Contrary to the widely-held perception that Lisa Kudrow's character of Valerie Cherish is a total loser for whom nothing ever goes well, I've found that every time something humiliating happens to her it is mitigated by something positive. The audience is often set-up to expect her to be completely ridiculed and thwarted at every turn, but just when this appears to be happening she is saved from being truly crushed. Waiting to be introduced at the up-fronts, putting in a call for Tom Selleck to guest-star on the sitcom, and of course the spectacular season finale all prove that things can always get better. Valerie ISN'T surrounded by people who hate her. For every Paulie G there's a Tom Peterman, for the hateful stepdaughter there's the often exasperated but still loyal husband, and for the cocky cast-mates there's the sweet Juna. I found myself really rooting for Valerie Cherish, who makes up for her lack of true talent by being a "trooper"; always ready to do her best albeit for her own advancement. Yes there are uncomfortable moments but that's part of the show's premise. It's odd that people are not made uncomfortable by rampant violence on HBO shows like "Rome" and the beloved "Sopranos" find an aging sitcom star being made to wait by the valet parking attendant so off-putting.