New Girl (2011–2018)

Let me start this review off first by saying that I am a huge fan of Zooey Deschanel. Honestly, I'm a fan of the whole Deschanel clan including Emily Deschanel in "Bones" and even the mom, Mary Jo Deschanel in "Twin Peaks" from the early 90s.

The first episode started off pretty great. The concept of the show while not original in itself (one girl and several guy friends - "My Boys," "Two Guys, A Girl, and a Pizza Place" etc.) still manages to show a unique perspective. This girl with her many guy friends, while a typically weird Zooey Deschanel character (she got a show because we love this about her) is oddly quite feminine as are the guys that surround her. The initial scenario of the break-up while in the midst of a surprise seduction was hilarious and fresh at least for television.

There was a change-up with the cast where the token black roommate ("Coach") was replaced with another token black roommate ("Winston"). This was done early enough that it didn't phase me all that much when it happened.

The pilot being a great beginning, what I've noticed with the latest episodes is that Zooey Deschanel ("Jess") doesn't seem to have any character depth. There's no explanation or deeper understanding of why she does what she does or is the way she is. I'm not even sure she has a job. All of her relationships with the current boys, her friend or her ex seem to be superficial and mere affectations of her quirky persona rather than in anyway real or relatable.

The character of "Nick" seems to be sucking all of the character depth. He's obsessed with his ex (ok we've all sort of been there though not to his level) and his behavior is understandable, and relatable. This also gives him a back-story and explanation for his actions. I actually am starting to like him more than "Jess" at the moment.

I'm putting five out of ten down because I expected more from this show. I'm also putting five out of ten down because I am desperately hoping that when the show comes back in November that it will add more depth to Jess and the other guys. What does she do for a living? Was her mom an agoraphobic shut-in? Was her dad a narcissistic workaholic that wouldn't pay attention unless she sang? How did she meet her model friend? Why did her ex cheat on her? Was it because he couldn't take any more of her quirks? Has this happened to her before?

This show has amazing potential. I think to be successful to Zooey fans, its got to give us more. Here's hoping!