Mike & Molly: The Complete First Season Blu-ray Review
A sitcom that needs to push away from the dinner table
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf, November 18, 2011
"Mike & Molly" offers nothing new to the television sitcom realm, only catching outside attention due to its premise of two admitted overeaters finding each other in a time of need. It's the "super-sized show," presenting the producers with an opportunity to build the program into something disarmingly affectionate and playful, making the series more than just a crude vessel for obesity jokes. Instead, the characters' battle with the bulge is often the sole focal point of the plot, rarely stepping beyond waistline-based punchlines to give viewers a significant creative experience, maybe even human on occasion. It's a dire habit of humiliation that's consistently gratuitous, especially forced upon a cast capable of so much more than a simplistic display of dreadful one-liners, coaxed by a relentless, soul-sucking laugh track. In fact, without the talents of Melissa McCarthy and Billy Gardell, "Mike & Molly" would be completely unwatchable.
The premise is simple: Mike (Billy Gardell) and Molly (Melissa McCarthy) are two Chicago natives struggling with their size, discovering interest in each other during weekly Overeaters Anonymous meetings. Their love story is spread out over 24 weeks, capturing the screw-ups, serenity, and comic scope of this new romance, with friends, family, and co-workers weighing in with their own opinions on the quirky couple. It's a simple concept handed a slight twist in the eating department, with both leads openly hampered by body issues, strengthening their bond beyond simple googly-eyed attraction. These two have a secret language, with shared fears and taxing domestic situations.
Thankfully, creator Mark Roberts doesn't build the entire show around obesity issues. However, he refuses to set aside the reality for longer than five minutes. If there's one constant about "Mike & Molly," it's the presence of food and weight jokes. The characters are continuously referring to their plus-sizes and finger-cracking love of food, always making sure the viewer is aware of these concerns, even when the point is perfectly solidified two minutes into the pilot episode. Making the pair salt-of-the-earth Midwesterners with working-class jobs (he's a cop, she's a teacher) only reinforces the repellent tone of the writing. Heaven forbid two overweight people live on the coast, carry fashionable jobs, and abstain from food references for more than five minutes. "Mike & Molly" should be about two generous souls finding love in a grueling world. Instead, it's a constant parade of cheap jokes, extending beyond the scale to flirt with racism and potty humor, not to mention repetitious sex and drug jokes. I'm actually younger than the target demo for this show and I was uncomfortable with all the PG-13 one-liners. Not that the program was ever intended for kids, but the scripted crudeness steps all over the kindness I like to believe Roberts imagined when he began brewing story elements together.
It's amazing to watch McCarthy and Gardell rescue the series from disaster. The two leads have a natural feel for timing and share plausible chemistry, doing a spectacular job disguising their disappointment, playing even the most humiliating of moments with a charming lift. A professional comedian, Gardell hits his lines with crisp timing and effective vocal launch, loosening up as the series unfolds, growing comfortable in his own skin. McCarthy, who recently won an Emmy for her work here, is just the miracle the program needs, able to manipulate the rancid writing and turn Molly into a caring individual with a no-nonsense edge, befitting her vocation. After watching the actress kill as Sookie on "Gilmore Girls" for seven seasons, it's a treat to see McCarthy take command of her own show, offering her ace comedic skill to a program in dire need of any sign of life. The series arc finds the couple struggling with the game of love, flopped through one clichéd scenario after another. McCarthy and Gardell are able to approach with a sincere sense of intimate interaction, fighting the lethal elements to lend "Mike & Molly" tenderness it doesn't deserve.
The laugh track here is the Devil. Worse than any fat joke or pronounced reaction from a supporting player (Katy Mixon, I'm looking your way), the laugh track for "Mike & Molly" is a shrill, insidious creation that automatically decimates whatever scrap of comedic momentum this show is able to find. Every look, breath, or thought is accompanied by a booming explosion of titters, an artificial safety net that's thoroughly abused. For a show that's already lacking in soulful qualities, the canned laughter only adds to the discomfort, relentlessly pounding the viewer with reaction instruction, even for the hoariest of situations.
EPISODES:
Disc One
"Pilot" (20:43, Airdate – 9/20/10)
Police Officer Mike Biggs (Billy Gardell) meets Molly Flynn (Melissa McCarthy) at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting. Sparks fly, yet Mike can't bring himself to ask Molly out on a date, requiring the encouragement of partner Carl McMillan (Reno Wilson), while Molly has to deal with her overbearing mother Joyce (Swoosie Kurtz) and pothead sister Victoria (Katy Mixon).
"First Date" (20:03, Airdate – 9/27/10)
On the eve of her first date with Mike, Molly comes down with a cold, with Joyce pushing suspect cough syrup on her daughter, loaded with codeine. Hopped up on the red stuff, Molly goes a little crazy, embarrassing herself in front of a guy she truly likes.
"First Kiss" (20:00, Airdate – 10/4/10)
Fearing he's not cultured enough for Molly, Mike turns cold to his new love, an unexpected bowling prodigy, working out the kinks in their relationship as they speed toward their first kiss.
"Mike's Not Ready" (21:25, Airdate – 10/11/10)
While Molly gives him the go-ahead to take their romance into the bedroom, Mike shows reluctance with the eventual nudity, refusing the invitation. Molly, disturbed and confused, considers ending the relationship. Mike drowns his sorrows with Carl and diner server (and habitual smart aleck) Samuel (Nyambi Nyambi).
"Carl is Jealous" (20:08, Airdate – 10/18/10)
Carl, fearing he's losing the consistency of his partnership with Mike due to his concentration on Molly, struggles to find his place as the third wheel. Mike, feeling guilty, looks to pair up Carl with Victoria to help ease the transition.
