Out of Practice

In Keenan and Lloyd’s world of dizzy, barb-tossing sophisticates, this group is confident and well-armed: Channing’s patented ladies-who-lunch tartness, Winkler’s nervous defensiveness, Burrell’s blasé arrogance, Marshall’s droll delivery and Gorham’s frustrated sensitivity all mix like a well-shaken cocktail, even if it’s the kind that gets tossed in somebody’s face.

"Out of Practice" is that increasingly rare old-fashioned sitcom that delivers decent laughs.

Its supporting players steal the spotlight from the central character.

Practice is the kind of show that will probably appeal to those who like their comedy theatrical.

"Practice" has the kind of easy flow that comes from veteran sitcom experts.

With its superb cast, impeccable direction and mostly sharp writing, "Out of Practice" demonstrates simultaneously how polished and professional a sitcom can be and why TV comedy, with a few notable exceptions, is in such a funk.

Tonight's episode employs the same he's-talking-about-one-thing, she's-talking-about-another, and neither-one-knows-it farcical convention that was frequently featured in Frasier, and goes back at least to Moliere. These pros bring it off with panache.

Pleasant to watch.

[It] already feels like it's been on air for three seasons... in a good way.

At least Henry Winkler didn't ditch Arrested Development for a show that totally blows. [7 Oct 2005, p.64]

Boasts the strongest cast of any new sitcom.

If someone turns down the volume, ''Out of Practice" has the potential to become a likable, if conventional, sitcom.

Although there is nothing compelling... ["Out Of Practice" is a] professional job and not hard to watch.

These pros deserve better than bad jokes and swinging doors.

It isn't as funny as it should be.

Had Keenan and Lloyd devoted more time to providing their characters with depth and less to flinging insults, viewers might have developed empathy for them and better understood why they feel such aggression toward one another.

Has a few funny lines.

In the first few episodes, nothing's happening. No pulse. Doctor, what's wrong? [24 Oct 2005, p.41]

"Out of Practice" relies on trite misunderstandings and crude dialogue, both go-to gags for uninspired sitcom scribes.

"Out of Practice" lives in a comedy vacuum: All its laughs are trapped inside and can't get out.

Shockingly unfunny.

A purported sitcom, it draws no laughs... but does manage the impressive achievement of making Stockard Channing and Henry Winkler, playing Gorham's parents, thoroughly unlikable.