1.13.2011

Off the Map, On Your Schedule?



Off the Map comes from the mind of Shonda Rimes, the creator of Grey's Anatomy, which, like Off the Map, was a midseason replacement.  So does Off the Map look like it'll succeed like it's older sibling Grey's, or will it be slashed and burned?

I can't help but think this is Grey's Anatomy in the jungle.  Yes, the characters are flawed, and yes, they have things in their emotion pasts that haunt them (Meredith Grey or Alex Karev anyone).  Many characters already have sexual tension a-brewin'.  But when you boil this show down to its roots, it's just a bunch of doctors with pasts they are trying to escape--same characters, different setting.

If you're a fan of Grey's Anatomy, I think this show is up your alley.  It may take some time for the show to hit it's creative stride, probably longer than it did for Grey's Anatomy, but Shonda Rimes has the magic touch, so trust in the Rimes.

Oh yes, and don't forget the eye candy.  Martin Henderson plays the McDreamy-type character, made even dreamier by his Kiwi accent.  Then there's Zack Gilford (Friday Night Lights), who plays against type as a egotistical horn-dog.  Of course, there's also Jason George (yes, he was on Grey's Anatomy), McDreamy 2.0's right-hand man.

And now something for the men: Caroline Dhavernas (Wonderfalls) and Mamie Gummer (The Good Wife, Evening).  Dhavernas was fabulous as Jaye Tyler in Wonderfalls, a comedy where her character spoke to tchotchkes and did their bidding to ensure certain events occurred (a must see).  But a turn on a light drama?  We'll see.  Her strength is clearly in comedy, but she could definitely benefit from this high-profile dramatic gig.  As for Mamie Gummer, she's Hollywood royalty, daughter of the fabulously talented Meryl Streep.  Gummer does a great job bringing the Cristina Yang character to the jungle, and it's likely that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree there.

Remember the two episode rule, so tune in next Wednesday at 10/9c on ABC.  We'll see if the doctors make it in the TV jungle.

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