‘Take Two’: New Comedy Sure to Make ‘Castle’ Fans Cheer!

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The roll out of new summer TV is here. Splashy procedural and imaginative fantasy seem the two mediums this year as networks vie for the attention of viewers. ABC’s latest falls into the former’s category as it chases giving its characters a chance to “take two” in this new show.

Take Two (2018) Pilot Review

Fresh out of rehab, former TV actress Samantha “Sam” Swift (Rachel Bilson) has a lot of re-imaging to do. After public humiliation of the worst sort, Sam needs a new role – fast! This is what she tells her manager, Sydney, who remains an advocate for Sam. The one offer she does have is a film in which she would play a private eye. As this is a job Sam needs to work and be a success, she asks Sydney to put her in touch with her ex; an ex who just so happens to be a private detective.

Covering scars from his past, Eddie (Eddie Cibrian) is a firm NO when it comes to Sydney’s favor. What he doesn’t know is that Sam doesn’t give up this easily. Instead she inserts herself into Eddie’s latest case which involves a father looking for his missing daughter… and a notorious crime boss!

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From the producers of ABC’s hit, Castle, this new comedy series is darn entertaining, but not great. Inevitably comparisons to the former show will be made, and whereas it had that “sparkle,” this one doesn’t. Yet. I feel like this sentence is going to be counter intuitive because the rest of my words will likely suggest otherwise. With this said, before we move on, let me explain. Because this is hyped as being from the minds of Castle’s creators (which is, easily, one of my most favorite shows ever), I think going in, lofty expectations were in my mind. The pilot is fun, but cannot keep up with the wit that is Castle. That said, the similarities to the former ABC show do tally up.

From the start, it’s easy to see the similar nature the two shows share. First, it pairs together two very different people who annoy each other. Then, there’s the crime-solving angle. Finally, there’s the whole character-shadowing-another-character for the purpose of “research.” This is why the pilot might evoke all the nostalgic Castle “feels” we still cling to. For this reason alone, this series works because it evokes the same feelings in the fans of ABC’s aforementioned but now-cancelled procedural.

With its snappy wit (mainly thanks to Rachel Bilson), the pilot certainly does entertain. It’s imperfect, but also loads of fun. The character group is small, but one I’ve a feeling will grow should the show be given a chance to shine. This is something I’m more than happy to see evolve, and in fact, is something I hope does. When it comes to TV shows, I’ve always been of the opinion they deserve a 3-5 episode attention span before passing judgment. Given that the pilot episode is often shot months before the episodes air, this is logical. The kinks work out, plus the writer’s learn what network execs want.

If you enjoy crime dramas with a comedic slant, that I suspect will also transition into romantic sparks, Take Two is perfect. It’s the kind of show you can sit down to enjoy and let the busyness of the day melt away. That, to me, is the best kind of entertainment.

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Content: there is some minor innuendo, and minor profanity. Plus, there are a few “tense” moments that involve shoot-outs; TVPG or TV14 is the rating.

Have you seen Take Two? Did you like its story? Will you tune in again? Let me know your thoughts down below!

Photos: ABC