FOX, the network that has brought us hit comedies like That 70’s Show, Malcolm in the Middle, and Married With Children, has a notorious track record when it comes to debuting and maintaining a new series. Many shows that premiere on the network are quickly axed right as things start to get interesting (I am still bitter about Undeclared), so it is hard for fans to get attached. This past week, FOX aired the pilot episode of their new show, Breaking In, which is being produced by Happy Madison Productions (Adam Sandler’s production company), and Sony Pictures Television. The show focuses on a company called Contra Securities that is hired to break into various locations to test the security, run by a mysterious man named Oz (Christian Slater). Oz has put together his equivalent of The A-Team, consisting of a Tech-Geek named Cash (Alphonso McAuley), Safe-Cracking Melanie (Odette Annable), Intel-Man Josh (Trevor Moore), and Computer Hacker Cameron (Bret Harrison). While this seems like it would be the plot for a weekly action thriller, we are instead treated to an extremely well-crafted (yet quirky) workplace comedy that surpasses all expectations.

 

“Pilot” introduces us to Cameron Price, who is currently attending college and has hacked his way into having a full scholarship, teacher’s parking spot, and TWO dorm rooms to himself. Cameron is confronted by Oz and blackmailed into joining Contra Securities as the team’s new computer hacker. He reluctantly agrees and is inducted into the team shortly after. While there are action elements involved in the premise of the show, the majority of the story takes place in the workplace as the team plans for each of their capers. Cameron soon learns that Oz has gathered a rather quirky group of people to be his work force, the most interesting of which is a named Cash – an avid fanboy recruited to the team after Contra busts him stalking William Shatner. A large amount of the humor from this episode comes from Cash’s hazing of Cameron and the pranks that ensue. Cameron also starts to develop an interest in Melanie (who could blame him?), but his hopes are quickly dashed when her boyfriend shows up outside of work. You might be thinking to yourself, “wait…her boyfriend Dutch sure does look familiar…”, that is because Dutch is played by Smallville-Alumni Michael Rosenbaum! Michael’s guest performance in the pilot episode was so heavily-praised by the creative team that they decided to bump him up to series regular for remaining season. Cameron must also contend with the smooth talking Josh, who is threatened by Cameron since Oz has shifted all of his focus to the new recruit. Oz presents Cameron with the challenge of breaking into Mayfair Motors and stealing a brand new Lamborghini. Can Cameron gain the respect of his new co-workers *and* find the perfect cake for Melanie’s birthday?

 

The casting for this ensemble comedy couldn’t possibly be any stronger. Christian Slater’s performance as Oz is incredibly engaging and you never know what his character is going to do next. Bret Harrison excels in the role of the lovable hacker Cameron, and is given plenty of time to shine in the first episode. Alphonso steals every single scene with a geeky enthusiasm and energy that is crucial to the success of a new show. Odette provides viewers with a very intelligent (and very beautiful) interest for Cameron, and fits in well as “one of the boys”. Trevor steps away from The Whitest Kids U Know to round out the cast as a entertaining foil to Cameron.

Within the first few moments of the pilot, it is quite apparent that there is something very special about this show. It is an extremely rare experience to feel a connection to an entire cast during a premiere episode, but Breaking In accomplishes this without any problem due to the genuine nature of the characters. The writing is executed with a passion, pace, and determination that far surpasses most comedies currently on TV. I highly encourage you to make time to watch Breaking In, because you will be hooked (I have already watched the pilot three times and it holds up with each viewing).

 

The first season currently has an order for 7 episodes, and will air on FOX throughout April and May. Set aside some time to watch it each week so that we can guarantee that this quality program doesn’t suffer the same fate as countless other comedies that we loved (yes, I am again referring to my love for Undeclared).

 

Also, if there are any FOX executives reading this right now, I am begging you to give this show a chance to thrive. It has more potential than any other new comedy that you have released in the last decade and would be a massive shame if it were cut off early.

 

Check out the Breaking In Roundtable Press Interviews from WonderCon 2011 by clicking the links below:

I will leave you with this: Watch this show. Watch it now. You will not regret it.

 

ComicsOnline gives Breaking In “Pilot”– 5 out of 5 comedic pilots that couldn’t possibly have been better.

 

Stay tuned to ComicsOnline.com for everything geek pop culture!

 

Boom goes the dynamite.