The ep from 1/6 was okay. I like the Carl/Owen duo, and the whole idea of a secret executive bathroom was kinda funny.

I missed seeing more of Ramona, though; but how she, Carl, and Owen told Claude to "pick two" PSAs and be done with it is pretty much how I'd deal with a friend like Claude. Love her, but can only take the perky in small doses.

I've been forgetting that this show was on the same time as 24 and only caught the recent ones, can anyone tell me how Owen's working building too now? I saw the episode with him losing his key and hanging out in the office, but he works at the cafe (I think, with his apron) now?

ABC should move this show back with Life with Bonnie, the other sitcom I watch on the channel.

What happened to this show? It was pretty funny last year, but has gone downhill. Way too much Will Sasso and Patrick Warburton (who is usually decent on other sitcoms), IMO.

Original Topic.

Tonight's season finale was reeeally funny. One of the better episodes of the season. I'm glad it got renewed.

I didn't know last night's ep was the season finale. I tuned in for the last few minutes (got tied up with Colonial House). I thought the marriage proposal by proxy was cute, but every guy in the place kissing Claude was a bit overdone. But then again, I didn't see most of it, so maybe it was relevant. The kiss by Puddy (can't think of his name on LTP) and then by Will and Andy would have sufficed.

I really like this little show, and I'm glad it's coming back. I just wonder if Eric Roberts is gone for good. I had heard rumors that there was trouble behind the scenes and that he was difficult to work with on the show.

The show is better without Eric IMO. I also think Will Sasso is the best thing to ever happen to the show. The man cracks my shit up with a single facial expression.

I don't have a problem with the cast--I even like Eric Roberts (he's really improved since the pilot). It's an extremely funny and talented cast. And Sara Rue is absolutely adorable--and hot.

However, the writers don't seem to have an idea as to what tone they want to set and they write the characters so inconsistently (Ramona gets the biggest shaft, I fear, although the actress is hysterical). And Claude's romantic life is completely confusing.

Agreeance. The only things I like about this show are Claudes friends. Sherry Sheppard, Andy Dick, Will Sasso... they make it worthwhile. So funny. I liked Sara Rue on Popular, but I find her kind of annoying on this show at times. Too perky. No one else really adds much IMO, it seems as though I've seen every other character on other failed sitcoms like Veronicas Closet, Spin City or Suddenly Susan.

I enjoy this show when I have the chance to see it, but the time slot was awful. Next season Friday night after Hope & Faith seems a better time to me. If I'm home, I'll definitely catch it.

My two biggest complaints. Wacky Sidekick Best Friends are usually best in small doses because they're, well, sidekicks. But Ramona is funny and should have more on-air time and not just relegated to the basement with Andy Dick. And, by the way, more Will Sasso, please.



Claude reminds me of a 21st century Mary Tyler Moore with her perkiness and her (at times) quivery voice. I love The Mary Tyler Moore Show, but a little perky goes a long way.

FYI: Patrick Warburton's character is named Jeb. I'm just too in love with PW to have him continually referred to as "ex-Puddy". Hope this helps. Carry on.

Hey, I just found out that Sara Rue's indie film Gypsy 83 has started playing at some art houses in various places -- in fact, it's already come and gone in the LA area. I saw it two years ago at a film festival in DC, and I have to say that it's pretty good, despite a little bit of first-time director nervousness. As far as Sara goes, we learn that she is a) incredibly fearless, and b) a very talented singer. (And for those who think she's hot, part of her fearlessness is in getting down and dirty -- you'll enjoy).

There are some release dates on the official site, and my impression is that it will be popping up in more places as the summer goes on.

Could someone please tell me why or how Claude and Mitch broke up? I lost track of the show for a while and just came back to find him gone. I'm a big fan of William Ragsdale, so I was hoping Mitch would still be around. Anyone remember why he's not? Thanks.

What a total waste of Lucy Lawless. Though, in her first scene, if I hadn't know it was her, I don't think I would have recognized her at all.

Is this show still on? When does it come on?

Fridays at 9:30 p.m.

I didn't recognize her either! I saw her name in the credits, and I was like, wha? I didn't see anyone looking remotely like Xena! She sure looks different. (I didn't watch Tarzan, so this is my first non-Xena Lucy.)

I don't know why I'm still watching this dreck, I never found it laugh-out-loud funny. It sure seems like the weakest out of the four TGIF sitcoms. I guess it's because I've had a soft spot for Sara Rue ever since Popular was cancelled. And because I'd 100 times rather watch this than (ugh) Blue Collar TV.

I know, I'm still not sure why I'm watching it either. But I do think Sara is great to watch. I think this season of Hope and Faith is weaker than LTP so its not the worst!

