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TNT's "Trust Me" Is No Modern "Mad Men" -- or Updated "thirtysomething," Either
January 26, 2009  | By David Bianculli  | 2 comments
 

trust-me.jpgTNT's newest series, Trust Me, premieres tonight at 10 ET. It's set in the world of advertising, and thus, in theory, aspires to be a modern Mad Men or an updated thirtysomething.

In practice, though, it's more like another Knight Rider...

No, there's no talking car. But there is a mind-numbing barrage of product placement -- brand-name discussion and recognition that drives the plot, like a runaway KITT, rather than serves the narrative, like the well-chosen clients of Mad Men.

What's more annoying, or at least more disappointing, is that the three very likable leads of this new series -- Tom Cavanagh from Ed, Eric McCormack from Will & Grace and Monica Potter from Boston Legal -- are wasted here. Their characters reveal too much too quickly, act too much like clueless stereotypes, and basically run around in a money-rich environment that already seems about as dated as the three-martini lunches enjoyed by Don Draper.

If you're looking for credible characters, memorable performances and quality drama -- and I know you are, or you wouldn't be here -- there's no real reason to watch Trust Me.

Trust me.

 

3 Comments

 

Shauna said:

I'm certainly disappointed, but thankful that you saved me the wasted hour of my life. I really enjoy Tom Cavanaugh and was hoping this would be a good one. If it happens to turn around, let us know!

Comment posted on January 26, 2009 2:09 PM


Jimmy B said:

For the love of all humanity. PLEASE STOP WRITING SHOWS ABOUT ADVERTISING!!! Nobody can do it well sans MadMen and that's only because it's based in the 60's and that's what all of us in the business think is was like and nobody around to tell us differently. I get how an Ad Agency is a good setting but please stop trying to base the show around what it's supposed to be like. Sorry, TNT you're not even close. Or maybe more accurately, representing the .005% of CW/AW teams that are allowed to behave like those two dufusses portrayed. If you want to do it, get some real life ad people in there and leave the hollywood bozos to mess up Law Firms and Doctor's Offices. P.s. If you need a solid set consultant, I'll give you the real dirt.

Comment posted on January 27, 2009 3:37 PM


Bill said:

I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought the show didn't live up to the hype or talent. It was just ehhh, and there's alot of better stuff than ehhh to watch.

Comment posted on February 2, 2009 4:38 PM
 
 
 
 
 
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