With regular shows re-airing in a matter of weeks, the mass of mid-season replacement shows has slowed down to almost nothing. One of the last replacements to air is the comedy "Miss Guided" on ABC on Thursdays, running in back-to-back 30-minute episodes starting at 8 p.m. The show stars Judy Greer, an underrated comedic actress who has appeared in television shows such as "Arrested Development." While there have not been many shows centered on teachers at a high school, there have been even fewer comedies about them because, frankly, many students don't find teachers all that funny.
Greer plays Becky Freeley, the guidance counselor at the same high school she attended. Freeley was the big dork in high school, and not a lot has changed for her as a teacher. She has lost the braces, bad clothes and hair, but her goofy personality and general awkwardness are still apparent. Nonetheless, a positive outlook on life and caring attitude for her students earn her the respect of the viewer.
There is one scene in which Freely dresses like a teenager for school in order to raise her status on the "Most Doable List." Then, while checking her hair in a tinted car window, the principal steps out of the same car, slamming her with the door and knocking her onto the ground.
The show is produced by Ashton Kutcher, who adds his own humor. He appears in a cameo role in the second episode as a pretentious, artsy Spanish teacher with a crush on Freeley. It must be said that TV comedy has desperately been missing Ashton's flair. The supporting cast, while lacking Greer's quirky manners, is entertaining as well.
Newcomer Kristoffer Polaha plays Tim, the shop teacher who now teaches remedial Spanish because of the school's small faculty. There are many jokes where Tim messes up Spanish words and the correct subtitles appear on screen. Freeley has a secret crush on Tim, but is able to maintain her friendship with him even after the arrival of Lisa Germain, played by the gorgeous Brooke Burns.
The show involves lesser supporting characters, including the students whom Becky counsels, but it is yet to be seen if any of them will have recurring roles or if they will just rotate with every episode. Jamie Lynn Spears makes a cameo as a young student trying to decide whether or not to go to college (no, she isn't obviously pregnant). The vice principal, played by Chris Parnell from "Saturday Night Live," is the epitome of the nerdy teacher in power who thinks all the students love him.
While "Miss Guided" is still getting on its feet, all of the makings of a good show are there. There are many laugh-out-loud moments, usually involving Freeley's loveable antics, like having a picture of her flashing students at a car wash put up on a student blog or creeping around in the bushes to stalk Tim at one of the school dances. The script balances comedy with emotion, rather than just relying on cheap laughs like many other comedies do.
The best part is the show's originality. Not only is it a comedy about teachers, but its writing is refreshing, despite (or maybe because of) its awkward moments. The writers are not afraid to make Freeley look like a total dweeb, reminiscent of Michael Scott on "The Office," though Greer definitely makes her character more likeable.
After all the downright unfunny shows that have been aired as midseason replacements, this one actually has the potential to continue on for another season. Greer does a great job playing a leading lady (finally). This show is definitely worth a look for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and who loves watching awkward people interact.
