‘Better Off Ted’ Welcomes You to Veridian Dynamics
February 25, 2009 by Chandra
And I can’t wait to visit. Just by checking out a few video clips, I think I’m going to like ABC’s upcoming single-camera sitcom Better Off Ted, which is sort of but not quite like NBC’s The Office.
The instantly recognizable workplace series — thanks to its quirky premise — stars Jay Harrington (Private Practice, Desperate Housewives) as Ted, the lucky guy who manages the Research and Development division at a morally questionable company called Veridian Dynamics. If thoughts of Eureka’s zany and often hazardous Global Dynamics immediately cross your mind upon hearing that name, join the party.
Ted is successful at his job, where the motto is that any and every invention is achievable, no matter how bizarre or unorthodox. ABC throws out examples like cow-less meat grown in a test tube and pumpkins that also double as weapons of mass destruction to give us an idea of what to expect.
Single father Ted loves his job, as well, and I bet his adorable seven-year-old daughter Rose (Isabella Acres, The Mentalist) does, too. I know I would if I were her. However, it’s because of his status as a parent that Ted eventually begins having doubts about Veridian’s dubious practices.
And, then there’s Linda (Andrea Anders, The Class and Joey), the co-worker Ted is attracted to who enjoys secretly lashing out at Veridian by stealing company stuff, including those tiny packs of creamer that go in coffee. I personally have a thing for the sweetener packets, so I totally empathize.
Arrested Development devotees are in for a huge casting treat since Portia de Rossi (Lindsay Bluth Fünke) stars as Ted’s gorgeous and dedicated yet oddly emotionless boss Veronica, whom he’s had an affair with in the past. The series’ remaining regulars are Malcolm Barrett (Side Order of Life) as Lem and Jonathan Slavin (My Name Is Earl, Andy Richter Controls the Universe) as Phil.
Better Off Ted premieres on Wednesday, March 18, at 8:30pm EST, a cushy time slot that follows fan favorite and fellow satire Scrubs and precedes fan favorite Lost. Continue onward to preview the comedy in the “Welcome to Veridian Dynamics” video and two promos.
Do you think Better Off Ted will float your boat? Share your predictions about the show’s potential in the comments section below.
I want everyone to watch Better Off Ted to see how funny and well written the show is. The extension of the summer shows were great and am looking forward to more shows soon.