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.