I am – Hercules!! It’s a sitcom, from writers Rob Burnett and Jon Beckerman (“Ed”), about a group of weak-minded New Yorkers who hatch a plot to improve their impoverished lot in life by robbing rock superstar Mick Jagger. It stars Donal Logue (“Grounded For Life”) and Sofia Vergara (“Four Brothers”). The uneven pilot has some huge laughs, mostly relating to Jagger’s ridiculously indulgent lifestyle, but one suspects “Ed” fans might find disappointment in the series’ overt silliness. I’ll only point out that “Ed” also enjoyed a shaky start but evolved into something much revered by discriminating lovers of TV comedy. But what matters Herc’s opinion? TV Guide gives it a 7 (out of 10) and says:

… You'll root for these inept amateurs, but sustaining this premise won't be easy. …

USA Today gives it three stars (out of four) and says:

… Knights is worth the leap of faith, in large part because the robbery is only one part of this good-natured tribute to the appeal of the American dream, the get-rich-quick variety. Unlike the glum Smith, Heist and Thief, the show immediately sets out to establish that its Keystone crooks are, if not deserving, as least not undeserving — and that they pose no real risk to Jagger's wealth and health. ("Certainly he will not miss a few crumbs from his table of much plentifulness.") …

The Los Angeles Times says:

… creators Rob Burnett and Jon Beckerman ("Late Show With David Letterman" producers who previously did the series "Ed") rather rush you to the kitsch. It was their style on "Ed" to be too cutesy by half, and so here …

The Chicago Tribune says:

… The gang’s silly adventures, the show’s zippy pace and the sharp writing would all be amusing no matter what, but the secret of the “Knights” is that the characters are immediately memorable and distinct (you have to love the gang’s youngest member, the nerdy Louis, who’s been told he’s interning on a Queen Latifah movie). …

The San Jose Mercury News says:

… the best new network sitcom this season. … sweet, whimsical and very funny … It earns its laughs honestly with quirky charm, sharp dialogue and situations that somehow remain rooted in reality even as the gang proves to be the most inept of thieves. …

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says:

… a cute show, but the premise is so paper-thin you have to wonder how the writers will sustain "Knights" for a full season, let alone many years, if successful. … doesn't shine as brightly as one might hope in these early episodes, but there are enough hints of great comedy that there's reason to expect further improvement. …

The Hollywood Reporter says:

… Based on the first couple of episodes -- and particularly the pilot -- "Knights" will be a welcome addition to a TV season suffering through a longterm comedy drought. It bursts with humor thanks to a solid cast, smart writing and a quick pace. …

Variety says:

… silly, mildly amusing … has its moments in a "Honeymooners" sort of way but, especially after viewing the second episode, feels destined to run out of gas long before its central sextet gets any satisfaction. … the rock star's presence will be minuscule after his good-spirited premiere cameo, meaning the onus lies on this dingy half-dozen, with Richardson's gravely rumblings providing the one sure-fire source of amusement. …

9 p.m. Wednesday. ABC.





Whedon-y Goodness Under $20!!!!