8:30, 9:30 p.m.
Monday, March 13
CBS

Here's hoping Julia Louis-Dreyfus succeeds with her new sitcom. No one should have to keep answering witless questions about the "Seinfeld" curse. The truth is, compared to the singular success of that series, every other comedy since then has been "cursed." If "Seinfeld" alumni waited for another series as hip, brilliant and hilarious as their old show, we'd never see them again on TV.

Louis-Dreyfus' first post-"Seinfeld" series, "Watching Ellie," was smart and funny but mostly will be remembered for the countdown clock in the corner of the screen. If there was a curse operating here, it was the curse of the TV masses which, when it comes to comedy, prefers variations of the tried and true. It's the same curse that bedevils "Arrested Development" and "The Office."

This time, rather than break new ground, Louis-Dreyfus works with a more traditional setup. Still, like other comedies CBS has put on Monday night, this one uses its time-honored format to good advantage. It is smartly written, particularly well-cast and a worthy vehicle for Louis-Dreyfus and her high-energy comedy. The characters have greater depth than most and, except for the occasional West L.A. reference, most viewers should be able to relate, at least in a broad sense.

"The New Adventures of Old Christine" is an odd title but the explanation comes midway through the premiere. Louis-Dreyfus plays Christine, a divorced mother of a third-grader. The parting was amicable and she remains on good terms with Richard (Clark Gregg), who is seeing a much younger woman, also named Christine (Emily Rutherfurd). That, of course, makes Louis-Dreyfus' character the Old Christine.

There is a little Elaine Benes in Old Christine. She is a status seeker at times, instinctively resorting to white lies to impress others or explain herself. But she's also a caring mom, the owner of a small but thriving women's gym and willing, if somewhat grudgingly, to admit when she's wrong.

Christine is attractive and single. According to TV Sitcom Writing for Dummies, this requires there be an abundance of episodes on sex and dating. The premiere, from exec producer Kari Lizer, goes in a different direction, with Christine preparing young Ritchie (Trevor Gagnon) for his first day at a new and exclusive private school. However, the requisite sex and dating stories dominate the next two episodes.

Louis-Dreyfus is a powerful performer, with her physical comedy, precise timing and perfect inflection. She also enjoys strong support from a cast with theatrical training. Sets are well-designed and director Andy Ackerman maintains a smooth comic rhythm from one scene to the next.

Following the premiere at 8:30 p.m. Monday, a second episode will be seen at 9:30 p.m. The show is slotted for 9:30 p.m. on successive Mondays.

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE
CBS
Warner Bros. Television Productions Inc.
Credits:
Executive producers: Kari Lizer, Andy Ackerman
Producer: Lisa Helfrich Jackson
Creator-teleplay: Kari Lizer
Director: Andy Ackerman
Director of photography: Wayne Kennan
Art director: Glenda Rovello
Editor: Pat Barnett
Music: Matter. Casting: Tracy Lilienfield, Katherine Eckert
Cast:
Christine: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Richard: Clark Gregg
Matthew: Hamish Linklater
Ritchie: Trevor Gagnon
New Christine: Emily Rutherfurd
Marly: Tricia O'Kelley
Lindsay: Alex Kapp Horner
Mrs. Belt: Jordan Baker