(Credit: Art Streiber/Showtime)
Who's that?: Tracey Ullman came onto the American prime-time TV scene in the late ’80s with "The Tracey Ullman Show," which, aside from being a classic sketch comedy, also showcased a little show called "The Simpsons" (ever heard of it?). Now, with more weighty subject matter, the mistress of disguise writes, executive-produces and stars in "State of the Union," collaborating with director Troy Miller ("Flight of the Conchords," "Mr. Show," "Tenacious D") and producer Allan McKeown.
Buzzed about: Many of the recurring characters Ullman portrays are based on real people, including Dina Lohan (Lindsay's “momager”), Arianna Huffington and David Beckham.
The “ooh” factor: Ullman confirms her virtuosity (if we ever doubted it) as she shape-shifts from character to character, slipping in and out of accents and personas with a skill rivaled only by 2007-era Britney Spears. Among the highlights are her Bollywood sequences as Padma Perkish, and Chanel Monticello, an airport security agent who x-rays the uninsured.
The “eh” factor: The structure of the show is unnecessarily rigid, and some of the recurring jokes that are hilarious at first become redundant after a few episodes. There’s also a strange omniscient male narrator that gives the show a bizarre moral authority, and calls even more attention to how polished and planned everything is.
The verdict: Ullman’s talents are irresistible. But with "SNL," "MADtv" and half the Comedy Central lineup, can American TV handle another sketch comedy show?
"Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union” premieres Sunday, March 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime.
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