PARTY DOWN

OK Wayne very ably covered this show last week, which in turn put me over the edge
into a manic 36-hour period in which I consumed the entire first season over the weekend.

Rarely does a show come out of the gate so strong and consistent-this is a
show that produced remarkably interesting and endearing characters right out of the box.
Certainly the (Veronica Mars-familiar) cast deserves credit, and the writing bears a great
deal of realism for anyone who has ever delved into the service industry-with bowties and
glassware trays and perhaps most of all, idiotic clients.

The varying scenarios from event to event per episode constantly provide new opportunities for great guest star appearances-Steven Weber, Molly Parker and Ed Begley Jr
are standouts among the many.

There is sort of a forced simplicity to the show as well, originally airing on Starz, which is
not quite the same production powerhouse of an HBO (or even an AMC), episodes are confined
to a couple of very basic sets or locations, instilling an emphasis on plot and character in
almost a Law and Order-esque way; we never follow the characters home after work.

A second season is apparently in the works, and you gotta hope such a promising debut
season will only continue to have its star(z) shine.