A fresh start

Patricia Heaton shines in ‘Carol’s Second Act’

nicating with each other, rather than relying on predictable “old people are clueless” jab comedy. Speaking with On TV Today, the show’s executive producer, Emily Halpern, had commented on Carol’s age as both the comedic premise and heart of the show.

“We thought, let’s put her center stage and put her in an environment where her age is actually her strength,” she said.

That’s the kind of strength that Heaton’s fans should be excited about, because it’s the same sort of no-nonsense attitude she’s used in her previous sitcom performances, but in a completely different context. With “The Middle” and “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Heaton’s trade rested on the adventures that come with motherhood and wifedom. In a career move that mirrors that of the titular character herself, Heaton is changing gears and putting her comedic prowess to use in situations that don’t require her to be the scene’s frazzled mom or to find the absurd in domestic life. “Carol” sees Heaton finding her performance in the complexities of divorce, an empty nest, work hierarchies and the daily happenings at Loyola Memorial Hospital. With a resume and talent as reliable as Heaton’s, it’s bound to be a thrill to watch her perform as the show finds its footing.

Not only should viewers be excited for this new chapter in Heaton’s career, they should also be excited to see the rest of the cast of “Carol’s Second Act” in action. The main cast features the great Kyle MacLachlan (“Twin Peaks”) as Dr. Stephen Frost, senior attending physician, and Ito Aghayere (“Elementary”) as Dr. Maya Jacobs, Carol’s chief resident. JeanLuc Bilodeau (“Baby Daddy”), Sabrina Jalees (“In Real Life”) and Lucas Neff (“Raising Hope”) portray Daniel, Lexie and Caleb, respectively, the three other interns in Carol’s first-year residency group.

The show’s introductory episodes since its September premiere have set the tone for the series. From Carol’s workarounds of hospital policy to Daniel’s blooddrawing gags to the interventions of a pharmaceutical representative (played by Ashley Tisdale, “Hellcats”) at work, the series creates jokes for its environment in a way that is always lighthearted. Even details such as episode titles (i.e. “Dr. Mom,” the third episode to air) indicate a clear desire for “Carol’s Second Act” to find the funny in boundaries, especially those designed for older women, not to mention clumsy, blurry beginnings. With the vast majority of a season to go, audiences are like- ly in for a treat as the show continues to grow into its own.

At 61, Heaton is not only redefining the space available on television for women her age, but she is doing so in the same genre she’s been playing in for more than 23 years. Both the Emmy winner and her new sitcom demonstrate that a show can delight audiences by both reinventing the wheel and polishing it. Tune in to “Carol’s Second Act,” airing Thursday, Oct. 17, on CBS.

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Stuber

Forced to resort to getting around in an Uber after a recent laser eye surgery, Los Angeles Police Department Detective. Vic Manning (Bautista) enlists unwitting Uber driver Stu Prasad (Nanjiani) to chauffer him around in the hopes of catching notorious drug lord Oka Tedjo (Uwais). While the unlikely duo

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navigates Los Angeles, Stu learns that the same drug dealer they’re looking for is responsible for murdering Vic’s old partner, Sara Morris (Gillan), a year earlier.

Director:MichaelDowse.Stars: DaveBautista,KumailNanjiani, MiraSorvino,NatalieMorales,Iko Uwais,BettyGilpin,KarenGillan. 2019.93mins.Action.