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Web Therapy - The Complete First Season

by Daniel Scheffler
EDGE Contributor
Thursday Jun 21, 2012
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Web Therapy - Season One is as dryly farcical as expected from seemingly silly Lisa Kudrow. An innovative take on webisodes, YouTube and the open source nature of television online, "Web Therapy" makes short episodes available freely online. Season One’s DVD turn these almost-10 minute shorts into full episodes of comedy.

"Web Therapy" might just be the most innovative role Lisa Kudrow has ever had, as the psychologist Fiona Wallice also exploring with new ways of doing things. In her case, traditional face-to-face therapy but via the web. This makes for a perfect exhibition opportunity for Kudrow’s striking deadpan face and seemingly fragile interior.

The sequences shown as if on Skype include inapposite advice to patients, grasping family interactions and gather the most satisfying range of actors onto her show. Highlights include the sex kitten character played by Meryl Streep, a maddening interaction with Courtney Cox’s character, smug Alan Cumming playing Fiona’s ally and ever-grim Jane Lynch playing a slight lunatic. But of course Fiona Wallice turns every interaction into an opportunity to discuss herself.

The DVD includes bonus commentary on all episodes from Lisa Kudrow and fellow creator and director Dan Bucatinsky, who also stars in the show, goofball outtakes, previews of Season Two and a behind-the-scenes featurette that shows off Kudrow’s natural ability for awkward humor.

After the success of "Friends" and the ingrained character that Lisa Kudrow played, and couldn’t quite get away from although desperately attempting to with countless roles of unlikeable women, for over a decade is perfectly juxtaposed here with a showcase of her pure comedic talent. The series feels bona fide and Season Two will probably iron out some of the slower moments.

Web Therapy - Season One
DVD
$19.99
http://webtherapyshow.com/

Daniel Scheffler is a writer who spends his time in New York, Cape Town and India. Follow him on Twitter @danielscheffler

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