Critical Condition: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend | Sky Box Sets, 7.30 Fridays

➢ “Fall’s best new series and easily its most unusual. A story of one obsessive woman’s unlikely search for love and happiness, as told through song and dance, Crazy is an out-of-the-blue surprise and an out-of-the-box treasure. It shows what the networks can do when they’re willing to throw caution to the wind and turn to something and someone new — in this case, star and writer Rachel Bloom and the show’s creator, Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada).” — USA Today.

➢ “Originally developed for Showtime, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’s premium-TV origins are apparent in its approach to a lead character whose behaviour certainly fits the adjective. Yet as played by Rachel Bloom, she’s a surprisingly endearing figure — wildly impulsive, unhappy and, thankfully, prone to bursting out into musical spectacular-type song. Once again, CW, with its targeted approach to introducing new shows, has delivered one of the fall’s most promising hours.” — Variety.

➢ “Though the title lamentably plays into the stereotype that all women are just a breakup away from psychosis, there’s plenty else to like about this exuberant and slightly strange dramedy.” — The Washington Post.

➢ “If you’re not a fan of streaming musical videos, it’s possible that you won’t recognise a single actor in the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend pilot. This offers a sense of discovery and also the pleasure of seeing a CW pilot that wasn’t cast directly from a modeling portfolio (or from other CW shows), but it means you aren’t inclined to a benefit of the doubt based on prior roles.” — The Hollywood Reporter.

➢ “That isn’t to say the show is perfect: The story needs work because, in time, the music will no longer be surprising enough to hold our interest on its own. We will need more of a plot and richer character development to keep our attention between musical numbers. Even in its rough early stages, though, the concept is just the kind of crazy TV needs.” — San Francisco Chronicle.