I'm reviewing this after two episodes only - There's a relationship in trouble in "Plan B." To make a long story short, Patrick J. Adams as Philip takes Karine Vanasse as Evelyn for granted in a big way and has done it one too many times. How self-absorbed is he? Let's just say if Adams' Mike took Meghan Markle's Rachel for granted this much on "Suits," Rachel would've slapped him silly. Anyway, Evelyn has enough and leaves Philip. Philip stumbles across a company called "Plan B" that gives do-overs and Phil goes that way.
What ensues is a "Groundhog Day"-style plot as Phil gets a second chance to do better. The challenge with this style of plot is that it's repetitive, literally. What makes it interesting as a viewer is having the fore knowledge of what already happened and seeing the consequence of something changing. And even a small change can create a big consequence. There needs to be substantial alteration from the original outcome or else the continued repetition will make the plot dull.
"Plan B" is having difficulty so far keeping the dullness out of its main plot. I think the problem lies in the plot itself, which involves this couple at odds and they argue a lot. Many of the changes that occur with the do-over still bring on arguments between Evelyn and Philip. For example, they argue first about a dinner party. After Philip gets his do-over, they argue instead about the price of a cello. Same argument, different theme. Rinse and repeat.
I did give the show a 7 rating though, and that's for a few reasons. Thankfully, there are sub-plots that are far more successful within this "Groundhog Day" structure. The most interesting one involves Evelyn's brother, Patrick, played by François Arnaud. Philip and Patrick are partners in a boutique law firm and they're trying to land a whale of a client. Evelyn is working as their paralegal and as, apparently, the only person of the three who can get coffee and answer the phone. Patrick's taking one for the team - so to speak -- to satisfy this perspective client's needs. The things Philip does in his do-over has great influence over Patrick's life and their law firm in general and I found all of that very entertaining. The other thing I loved was how you book your do-over with "Plan B." That alone was worth the 7 rating.
Even though the show has the weakness I mentioned, it's only been two episodes. I'm relatively confident that it's growing pains and the relationship between the main couple will get more interesting. The opportunity is definitely there, due to a very capable cast.
What ensues is a "Groundhog Day"-style plot as Phil gets a second chance to do better. The challenge with this style of plot is that it's repetitive, literally. What makes it interesting as a viewer is having the fore knowledge of what already happened and seeing the consequence of something changing. And even a small change can create a big consequence. There needs to be substantial alteration from the original outcome or else the continued repetition will make the plot dull.
"Plan B" is having difficulty so far keeping the dullness out of its main plot. I think the problem lies in the plot itself, which involves this couple at odds and they argue a lot. Many of the changes that occur with the do-over still bring on arguments between Evelyn and Philip. For example, they argue first about a dinner party. After Philip gets his do-over, they argue instead about the price of a cello. Same argument, different theme. Rinse and repeat.
I did give the show a 7 rating though, and that's for a few reasons. Thankfully, there are sub-plots that are far more successful within this "Groundhog Day" structure. The most interesting one involves Evelyn's brother, Patrick, played by François Arnaud. Philip and Patrick are partners in a boutique law firm and they're trying to land a whale of a client. Evelyn is working as their paralegal and as, apparently, the only person of the three who can get coffee and answer the phone. Patrick's taking one for the team - so to speak -- to satisfy this perspective client's needs. The things Philip does in his do-over has great influence over Patrick's life and their law firm in general and I found all of that very entertaining. The other thing I loved was how you book your do-over with "Plan B." That alone was worth the 7 rating.
Even though the show has the weakness I mentioned, it's only been two episodes. I'm relatively confident that it's growing pains and the relationship between the main couple will get more interesting. The opportunity is definitely there, due to a very capable cast.