If there was ever a show orchestrated for people in their mid-twenties, Selfie [9] is it. And I mean orchestrated. "Arranged or combined so as to achieve a desired or maximum effect" (thank you, Merriam-Webster).
First shot: Backstreet Boys poster, circa 1997, with "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely" [10] playing in the background. There are no fewer than five Furbies [11] and a Cheer Bear Care Bear [12] on the bed, along with yearbook photos of an awkward seventh grade girl who just wanted to be cool.
Hooked.
This latest update of George Bernard Shaw's 1913 play Pygmalion [13] has a solid comedic heart. Eliza Dooley (Karen Gillan) is a social media-obsessed narcissist who decides to rebrand with the help of Henry (John Cho), her marketing genius coworker. It's a 21st-century take on the source material that brought us My Fair Lady [14] and She's All That [15].
Most of the best comedic moments were pop culture references, but not all. The sexual humor was chuckle-worthy. Henry's rhyming poem about how Eliza should dress for the wedding was clever.
But now that the show has established its quick wit, it's time to tackle the tough questions. Why are we here? What can Eliza learn about herself? Does she need someone to fix her? Or does she just need reassurance that people will like her if she takes off the face and becomes herself? Is Henry her life coach or her inspiration?
These are central questions that will determine whether or not Selfie can survive and stay funny, even after the '90s references and social media jokes become stale. This could easily devolve into Henry following Eliza around, "teaching her" how to be a lady. It's a recipe for self-deprecating and sexist comedy that could make this whole thing go south. A guy telling a woman how she "should" behave? Shaming her for wearing revealing clothes? Policing her behavior? Not exactly the kind of sitcom I want to watch each week.
Selfie has the potential to be smart and funny. I laughed through the entire first episode, but it has weak spots. I can't imagine that there's much here that won't get old fast. Seriously, Frozen [16] references are so last fall.
Episode 2, "Un-Tag My Heart," airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. on ABC.