Is Sarah Rue continuing to lose weight? She looks to be about a size 8 now. And I noticed that Ramona has dropped a ton since her stint on Friends (I'm Rhonda, and these aren't real!). If she were to have a breast reduction, she'd probably look thin.

I still much prefer Hope & Faith, although it has a tendency to be repetitive (same problem, different situation) - but that's just my personal opinion.

That said, the Halloween episode was plenty funny. Costumes are always funny. I loved that Ramona dressed up as Lt. Uhura, and that Owen made Prince jokes.

No Eric Roberts this week, or did I just miss him?

Will Sasso has lost some weight too.

Way back in season 1, I thought Claudia and Charlie were cute but a little boring (also, there was a weird continuity thing with their relationship). But now? They're totally hot. They both look so great.

Is the whole cast on a diet or what? Both, Sara Rue and Sherri Sheppard have lost a considerable amount of weight.

Will Sasso / Carl just bugs the shit out of me on this show.

Aw. I think this show is my favorite sitcom, so I definitely hope it's not cancelled anytime soon. I love the office setting and I find myself laughing at it more than any other sitcom.

It seems Will hasn't been in the show as much, though. Where'd he go?

I have a special place in my heart for traditional, well-executed sitcoms that fly under the radar for longer than you'd expect them to (Two Guys and a Girl, Wings, Others I Can't Think of Right Now). It's not groundbreaking but still very funny and the performances are all great - though Will Sasso can be a little grating. Less is more with him.

But the addition of Patrick Warburton (whose name I can never spell) was GENIUS. Some people just have the funny running through them, infusing almost every action and turn of phrase - he's one of them.

I also love Kipp. LOVE him. And everyone else, but especially Kipp.

I love this show. I just came back from a "Less Than Perfect" panel where the cast did a Q&A.

They are hilarious and it's one big love fest.

Although no one specifically asked if the show was going to be picked up, Zack Levy didn't seem too optimistic when talking about it.

Other things:

*Sara and Sherri have both lost a gang of weight (but Sherri is pregnant now).

*Eric Roberts spoke on how he thought he was awful the first season, but he asked Andy Dick and Zack Levy for advice and they showed him how to loosen up and get more into the character. Eric also suggested to the producers that they should've hired Patrick Warburton as his character and then a few weeks later, they hired Patrick as Jeb.

*For half of the first season, Zack was on the fence on if he wanted to continue on the show because he felt his character was too much of a jerk (and he is NOTHING like Kip). Andrea played a role in talking him out of quitting.

*Sara beat out Mayim Bialik (Blossom) and Hedy Burress (Boston Commons) for the role of Claude. Sara was sure Mayim would get it due to her relationship with the shows director, Ted Wass, but the better woman won.

Wow, I didn't even know Mayim Bialik was still working in Hollywood. But yeah, it's great that Sara won out in the end.

That would have been sad. Kip and Lydia were what originally got me interested in the show! I'm glad that Zack decided to stay and didn't quit. I really enjoy him.

It would've been a totally different show if Mayim had got the part. I don't buy her as a sweet small town gal, she seems big city jaded to me. I'm sure Ted Wass did her a favor and told her about the auditions because I haven't seen her do anything since "Blossom".

Kip is the greatest character. He was too afraid that fans, casting people wouldn't "get" Kip. That he would be seen as a jerk and then Zack would be pigeonholed, which I guess is a valid concern but I can't believe he nearly threw away this opportunity for such a great character just because he didn't want people to think of him as a bad guy.

Mayim Bialik recently guest starred on an episode of "7th Heaven". She did a pretty good job. She also did a few other roles, but took time off to go to college.

I have been a fan of Sara Rue's since she was on "Grand" back in the 80s. During that time she was just the stereotypical "fat" girl. She was one of the highlights of that entire series. I have always liked the fact that Sara has promoted herself as liking herself for who she is and not wanting to lose weight to fit a certain role. She looks amazing now and has always been beautiful, but I hope that she isn't losing the weight for anyone but her. If that is the case then I may lose some respect for her.

I am a little late but I wanted to add how much I love this show. I just discovered while searching for something to watch and settled on this. Very glad I did.
I have to say that Eric Stolz is looking pretty hot for his age.
Word to all the Kip love

I too find that I file this sitcom under the same "hated by critics and derided by a lot fans as well, but damn if it isn't a really enjoyable and underrated show" heading as past shows like The Naked Truth, Just Shoot Me and Two Guys and a Girl.
There is just something about a sitcom that follows traditional (ok cliched) characters and storylines, and you expect it to be lame but it wins you over due to likable characters played by great actors.
Sara Rue is so talented and likable. Eric Roberts, Patrick Warburton, Andy Dick and Will Sasso are talented veterans who can be counted on to bring the funny.
Kip and Ramona (and dammit if I don't hate myself for not remembering their names at this moment) are two great characters who keep the show moving.
But Andrea Parker as Lydia is the real revelation. I have always found her beautiful and her terrific turn as Ms. Parker on The Pretender cemented her as a strong villianous type. But I am astounded at how great a comedic actress she really is.
All in all this is a vastly underrated show which has become a personal favorite. Even if I doubt it will last much longer. I think that is just how it will go. Too bad. Urkel and Step by Step last a decade each, while this show will be lucky to last another season.

