Debra Messing Still Tops in ‘The Starter Wife’
When I first became aware of Debra Messing, it was ten years ago and she was playing the main doctor character in a short-lived science-fiction series called Prey. If someone had told me back then that she would become so well-known for her comedy work, I probably would have scoffed; Messing was pretty darn good as a dramatic actress, and when Prey was canceled, I assumed she would move on to similar fare.
Lucky for us that her next big TV role was as Stacey Colbert in the sitcom Ned and Stacey, which lasted one and a half seasons on Fox before the ax dropped. More importantly, Messing’s star-making series Will & Grace came next, leading to her current gig as The Starter Wife’s Molly Kagan, a role she plays nothing less than fabulously.
When the new season kicks off, Messing remains in total endearing control as single Molly, who’s focused on making her way in the world following her divorce from her sleazy ex-husband Kenny (David Alan Basche). To help with that goal, she’s joined a writers’ group, where she quickly overcomes her “lowly” children’s book origins to demonstrate her talent, and she even hooks up with the group’s instructor, fellow starter spouse and single parent of a seven-year-old Zach McNeill (Hart Bochner).
What made the Emmy-winning miniseries work last year is still evident during the extended series version: persistent, one-of-a-kind Molly continues on her quest to lead a fulfilling life, with a little help from her big, bold friends and her big, bold personality. The last is greatly serviced by Messing’s ability to adeptly switch from comedy mode to serious dramatic actress and back again, sometimes using only her facial expression.
The always fun movie interludes, quick pace, catchy background music, ample subplots, and talented cast leave no doubt that The Starter Wife will score again with its intended audience. Watching is like sitting around on a Friday night with your best buds, sharing stories and blowing off steam, while growing stronger — or at least more entertained — in the process. What’s not to like?
The Starter Wife premieres on USA Network Friday, October 10, at 9pm EST and subsequently airs on Fridays at 10pm.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Reviews, The Starter Wife
0 opinions for Debra Messing Still Tops in ‘The Starter Wife’
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: