Those Boys of Mine

My Boys TBS Thursdays @ 9:30

Thanks to my DVR, I've been able to enjoy My Boys on TBS. For some reason, cable series don't register in my head as being aired on regular days/times. I think it's a self-preservation thing since the 'seasons' are not in line with the major networks and there seems to be a "let's see how it does here...no here...no here!" programming mentality on cable. Not to mention the basic cable standard of replaying the prime time lineup again after midnight (an insomniac staple).

My Boys is a cable series I hate to miss, but love to at the same time. I like to store episodes for a few weeks and then gorge on them. It's one of those shows that speeds up time - like early-era ER or Sex and the City. The quick witted banter, the running jokes (throughout an episode - so you still get it if you miss one), and easy humor makes the 22 minutes go by in a flash.

The writing is extremely clever, and flawlessly natural. The genius lies in writing to the ensemble. Lines don't necessarily stand alone - but the exchanges between characters flows perfectly. Characters stay true to their quirks, the women are strong (without being overbearing bitches) and hold their own without wielding their knockers as weapons. As a girl who is "one of the guys" I appreciate the way they don't make too much out of PJ's issues as "girl things."

My Boys also benefits from great casting. The gal in the group is played by Jordana Spiro who pulls off Tom Boy perfectly (if you saw her in Must Love Dogs - you know ditzy blond ain't her strong suit) and is at home among the wise-assery of the likes of Jim Gaffigan, Jamie Kaler, and Michael Bunin (why does he look familiar? tons of TV bit parts and commercial - yay exposure). The writers are really featuring Gaffigan this year - his comedic style fits in very well with the tone of the show (if you haven't seen his stand up watch this immediately)

Check out full episodes online, or set your season pass to record it. My Boys gets a Media Binge rating of 'Gorge Yourself'.