Guest Author - Ehmonie Hainey

Oh, the drama. Brian loves Marjorie. Adam loves Marjorie. Marjorie loves…Adam…no, wait… she loves Brian. It’s your standard fare love triangle.

Barry Watson (7th Heaven) ditches his ‘good–guy’ image and plays the lovable playboy in ABC’s “What About Brian.” Watson’s ‘Brian’ realizes his feelings for old friend Marjorie while trapped in his own closet with her after stealing his computer from the apartment that his ex–lover now resides in as her own. Whew.

While trapped in the closet, inevitably, Brian and Marjorie share a kiss. What is unexpected, however, is the news that Marjorie and Brian’s best friend Adam got engaged. This complicates matters because now Brian is the odd man out amongst his group of friends. Brian’s older sister Nic just got married to Angelo; Deena and Dave are the old ball and chain with kids; and then there’s Adam and Marjorie. And then there’s Brian.

“What About Brian” is entertaining but not altogether original. In fact, it seems extremely predictable; at least regarding the dynamics between Brian, Marjorie and Adam. Here’s my prediction: the sexual tension between Brian and Marjorie will continue to build. Both will deny their feelings for one another. Marjorie will turn to Adam, though their professional lives will prohibit frequent intimacy, causing them to seek comfort in their careers. Brian will continue to pursue fruitless relationships, grasping at straws to find that on girl to replace Marjorie. As expected, Brian, unsatisfied, will return to Marjorie, calling her ‘the one that got away.’ She will feel so alone and unfulfilled from work and her relationship with Adam that she will return his advances. They will become intimate, and the season will come to an end. Sound familiar?

If the connection between Brian and Marjorie was the solitary focus of the show, it is likely the series would be pulled after a few episodes. However, the remaining members of the cast and their relationship dilemmas actually sustain the show – giving it more substance.

Take Nic and Angelo. On the surface, like most relationships, everything seems great. She’s a record exec; he’s a wannabe actor; they’re hip, and hot. But they can’t get pregnant. Dave and Deena on the other hand, have several children. Deena is a desperate housewife – desperate for more love, more affection – and more sex. But not from her husband. She wants an open marriage, and is not afraid to be the lead adulterer.

If the supporting characters lead the way, “What About Brian” is sure to be ABC’s next hit. Although charming, Watson’s character Brian is way too archetypal to carry a show on his own – remember “Jake in Progress?” Add to that the predictable relationship dynamics, the frat boy turned professional and husband in Adam, and the girl–next–door in Marjorie, and the result is a drama series that may be difficult to translate into an entire season. I can just write the ending now. What about it, ABC?

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