Caroline lacks the quirkiness and edge of its fellow NBC sitcoms. It also depends on the sort of hoary comedy devices that have made decades of TV sitcoms embarrassing to watch.
The producers say they wanted to create a series about a "quirky, engaging, flawed and honest" woman. They've succeeded on that count, as well as serving up some of the most sophisticated dialogue in prime time.
The Gets character almost walks off with the show with a combination of biting sarcasm and underlying loneliness. And, of course, there are pop-culture references to spare.
With his wit and cutting one-liners, Malcom Getz's performance as Richard often steals the show, but it's Thompson's Caroline that leaves a lasting impression.
Caroline in the City has enough strengths to grow and prosper in such a great time slot. Lovely Lea should win many fans. But it would help if Del could be drawn out of the picture.
