This latest version of Neil Simon's classic isn't ALL bad. Matthew Perry is OK portraying Oscar as kind of a Chandler/Oscar hybrid (there's some Chandler in pretty much everything he does, alas), and Thomas Lennon does a credible Felix, playing everyone's favorite neat freak pretty close to Tony Randall's rendition. That's one problem..he's TOO close to Randall (including the bad sinuses). Reboots are most interesting when they do something DIFFERENT with the characters. Otherwise, you get what you get here: an idea that's been done before and done better. There are a couple of new angles, but it's pretty much the same premise. Oscar's a slob living by himself after getting kicked out by his wife, his college friend Felix shows up at his door after his wife throws him out, the two are polar opposites, etc. etc. Instead of being a sportswriter, Oscar is a sports/talk host, which actually makes sense. We also get introduced to Oscar's co workers, friends and neighbors, which is also a bit awkward..there were too many characters introduced too soon. The writing is so-so..a few jokes hit the mark, but most fall flat. When you put it all together, everything just seems forced..like everyone involved is trying too hard. If things don't measurably improve, don't expect this show to last more than half a season.
