The only thing good about high school? It's over in four years.
Not for Becky Freeley, who outgrows her gawky adolescence and returns to her alma mater as a guidance counselor in ABC's surprisingly sharp-witted new sitcom "Miss Guided."
Although "Miss" often plays like a serialized chick flick, its irreverent asides and gratuitous flashbacks (complete with early ‘90s fashion) provide more charmingly quirky moments than any other new comedy we’ve seen this season. To paraphrase those wise robots from "Transformers," there's much more to the show than meets the eye.
Who’s that?: Judy Greer stars as Becky, and though Greer has a handsome film resume, TV lovers probably know her best as the vainer-than-thou Kitty Sanchez on “Arrested Development.” Becky spends her days dealing with the narcissism of her former high school nemesis Lisa Germain (Brook Burke from “Baywatch”) and swooning over Tim O'Malley, the dippy but sincere Spanish teacher (“North Shore” vet Kristoffer Polaha). Earl Billings makes a turn as Principal Huffy, while funnyman Chris Parnell (‘SNL”) costars as the hilariously creepy Vice Principal Bruce.
The buzz: Jamie Lynn Spears makes her first appearance with bun firmly in oven during an early episode of “Miss Guided,” stretching her acting skills (and maternity pants) to play a loose student who gets led astray by another guest star -- who just happens to be executive producer Ashton Kutcher. A Spears baby bump
and Mr. Demi Moore? Count us in!
The “ooh” factor: TV has long needed a Judy Greer vehicle. Her comedic stylings rival many an Emmy winner, and anyone else would probably play Becky as more annoying than endearing. The rest of the cast gels nicely, but without Judy, there wouldn’t be much here.
The “eh” factor: “Miss Guided” has suffered from a few behind the scenes bummers. “Veronica Mars” scribe Rob Thomas was originally tapped to run the show but left citing “creative differences.” If that lack of confidence doesn’t cast doubts, the late winter debut will.
The verdict: Of all the classroom comedies to make a go of it in the last few years, “Miss Guided” is the first with a truly unique sense of humor. And with Judy Greer deftly dominating almost every scene, it’s also the first that really deserves to go to the head of the class.
Catch a sneak peek of "Miss Guided" this Tuesday, March 18 at 10:30 p.m./9:30c on ABC.