I notice Zac's been cast in the lead of a sitcom pilot called THREE that, if picked up, would air on CBS. Of course, this is contingent on LTP not getting renewed. If that happened, they'd have to recast. (But I guess Zac is covered either way).

So, sounds like sticking with the show wasn't such a bad idea after all. As Andrea probably told him, sometimes playing the antagonist can really pay off.

Angiebee, I'm a big Andrea Parker fan... other than talking Zac into sticking with the show, what else did Miss Parker have to say?

I really like this show. Glad it's back in January

whycantIspeak, I couldn't agree more about Parker. She's hilarious as Lydia; who knew? And apparently her formal training is in dance! Good lord.

I'm curious whether there's some hidden thirtysomethingconnection in the artistic staff, what with characters named Lydia Weston and Kip Stedman.

None that I can see; maybe series creator Terri Minsky was simply a fan?



I think anyone who watched The Pretender regularly shouldn't really be suprised. The creators of that show admitted part of why they hired Andrea Parker was because of her good comic timing (necessary since they'd regularly give the Miss Parker character the best sarcastic lines each episode.) And besides, Andrea did mostly sitcom appearances early in her career. And added to that, early resumes note Groundlings training.

And a ballerina to boot. Wow, definitely something of an all-rounder!

No, you're right, Rey Kjavik, it's not a surprise that she's good with a zinger. What I really found fresh and surprising (granted, I've not seen much of her work) is how wonderfully silly and abandoned Parker can be--as with the muffin in the last (or so) episode of the season.

It's funny, but a lot of Andrea's funniest LTP moments have involved food. I remember way back in the second episode of the first season that she got the biggest laugh of the night while eating from a carton of Ben & Jerry's. First she used a spoon, then, to get the last tiny bit, she stuck her tongue in the box and simply rotated the carton.

Maybe as a former ballerina, she understands how desperate Lydia must be for some good eats!

Actually, the more I think about this show, the more I wonder why it's not more popular. Terrific, likable cast, OK writing, and nicely unpredictable. I've enjoyed it every time I've watched!

The cast is GREAT and the best thing about the show. But this is what the show needs: more interesting stories (there are times the plots are so flimsy they're done midway thru the episode and the rest of the time we get to see the actors get all silly), better continuity (you never know whether poor Claude is supposed to be single or with someone), and avoid the cast's tendency to ham it up (they need to use Will Sasso more judiciously).

Also, they need to leave the Friday timeslot. The people who would like this show don't watch TV that night.

Well, it's anybody's guess what night it will end up on next season. ABC renewed it, but only for 13 episodes, most likely as a mid-season replacement.

IMO, the weak spot in the show has always been the writing. It seems like you can always count on at least one subplot being acutely lame.

Has anyone seen a picture of Sara recently? I barely recognized her. She looks pretty but now she doesn't stand out from everyone other actress in Hollywood out there.

This is an easy show to like--the cast is terrific with fine chemistry and there always a lot of fun one-liners. Even Andy Dick, somebody I usually detest, is used to fine advantage.

Part of its strength seems to be, oddly enough, in totally abandoning the original concept, which SEEMED at the time to be sort of like "Working Girl," in which she rises to the top and seems to be attracted to boss Eric Roberts. Roberts' role was severely reduced and the basic point about her being an outsider was trimmed down.

I agree with all the criticisms about the weak stories (and man, they were weak). Some subplots I swear lasted just one scene in order to give a cast member something to do. Continuity was paid no attention at all, sometimes either for comedic purposes (sometimes Will knows who Owen is, sometimes not), sometimes for no apparent reason (who is Claude's boyfriend?). However, in some perverse way, this added to the show's charm. I don't know if I would have liked it as much with more focused writing, if that makes any sense.

Are they really saying that is only a 30 pound weight loss between those pictures? I would have guessed much higher, at least 50.

Me too. And why did she have to tamper with her hair color?

When is this show coming back on?

According to this it looks like ABC doesn't know, either.

anyone know when this series will come out on dvd?

I can remember Sara Rue doing an interview with TVGuide when the show first came out and she said she was a size 10. Which is not possible. She was easily a 14 or a 16 when that show started. She has to have lost about 40-50 pounds and I'm betting she didn't do it by upping her cardio and lowering her carbs.