'Indebted' Episode 1 Review: Fran Drescher and Adam Pally are remarkable in a forgettable premiere
You might have tuned into NBC tonight to watch the new sitcom, 'Indebted' from Dan Levy -- about broke parents moving in with their son and daughter-in-law. You will be forgiven if you thought it was from the similarly-themed 'Schitt's Creek' creator, also Dan Levy. Just a quick heads-up -- these are two different Dan Levys.
As such, 'Indebted' might end up being quite disappointing and forgettable for viewers in its pilot episode. 'Indebted' stars Adam Pally ('Happy Endings'), Abby Elliot ('Saturday Night Live'), Steve Weber ('iZombie'), Fran Drescher ('The Nanny') and Jessy Hodges ('Anyone But Me').
Pally and Elliot are charming -- Pally especially might make you wish that 'Happy Endings' was never canceled, you may even wish that NBC perform a late rescue of the popular Chicago-based sitcom rather than pick up new ones that seem quite outdated for 2020. Viewers might be tuning in to watch Drescher -- the actress performs what little material she is given.
The main issue with 'Indebted' is that it offers nothing new and the network that brought you 'The Good Place' -- which just ended its lauded four-season run this week -- ought to bring audiences something better. However, don't lose hope. 'Indebted' gets better with subsequent episodes, albeit only marginally.
In the pilot episode of 'Indebted', Debbie and Stew (Drescher and Weber) move in with Dave and Rebecca (Pally and Elliot) after announcing that they are broke. Dave is quite disappointed with his parents and it's not made easier with Rebecca's disapproval.
However, Debbie and Stew have a plan -- they plan to do a Kickstarter-like campaign to raise money to pay off their debts. Their video goes viral, but not because of them. While they were filming, the video also unknowingly catches Rebecca getting ready in the bathroom behind them -- and she's topless!
Chaos ensues, but in true sitcom sense, all the issues are solved as the episode ends with Dave and Rebecca welcoming Stew and Debbie to leave with them. 'Indebted' is irresponsible, forgettable, but more importantly, the sitcom is quite clueless.
'Indebted' airs on NBC on Thursday nights.
