With several new series set to premiere this Winter, I'm resurrecting my occasional pilot watch feature to share my first impressions of the upcoming shows. Up today: Lipstick Jungle, the second of this season's shows focusing on friendships between powerful New York women, which premieres Feb. 7.
What's it about? Three powerful New York executives trying to balance their careers, families, and friendships.
Who's in it? Brooke Shields, Kim Raver, Lindsay Price
The good: While Darren Star and Patricia Field went to Cashmere Mafia, Candace Bushnell stayed with this one, which is based on her book. And, in a way, Cashmere might be the best thing that ever happened to this show, because I found myself comparing Lipstick to Cashmere rather than to the gold standard of such shows, Sex and the City. Maybe it's because there was already a book to draw from, but the plot lines in the pilot seems less hurried than Cashmere's, and the characters seem a bit more fully formed. It's good to see Shields again, and Raver holds her own with a story line that could quickly become ridiculous.
The bad: The show doesn't seem fully committed to being a drama or a comedy. I was actually a bit taken aback by its seriousness; it made the few lighter moments feel awkward. The pilot has its share of broad, character-defining moments that seem improbable if not just silly (though to be fair, that's a problem with a lot of pilots). And the pilot has more misses than hits when it comes to hitting those "I would totally say that!" moments that SaTC did so well; for example, I can't believe that a woman being hit on by a young, hot guy would interrupt him to say "Do you know how old I am?"
Will I watch? I'll stick with it. A few of the ongoing plot lines seem intriguing, and I'm surprised at how much I like Brooke Shields in this role. Overall, based on the first two episodes of each show, I'd give Lipstick a slight edge over Cashmere, though both could still use a lot of work.
To check out a preview and a gallery of photos, just read more.
Photos courtesy of NBC
ever since i heard that the book was going to be made into a show - i was excited. i can't wait to see it and i'm doing the same thing - comparing it to Cashmere. i dont know yet if i like that show - but i'm really hoping that i'll love liptstick jungle. i can't wait - 3 more weeks and i'll see it!