"Mike's Apartment" (21:31, Airdate – 10/25/10)
Looking to avoid judgment from Victoria and Joyce, Mike proposes a night of lovemaking with Molly at his apartment, which hasn't enjoyed a female presence in years. Complicating the evening is a faux medical emergency from Peggy (Rondi Reed), Mike's mother, who's suspicious of Molly's interest in her son.
"After the Lovin'" (20:06, Airdate – 11/1/10)
After a weekend of sex, Mike searches for a way to express his feelings for Molly, resorting to corny gifts to impress her. Molly, wary of her profound feelings for her boyfriend, creates a distance that befuddles Mike, who's eager to impress his ladylove.
"Mike Snores" (20:09 Airdate – 11/8/10)
As their intimacy grows, Molly becomes frustrated with Mike's apartment and its bachelor trappings, hoping to convince him that a few nights at her place won't be the invasive nightmare he imagines.
"Mike's New Boots" (20:47, Airdate 11/15/10)
Accepting flirtations from another woman at his OA meeting, Mike feels the brunt of Molly's jealousies. Bothered by his inconsiderate behavior, Molly wonders if Mike truly loves her.
"Molly Gets a Hat" (20:53, Airdate – 11/22/10)
Looking to win Peggy's favor, Molly invites Mike's abrasive mother to Thanksgiving dinner, commencing a long day of food preparation and social anxiety, a tension exacerbated by mishaps both in and out of the kitchen.
"Carl Gets a Girl" (21:02, Airdate – 12/6/10)
Horrified to learn Carl has a key to Mike's apartment to use for romantic encounters, Molly puts a hold on her sex life. Mike, desperate to reclaim their sweet lovin', begins to shun his guy friends and cozy up to Molly's family, blurring his gender identity.
"First Christmas" (20:30, Airdate – 12/13/10)
Spending their first holiday together, Molly works overtime to lay gift hints for Mike, who doesn't have a clue. On Christmas Eve, Molly frantically searches for the perfect present, while Mike learns to express his true feelings for his girlfriend.
Disc Two
"Mike Goes to the Opera" (18:53, Airdate – 01/03/11)
On the day of his big cultural experience with Molly, Mike comes down with a terrible flu, forcing him into bed, requesting Peggy's mothering skills. Molly, obviously rankled, attempts to take control of the situation.
"Molly Makes Soup" (20:47, Airdate 01/17/11)
When sleazebag Vince (Louis Mustillo) offers Mike primo tickets to a Chicago Bulls basketball game, the excited cop happily accepts the invitation, ruining date night with his girlfriend. Irritated, Molly begins a passive-aggressive treatment that befuddles Mike, who still attends the game.
"Jim Won't Eat" (21:07, Airdate – 2/7/11)
When Peggy is faced with medical issues, Mike finds himself looking to the long term with Molly, which freaks her out. Babysitting Jim the dog while Peggy visits the hospital, Molly grows frustrated with the picky animal, who won't eat without his owner.
"First Valentine's Day" (21:37, Airdate – 2/14/11)
To celebrate the romantic holiday, Mike orders a cake from Molly's favorite bakery. When the owner is revealed to be Molly's former fiancé, Mike goes crazy, threatening to ruin a day that prizes unconditional love.
"Joyce & Vince & Peaches & Herb" (19:08, Airdate – 2/21/11)
Fearing relationship stagnancy, Molly urges Mike to engage in some impromptu fun. When Mike blows off the request, Molly turns to Victoria, who is more than willing to get high and hit the town.
"Mike's Feet" (20:51, Airdate – 2/28/11)
When a blizzard brings Chicago to a halt, Carl and Mike feel the sting of their partnership and isolation, spending most of the evening bickering. When Molly plans a romantic evening at a hotel, all Mike can think about is Carl, compelling her to bring the friends back together.
"Peggy Shaves Her Legs" (21:14, Airdate – 3/21/11)
When Molly receives an invitation for a lunch date with Peggy, she's immediately suspicious. Instead of social horrors, Molly learns that Mike's mother is being courted by a man at her church and she needs a few dating tips.
"Opening Day" (19:59, Airdate – 4/1/11)
As the Cubs kickoff their season, Mike and Carl prepare for the cherished tradition of Opening Day. When Molly expresses interest in the game, Mike tries to figure out a way to include his girlfriend without irritating Carl, who spent a night out in the cold to acquire the tickets.
"Samuel Gets Fired" (20:12, Airdate – 4/18/11)
After his request for a raise is forcibly declined, Samuel finds himself out of a job and apartment. Moving in with Mike, Samuel gradually takes over the living space, creating a great deal of tension between Mike and Molly, who discuss cohabitation for the very first time.
"Cigar Talk" (20:21, Airdate – 5/2/11)
After some man time with cigars, Vince admits to Mike that he never graduated high school, asking the shocked cop to help him acquire his GED.
"Victoria's Birthday" (20:38, Airdate – 5/9/11)
As she faces her 30th birthday, Victoria is distraught, holing up inside her bedroom to sulk and worry about the future. As the rest of the gang gathers to watch "The Godfather," Mike and Molly take turns trying to talk the pothead off the ledge, hoping to instill a little happiness with sweets and supportive chats.
"Peggy's New Beau" (21:09, Airdate – 5/16/11)
After meeting Peggy's reserved boyfriend, Mike is confronted with commitment issues when talk of marriage arises. Molly, fearing she's pressuring Mike, overplays an easy attitude, freaking everyone out.
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