Jennifer Falls is an American sitcom created by Matthew Carlson, and starring Jaime Pressly in the title role. The series premiered on TV Land on June 4, 2014, and is the first single-camera comedy series for the network. It was cancelled on October 3, 2014, after ten episodes.
The series follows Jennifer Doyle (Jaime Pressly), a single mother who, after losing her high salary job, has to move back in with her mother, Maggie (Jessica Walter). From there, Jennifer must reassess her life and figure out how to rebuild.
Jennifer Falls Episode 1 Written Update & Review
In the pilot episode of “Jennifer Falls,” we’re introduced to Jennifer Doyle, a powerhouse in the corporate world whose career hits a major roadblock when she’s fired from her VP position at a Fortune 500 company. Her dismissal comes as a shock, especially since she was a top performer. However, her anger issues have made both customers and co-workers afraid to work with her, leading to her downfall.
With her professional life in shambles, Jennifer faces the harsh reality of being broke and on the brink of homelessness. She’s left with no choice but to move back in with her mother, Maggie, along with her teenage daughter, Gretchen. This unexpected turn of events forces Jennifer to reassess her priorities and navigate the challenges of starting over in her hometown.
To make ends meet, Jennifer reluctantly accepts a job at her brother Wayne’s sports bar, where she encounters a whole new set of challenges. Not only does she have to deal with the demands of her new job, but she also has to contend with her condescending sister-in-law, Stephanie, who is now her boss. This new dynamic adds a layer of tension to Jennifer’s already complicated life.
On top of all this, Jennifer is puzzled by the sudden rift in her relationship with her childhood friend, Dina. Despite Jennifer’s attempts to reach out, Dina remains distant and unresponsive, leaving Jennifer to wonder what went wrong between them.
As Jennifer navigates this new chapter in her life, she’s faced with the daunting task of rebuilding her career, repairing relationships, and finding her place in a world that seems to have turned upside down. Will Jennifer be able to rise from the ashes of her professional downfall and find success and happiness once again? Only time will tell in this witty and relatable comedy-drama.
Review
The pilot episode of “Jennifer Falls” sets the stage for what promises to be an intriguing journey, although it falls short in some areas. While the exposition effectively introduces us to the key characters and the premise of the series, I found it challenging to empathize with Jennifer Doyle, the protagonist. Despite her professional setback and the tough circumstances she faces, her character didn’t evoke the level of sympathy or connection I was hoping for. Perhaps more depth in her portrayal could have made her struggles more relatable and compelling.
Another aspect that didn’t quite hit the mark for me was Maggie’s over-the-top “welcome home” party for Jennifer. The exaggerated nature of the party felt forced and out of place, detracting from the authenticity of the storyline. It seemed like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the emotional nuances of Jennifer’s return to her hometown and her strained relationship with her mother.
However, despite these shortcomings, I am intrigued by the premise of the show and curious to see how Jennifer will overcome the challenges that lie ahead. The pilot episode sets up several intriguing plot threads, including Jennifer’s new job at her brother’s sports bar and the mystery surrounding her strained friendship with Dina. These elements hint at potential storylines that could add depth and complexity to the series.
Overall, while the pilot episode of “Jennifer Falls” didn’t fully resonate with me, it has piqued my interest enough to keep watching. I look forward to seeing how the series develops and whether it can deliver on its promise of humor, heart, and character growth.
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While “Jennifer Falls” may have been short-lived, it was a nice binge for a Wednesday night. More is coming. Watch this space.
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Shabana Mukhtar