new show review: Aliens in America
October 2nd, 2007 by screenwriterguy
OK, so the basic angle the CW used to publicize it’s only new sitcom is that the show manages to be both funny and socially relevant.
It is neither.
The set-up is that Justin is a high school student so socially awkward that his mother decides to host a foreign exchange student, just to guarantee Justin will have a friend. But when the student arrives, it turns out he’s Pakistani. If you’re expecting more conflict than that, you will be disappointed. You see, Pakistanis are Muslim. And Muslims are terrorists. And Americans hate them. Who would have believed it? I bet some hilarity is going to ensue, big time!
I get that there are broad sections of America so ignorant and unclued to the world around them that a real-live Muslim person might frighten. I get that there is racism. I do. But this show makes and After-school Special look like a master exercise in subtlty. The reactions of first the host family and then the school to Raja’s presence is so over-the-top as to be beyond cartoon. Then again, so is the whole show. The depiction of high school borrows a couple of pieces of cliche edginess, but generally misses wide of the mark for an average or even stylized high school experience.
Meanwhile, you can clearly see the big, unfunny gaps where jokes are meant to be. The things that are in them are definitely not jokes. If they WERE actually funny, there would be too few of them. But since they aren’t, well, let’s be glad there are so few.
Best aspect: Use of the song “Pop Goes the World.” That’s about it. When Raja meets Justin’s precociously endowed sister, the show almost promises a culturally interesting moment, but it’s gone before it begins.
Worst aspect: The unbelievably ridiculous prejudice on the part of the mother character, who conspires to end the hosting relationship out of fear that her son might catch Muslimism off of their guest.
Verdict: Suddenly, I have higher hopes for Cavemen. Aliens is the worst show I’ve seen so far this year, and I want my half-hour back. Maybe it will play better to a younger audience, but those of us older than ten will be insulted. (Would you believe it turns out the young boys actually have a lot in common? They even both like soccer. Or should I say… football!)
Odds of success: CW needs something to pair with Everybody Hates Chris. I guess. But if there’s justice on Allah’s green earth, this show will die quickly.
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