3.18.2009

‘Party’ of the Year

Admittedly Starz isn’t the most well known cable network on the dial, but they’re slowly hoping to change that. If AMC can find themselves on the scripted TV map thanks to quality offerings like “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad,” why not Starz? In the fall, they launched the drama “Crash,” starring Dennis Hopper, based on the Oscar-winning film. But the series stalled out after being critically derided. Their new comedy, however, “Party Down,” created by Rob Thomas (“Veronica Mars”) and Paul Rudd (“I Love You, Man”), may just turn their luck around. The show follows a group of six caterer-waiters, most of whom are aspiring actors, as they cater a series of events, one per week, for a company called Party Down. And if the show’s first three episodes are any indication, “Party Down” is a winner. It’s well-paced, well-cast and funny, and a sort of distant cousin to “Entourage,” only set in the unglamorous underbelly of the entertainment biz. The part more familiar to most of Hollywood’s aspiring actors.

The first two episodes of “Party Down” are directed by Fred Savage, who clearly did more than just look cute on the set of “The Wonder Years.” Having spent the last decade directing, he’s emerged as the go-to guy for biting comedy, particularly after his excellent work on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

In addition to the always hilarious Jane Lynch, the always terrific Lizzy Caplan and “Freaks and Geeks” alum Martin Starr (who you’d hardly recognize here), each episode also features a guest star or two, including Marilu Henner, Enrico Colantoni and Kristen Bell, who’s rumored to appear in the season finale. Here’s the rundown on the cast of characters:

Henry (Adam Scott) is the new guy, though he worked for Party Down previously, before landing his famous commercials, which prompts nearly everyone he meets to say, “Don’t I know you?”

Ron (Ken Marino) is the dopey boss who dreams of opening a franchised soup and salad restaurant – thus his need to polish his management skills. He’s a slightly less depressing version of Michael Scott from “The Office.”

Casey (Lizzy Caplan) is an aspiring comic, who also happens to be married, though that’s not going so well, particularly after she meets Henry, a fellow cynic with an equally wry sense of humor.

Constance (Jane Lynch) is the old-timer. She has a million stories, mostly from the endless small roles she’s played during her decades in the business. She is also quick to offer up advice whether you want it or not.

Kyle (Ryan Hansen) is the dopey pretty boy. Think Owen Wilson with a lobotomy. He likes to pick up chicks at the parties they cater.

Roman (Martin Starr) is an aspiring sci-fi writer who’s thinks everyone except him is stupid.

You can watch the first episode here:

“Party Down” premieres Friday, March 20th at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

RELATED: Series Review: ‘NOFX: Backstage Passport’ | Top 10 Unscripted TV Series of 2008

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