Tired, but Charming 'Rules'

CBS' newest comedy Rules of Engagement (premieres tonight, 9:30 p.m.) fits nicely into its successful Monday comedy block. It's cute, charming, and it grows on you. Since the wonderful folks at CBS were kind enough to send me the first three episodes, I can tell you that the pilot is the weakest outing. The show improves greatly with its second and third episodes. The premise, different phases of relationships seen through a married couple, a newly engaged couple and a single guy, is interesting if not original. Russell (David Spade), the single guy, is your typical cliched skirt chaser and the married couple (Patrick Warburton and Megyn Price) is the usual sitcom fare, but the characters are endearing enough to push past it. Sometimes, the conflict that these two create for newly engaged Adam (Oliver Hudson) feels a bit forced. Both Russell and Jeff like to fill Adam's head with fear and the idea that he's making a big mistake, and Adam seems to question his commitment too easily. Patrick Warburton's monotone portrayal of Jeff wore on me at first, but seemed to be less of an issue in subsequent episodes. Bianca Kajlich (Quinn on the cancelled Vanished) is adorable and she brings a fresh and endearing quality to the newly engaged Jennifer. In fact, she and Adam were my favorite characters along with the married Audrey. And just wait until you find out what "The Birthday Deal" is all about in episode 2! Rules certainly isn't perfect, but its strengths are enough to overlook any of its weaknesses and make this an enjoyable sitcom about navigating the complicated waters of relationships.

THE 411

PREMISE: The complexity of relationships as seen through a married couple, a newly-engaged couple and a single guy
STARRING: David Spade, Oliver Hudson, Patrick Warburton, Megyn Price and Bianca Kajlich
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Tom Hertz, Jack Giarraputo, Doug Robinson and Andy Ackerman
BOTTOM LINE: Charming characters, fun premise and funny situations make this one a comedy worth checking out. GRADE: B+
PREMIERES: February 5th at 9:30 p.m. (TONIGHT) on CBS. For more information, visit cbs.com.

Earlier in the evening, you can watch two NFL legends on two of CBS' biggest comedies. First, catch Emmitt Smith on How I Met Your Mother (8 p.m.). Barney begs the legend for the Super Bowl score in this photo from CBS:


Then, catch Jerry Rice on The Class (8:30 p.m.). Duncan runs into the NFLer at Nicole and Yonk's home in this photo from CBS:



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