Although I am by no means a sports fan, I didn't feel alienated in the least by the fact that every episode is sports-centric, specifically baseball focused. In the beginning, middle and end of each show, PJ narrates and discusses a baseball term or tradition, which of course plays itself out in the episode perfectly. Some of my favorites include "Clubhouse Cancer" which refers to that person who brings the whole team down. In this episode's case, its Kenny's friend Trouty (Johnny Galecki) who is the ultimate chick repellant. Unfortunately, Trouty has a habit of getting them into cool clubs, etc. then driving all the women away. It's hilarious stuff.
There's Andy's wife Meredith (Jeannie Noth) who is a she-devil that we never ever see until most of the season is over. She is the reason Andy has to make up excuses to play poker and she has him on a super short leash - that is, until we find out maybe Andy has been coloring the truth a bit. Funny series arcs include Brandon breaking up with his long-time girlfriend then fiancee Wendy, then being selected as one of Chicago's 50 Sexiest Bachelors, then turning into the guy none of his friends want to hang out with. The episode with their ensuing intervention for Brandon is called "Douchebag in the City". Other interesting plots include Mike losing his job at one point, then Kenny hiring him to work in his memorabilia shop - madness ensues. Plus, we find that Bobby is harboring an interesting secret and has fabricated a roommate to get out of explaining certain things. Most importantly, a good chunk of the season involves Stephanie and PJ buying tickets to Italy and assuming that by the end of the 6 month period when the trip arrives, they will both have boyfriends worth taking to Italy. Things don't always work out as planned.
Notable guest stars include Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne) as PJ's Aunt Phyllis who embarks on a whirlwind affair with Kenny, which creeps PJ out, and Jeremy Sisto (Kidnapped) as Thorn, PJ's long-lost college romance who pops back into her life a few times.
There are a handful of special features on the DVD set, which is always nice to see. They include deleted scenes and bloopers, but also featurettes where you can get to know the cast better. And this is a cast worth knowing. While the first episode wasn't too strong, after that, the actors just fall into step with one another and their timing couldn't be better. This show is truly funny stuff and I never expected to get as hooked as I did. I'll be DVR'ing Season 2, you better believe it. Especially since Season One ended with a cliffhanger. I can't wait to see who PJ takes to Italy! Highly recommended.
