'Out of Practice' needs nudity

There are a lot of reasons to watch a television show. Shows become popular through good writing, direction and excellent acting. Of course, that doesn't explain why 'Yes, Dear' is in its third season (or is it fourth? It's too depressing to think about).

Many shows are educational. Learning something new or experiencing another culture are excellent reasons to watch a television show.

Other shows are nostalgic - they remind you of past events in your life or other times and places.

'Out of Practice' doesn't really fit into any of the above categories. The cast is worth noting, including television heavyweights Stockard Channing and Henry Winkler. For chrissake, the Fonz is on this show!

The writing hasn't quite caught up to the talent of the cast. Well, I suppose it's caught up to co-star Paula Marshall. Marshall is a TV kiss of death, having appeared on 'Wild Oats,' 'Chicago Sons,' 'Cupid,' 'Snoops,' 'Cursed,' and 'Hidden Hills' since 1994. At least she's working.

The actors are doing the best with what they are given. The writing is too "bit"ish. (no, not British). They try too hard to make each line a little comic performance. Just give me half-way decent funny dialogue.

An example - the Fonz is talking about his son's new apartment:

Fonzie: "You guys, have you seen the bathroom? There is a floor to ceiling window with one way glass, you get this fantastic view but total privacy."

Son: "Yeah, they're coming to tint that tomorrow."

Fonzie: "Is there a back way out of here?"

*trumpet WAHH WAHH*
Ick.

And yet, my TiVo is set to record every episode of Out of Practice. Whatever for?

Eye Candy.

I'd like to think my addiction is more subtle than the hoards of 'Baywatch' devotees, but I have to admit that Christopher Gorham (left side of top photo, blue sweater) is the cutest thing since sliced bread. And, as we all know, sliced bread is freakin adorable.

Chris and I go way back - all the way to 1999 when he starred in the severely underappreciated show Popular.

Out of Practice needs good ratings, and fast. From Variety.com:

CBS is also giving some encouragement to laffer "Out of Practice" and drama "Threshold," ordering three additional scripts of the series but waiting to see some more ratings data before ordering more episodes.

I don't mean to be presumptuous, but I think it would be totally believable if Christopher's character had scenes fresh out of the shower ... or pool! They could have a pool.

Also, they could include a scene where everyone's clothes fly off. They could easily explain it by adding a genie to the cast.

Genies get ratings, right?