The time has finally come for you to experience The Grinder. Rob Lowe and Fred Savage will own your Tuesday nights. Is that really such a bad thing? They are the ultimate duo. “When his long-running hit series comes to an end, Dean decides to move back to his small home town to take over his family’s law firm.” You are not going to want to miss the series premiere of The Grinder tonight at 8:30/7:30c on FOX.
If you are like me, you have been longing for more Rob Lowe on your television. There was a void in Parks and Recreation when he left. The good news is that there is a touch of Chris Traeger in Dean Sanderson. Lowe’s charisma just can’t be contained and that is one of the many things that make him a beautifully compelling actor. And I’m still convinced that Rob Lowe, Fred Savage, and Johnny Depp made a pact with someone for eternal youth. Seriously! Rob and Fred were also smart enough to include a hit show clause. Johnny, you should have followed their lead. I am hearing good things about Black Mass. That being said, The Grinder is a show with a lot of promise. The series premiere is very good and I have a feeling that the show is only going to get better. You’ll definitely want to keep up with it.
The show starts off with clips from Dean’s (Rob Lowe) show. It’s the series finale of The Grinder. Dean is enjoying his accolades and then the car ride begins. Dean wants to be a lawyer for real. He thinks that all his years of television lawyer experience have qualified him. Stewart Sanderson (Fred Savage), Dean’s brother, is not pleased and he’s just not that into hugging. Dean hugs like he means it. Way to go, Dean. Dean tells it like it is and Stewart doesn’t want to hear it. They could both learn so much from each other. That’s definitely one of the basic dynamics of the show.
When Dean heads to court with Stewart, now that is where the magic happens. A good salesman can sell anything. Dean is a spectacular salesman. Dean puts his years of playing a lawyer to good use. Dean wants to help Victor Ramirez (Juan Carlos Cantu) win his case. Stewart has reservations, and rightfully so. Yes, fans of The Bridge, it’s our very own Capitan Robles. Juan is fantastic. I miss that show so much.
One of my favorite characters in the show is Stewart’s son, Ethan Sanderson (Connor Kalopsis). He’s wise beyond his years. His conversations will make you laugh and melt your heart, all at the same time. Ethan is an amazingly talented young actor. He has a scene with Dean that is almost too much. I’m looking forward to seeing more from him.
There are some really great lines in this episode. I’m not going to ruin anything, so you’ll have to watch it tonight. Waitress from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia plays Stewart’s wife. It’s great seeing Mary Elizabeth Ellis star opposite Fred Savage. The series reminds me a bit of Franklin & Bash. Kumail Nanjiani even makes an appearance. Kumail never disappoints. The chemistry between Rob Lowe and Fred Savage is what makes this show. They both know what works and they don’t hold back. It’s one of the most promising comedy pilots I’ve seen in a long, long time. You must watch it tonight, if not for anything else do it for justice. “For Justice!” I promise it will put a smile on your face.
The Grinder airs Tuesday nights at 8:30/7:30c on FOX.
