Rules of Engagement follows the Rules of Situation Comedy

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Contrary to popular belief, critics are not out to savage everything that comes down the pop culture pike. We don't hate everything-- in fact, it's our love of media that compels us to write about it. We're like loving aunts and uncles in our criticisms--we merely want media to be the best it can be. Unlike parents, we're distanced enough to see the potential flaws in the offspring, but close enough to emphasize their potential strengths.

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When it comes to comedy, my primary-- well, really, my only criterion in judging it is this: did it make me laugh? The Marx Brothers movies, with their non sequiturs and double entendres, make me laugh. The Three Stooges, with their slapstick versions of reality, make me laugh. Woody Allen, with his urbane, neurotic visions of modern life, rarely makes me laugh. Albert Brooks, with his neurotic takes on urban life, almost always does.

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Comedy is about incongruity-- taking reality and turning it inside out. From its title, one would conclude Rules of Engagement follows that dictum. It's a title that conjures up a spin-off of The Unit. What it is, though, is a comedy about the different phases of male-female relationships, with the marriage proposal being the pivotal point that somehow makes it make sense.

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Adam (Oliver Hudson) confesses to Russell (David Spade) that he's proposed to Jennifer (Bianca Kajlich). Russell, a 40-something swinging single with a penchant for younger women, thinks its a ridiculous idea, of course. Oddly enough, the conversation takes place in the obligatory coffee shop, a mainstay of sitcoms since the earliest days of Friends. Of course, Russell switches gears and bubbles over with feigned happiness for the couple as soon as Jennifer joins them. It's trademark David Spade, and hardly surprising.

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Fortunately, the pilot gains momentum once we're introduced to Jeff (Patrick Warburton) and Audrey (Megyn Price), married for twelve years and settled into the routine of married life. Think of them as a 21st century version of the Kramdens, more upscale than Ralph and Alice, but with a similar sarcastic bent to their relationship. Their bickering about trivialities belies their love for each other, and provides the show's best lines. Warburton, in particular, plays Jeff with deadpan resignation, unfazed and unsurprised by anything going on around him. When Audrey confronts Jeff about his beer consumption after a game of softball, he says in a righteous monotone, "Four beers, and three lights. . . so five beers."

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In its exploration of the evolution of relationships through the eyes of its principals, Rules of Engagement has its moments. While it never strays far from the formula of the sitcom, right down to the annoying laugh track, it offers a light look at the foibles inherent in the mating ritual. It's not a great comedy-- a midseason replacement while The New Adventures of Old Christine is on hiatus--but it has a great deal of potential. Pitted against both 24 and Heroes, it's unlikely to survive in its current time slot.

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Fortunately, CBS is making it available for viewing on its website, as well. It's worth a view.

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