Amy Sherman-Palladino denied "Gilmore Girls" a proper ending for *this*?

Hoo boy. As she showed on most of Gilmore Girls as well as her previous work for Roseanne, Amy Sherman-Palladino can write both good drama and comedy. But based on its first two episodes, The Return of Jezebel James is the worst of both worlds.

It's too forced and jokey to be a good drama. But shot on film with a laugh track (I can't believe we haven't killed those yet) that stamps out the couple of laughs to be had.


"A" for effort to Lauren Ambrose...


(The versatile Liza Weil has nothing to do with Jezebel James, but she was in Gilmore Girls and is one of my favorite actresses).

Call it a hunch, but when your sitcom's first two episodes have exactly one laugh each, and neither of them are scored by your lead? I'm guessing it isn't a good time to start building on to your house.

I was also saddened to find myself reminded, in more than one spot in the pilot, of Gilmore Girls.

Sherman-Palladino's writing voice is one thing, but did she have to bold face the resemblance by casting Parker Posey (right), who could easily play Lauren Graham's sister or Alexis Bledel's aunt?

Or set her first scene in what looked like Lorelei's house, with another in a freaking diner?

I'd like to think this will get better. Because of my high regard for Sherman-Palladino (plus I've got a little crush on and want to marry a girl just like her).

But for the moment, hopes are not high. Because right now, Jezebel James is to Gilmore Girls or Roseanne as Studio 60 is to West Wing or Sports Night....only not that good.