn't take itself too seriously.

Martha Plimpton and Garret Dillahunt in particular do fantastic jobs. Some actors, while talented, don't have much range, but Martha and Garret both do a great job of creating characters vastly different from their other projects. I've seen Garret in a few other films and TV shows since where he's played the villain, and had I not seen him as "Burt" first, I would probably think differently about him - as many lesser known (or less versatile) actors are cast because their personalities have a certain similarity to that of the character. There's a reason for type casting.

The writers of Raising Hope must have lived in or visited South Carolina, because the characters are not too far off from the folks one would encounter at the local Wal-Mart in these parts. In terms of wit and timing, this show is dead on. The characters may seem pathetic upon first view, but by the end of the episode one is witness to the depth of their humanity. This is the first of the new shows that is on my static viewing schedule.

Cloris Leachman has a surprising role for such a legacy actor, but that is what makes the show brilliant. Her appearances are like the exclamation point in a sentence...though her appearance is brief, it is what elevates the scene from a smile to a laugh out loud. Looking forward to the next episode.

I have to be completely honest...i didn't want to invest any more of my precious time watching another boring sitcom.. Was i surprised! The premise though a bit far fetched, ala the serial killer mother who is executed... and someone actually naming their child "Princess Beyonce" I was absolutely entertained. The writing is fun and imaginative, the characters are complex and real at the same time. I can bet we have all known one family in our neighborhood just like this. Dysfunctional and slightly psychotic and yet like a train wreck you cant look away. The actors are delightful and i find myself quoting lines the next day to my kids and husband. Oh god I'm dysfunctional and psychotic....oh well :-)

The funniest show I have ever seen. I am so sad there aren't new episodes. I no joke laugh at every episode and love every character. It's perfect. All of it. Feeling down? Watch this and you will be in a better place.

Please bring it back

The reason I didn't notice is that I was too busy laughing...out loud...A LOT! There is not a sour note or a bad performance in the all too short four season run of this gem. Garret Dillahunt, usually cast as the resident baddie, is fantastic as the patriarch of the Chance family, even managing to one up Brian Cranston from Malcolm In The Middle, and that's no easy feat! Watch it... YOU'LL LOVE IT!