hollywood the return of will & grace
The More You Know It looked like we would probably be subscribed to
just watch reruns of the sitcom, that the gang would be getting back together. Beginning when they appeared in a short episode about the Clinton/and that other guy’s (if you can’t say anything nice applies here) debate and to get out there and vote for, well, not anything that resembles a Cheeto. It proved so popular that a full-fledged revival was in the works. NBC initially ordered 12 episodes and then increased it to 16 and if that weren’t enough, they’ve already renewed the show for a second season with a 12-episode run. The show includesWill & Grace series creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, back as showrunners and executive producers, as well as celebrated sitcom director James Burrows, director for the original eight-year run of the series. Sadly, one of the original castmembers who won’t be
back on board is Shelley Morrison, who played Karen’s maid and sparring partner, Rosario Salazar. Regarding Morrison’s retiring from acting, the reboot is “dealing with her as a character and we’re writing to it very specifically,” according to an interview with Mutch- nick, reported inThe Hollywood Reporter. The show will also address the passing of the beloved Debbie Reynolds, who played Grace’s mother Bobbi Adler. So far, the only confirmed supporting players set to
return are Harry Connick, Jr., who played Grace’s hus- band Leo, Minnie Driver, Karen’s ex-daughter-in-law Lorraine and Bobby Cannavale as Will’s ex-boyfriend, Vince. I know that Beverly Leslie (Leslie Jordan) got blown off a balcony by a huge gust of wind in the series finale— but maybe it was all just a dream—because Karen surely needs somebody to do verbal battle with aside from Will. Speaking of the finale, which hadWill & Grace not
speaking for a number of years and running into each other when dropping their respective children off at college…well, the powers-that-be are just gonna pretend that didn’t happen. I think that’s a capital idea, as the finale was pretty meh, for lack of a better word. During its original run, the show wasn’t afraid to
poke at some big cats with a stick…Wait, that sounds dirtier than intended. Let’s try again…Rather, they weren’t afraid to get political. Yes, that’s better. The first episode, entitled “11 Years Later,” had them travelling to the White House with plenty of P.O.T.U.S. and F.L.O.T.U.S. jabs. It also explored the more-than- codependent-relationship between the two titular people and the changes in gay culture since the show went off the air.
Timing Is Everything The timing seems perfect for theWill & Grace revival, especially in a country as divided as it is, with the rights of many being threatened and debates surrounding the “T” in LGBT. The show, because of its smart writing always nailed the notion that we are just people. On a personal note, the show actually helped me come out to my aunt and grandmother, who both loved it back in the day. Helping facilitate a long overdue conversation I needed to have with them…And yes, they had both met me! If laughter is the best medicine, then we should be prepared to open up and say, “aaahhh,” as early reviews have suggested that this is theWill & Grace of its heyday and not a sad attempt to ride on nostalgia’s coattails. I’m lookin’ right at you,Fuller House! Time and ratings will tell if the hype surroundingWill
& Grace 2.0 is worth a big ole “Welcome back!” I just hope that the comparisons I always got to Jack, don’t start up again. Stay tuned!
What’s In a Name? Okay, this brings us to the what- to-avoid portion of our show, so to speak. Don’t overdo it with the guest stars! The first time around, it was starting to be a little bit like the revolving guest stars door fromThe Love Boat. The series featured—this is the very short list version— Madonna, Janet Jackson, Matt Damon, Michael Douglas, Jennifer Lopez, Kevin Bacon, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone, Ellen DeGeneres, Joan Collins and Geena Davis, with too many more to list.
Interestingly enough, Tony-winner Ben Platt, Jane Lynch and Andrew Rannells were recently announced as guest stars. So there’s that.
Though if they want to throw fans a bone and include that one very special guest, my money would be onCher. After all, “Just Jack” needs something to kvetch about.
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RAGE monthly | OCTOBER 2017
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