DeathWatch Watch

Remote Roundup: “Rules of Engagement”

February 09, 2007

DeathWatchers have been largely quiet about this CBS sitcom, which purports to be about “the three stages of coupledom.” Featuring David Spade and Patrick Warburton, the show has received some pretty, well, specific reviews from critics.

“Bottom Line: Men are just a bunch of one-track oafs, and women -- smarter and in charge -- simply have to put up with them. Not exactly the cutting edge of comedic freshness and innovation.” – Ray Richmond, The Hollywood Reporter.

"Will this be the new 'Seinfeld'? Or, ‘Will this at least be the new 'Friends'?’ But "Rules of Engagement" is neither. It's the new nothing, and it seems not only old at first encounter, but dead on arrival.” -

Despite this (yikes) reviews, the show turned in an unusually high 5.2 rating for its premiere. It currently sits at position number 13 on the DeathWatch, with odds of cancellation at 91:1.

Give us your take here, and we’ll report back next week.

Comments

Liptus wrote:

I'll admit I was surprised when I watched this show that actually I enjoyed it! I'm not a big David Spade fan, and shows which he are in tend to be to "Spade-centric"; however this one was very different. All the characters come together to work as a real cast should.

posted at February 12, 2007 10:41 PM

Daniella wrote:

I wanted this to be as funny as the commercials but, sadly, it isn't. I can see that the premise is funny but something is missing. Patrick Warburton consistently talks in a very deep voice that sounds unnatural; Oliver Hudson's character and girlfriend don't inspire me to care about them; David Spade is by far the most amusing. I hope the humor improves; much of it falls flat or doesn't make me laugh out loud.

posted at February 13, 2007 11:15 AM

lily wrote:

Does anyone know if this is replacing "The New Adventures of Old Christine"? It's been in that timeslot, but not nearly as good a show.

posted at February 13, 2007 12:50 PM

Robynne Hixson wrote:

I think this show is the best comedy that's come around in a long time (I absolutely hate "Til Death"). "Rules" is very very dry comedy at its best. All the characters interact like they have been doing this show for years. Great cast. Patrick Warburton (Seinfeld's "Puddy") is so good - take him out of the cast and I think the show would fail even though David Spade as always has perfect comedy timing. You need Warburton's deadpan, monotonous voice to carry off those lines, which are hilarious and his delivery is brilliant. Congrats to the writers. And the other guy, the fiance (sorry can't remember his name) really carries off his role like he's been doing this for years, but I can't place him in anything previously. Last but certainly not least, the women seem totally comfortable with the script. Like I said, it looks like all of the actors have been playing these characters for years. Hats off to the writers and those casting this comedy. Hope it catches on - I want this one around for awhile.

posted at February 13, 2007 01:05 PM

rpe wrote:

I watched this show for the first time Monday, and it wasn't half bad. What makes me want to watch is not the guys, but Megyn Price. Absolutely loved her in "Grounded for Life"!!

posted at February 14, 2007 10:45 AM

toostie wrote:

this just stinks.....need to get over laugh track (althouth they have tones it down since premeir),,,JUST UGH

posted at February 23, 2007 11:42 PM

jamie hamilton wrote:

Rules is a wonderful show and fits perfectly in this Monday night group.

posted at March 21, 2007 02:42 PM

B W wrote:

Considering all the crappy, contrived comedies on the air: this is better than most. Add one more female character and I think there's a hit show here.

posted at March 22, 2007 12:57 PM

amy wrote:

I loved the first episode but it's been downhill from there. Honestly though, I only watch it for Patrick and the woman who plays his wife. I loved Patrick on Seinfeld but the show itself.. not too funny. I'd love to see an episode that was based on something other than sex and men acting stupid. It's funny for a while but gets old fast. I still do enjoy it so I hope the writiers come up with something new. I don't like David Spade though. Are we really to think he's a ladies man even to the young and dumb, maybe drunk and desprate. The young couple is really annoying.

posted at April 4, 2007 07:37 PM

Greg wrote:

Greatest show since Lucky Louie to be cancelled. Can't believe it.

posted at April 15, 2007 02:30 PM

mary wrote:

This show made my husband and I laugh lots. We have been married for 13 years and think the writers have good insight into relationships.

Is is cancelled?

posted at April 16, 2007 07:50 PM

keith bowden wrote:

I love the show. I really hope that they do not cancel Rules Of Engagement. It is so relatable and I love all of the cast. They all just fit together so well. I have been missing the show. Please bring it back!!!

posted at April 22, 2007 09:20 PM