Today's Entertainment

2 • September 30 - October 6, 2018 • Brainerd Dispatch By Kyla Brewer TV Media A t the end of the day, it's nice to kick back and enjoy a few laughs. Watching a TV comedy is a great way to unwind, but some sit- coms are more than just a string of snappy one-liners. A new series takes a humorous look at a serious issue as it tackles racism in America. Max Greenfield ("New Girl") stars as Dave Johnson, a friendly conflict negotiator from the Mid- west who cheerily moves his fami- ly to a primarily black neighbor- hood in L.A. when his wife gets a new job as a school principal in "The Neighborhood," premiering Monday, Oct. 1, on CBS. Unfortu- nately, his new neighbor Calvin, played by comedy legend Cedric the Entertainer ("The Steve Harvey Show"), isn't happy to see a white family move in next door. Luckily for Dave, not everyone shares Calvin's point of view. Cal- vin's gracious wife, Tina (Tichina Arnold, "Everybody Hates Chris"), welcomes the Johnsons to the community. Calvin's young son, Marty (Marcel Spears, "The May- or"), is happy to see Dave, his wife, Gemma (Beth Behrs, "2 Broke Girls"), and their young son, Gro- ver (Hank Greenspan, "13 Rea- sons Why"). Meanwhile, Calvin's older unemployed son, Malcolm (Sheaun McKinney, "Great News"), finds it entertaining to watch his frustrated father inter- act with their new neighbors. Despite his efforts, Dave just can't seem to ingratiate himself to Calvin, who is convinced that the white family's presence will dis- rupt the culture of their beloved neighborhood. While "The Neigh- borhood" could easily rely on the odd-couple banter between Calvin and Dave for predictable laughs and gags, series creator and show- runner Jim Reynolds ("The Big Bang Theory") has said the series has a deeper message. During this year's Television Critics Associa- tion summer press tour, he ex- plained that he hoped the sitcom would open a dialogue about race relations. "This is a traditional sitcom," Reynolds went on to say, "a comfort- able and welcoming vehicle to bring people into a safe space and then talk about some difficult issues." Loosely based on Reynolds' own experience moving his family to a historically black neighbor- hood in Pasadena, Calif., "The Neighborhood" chronicles Dave's efforts to break through Calvin's gruff exterior to become his friend. Dave may be the friendliest guy in the Midwest, but Calvin is having none of it. Similar to Norman Lear's groundbreaking TV classic "All in the Family," the new come- dy isn't afraid to explore hot but- ton issues such as racism and re- verse racism. Cedric the Entertainer has had a huge influence on the show's di- rection since signing on to the project in March, and Reynolds has given him a lot of credit and praise for his contributions to the show's development. The dialogue between the two men reverber- ates through the show as the sto- ries are told from the perspectives of both the black and the white families. In a July interview with Variety, the creator said he wel- comed the comedian's input. "He gave us the benefit of hav- ing an authentic African-American point of view," Reynolds said. He later added: "Cedric and my rela- tionship is kind of a metaphor for the show. He's been instrumental to it." With a huge star and a noble objective, the comedy shows a lot of promise, but there have been some bumps on the road to prime time. After undergoing a few title changes from "Here Comes the Neighborhood" to "Welcome to the Neighborhood" to its current incarnation, the cast was changed up. In May, it was announced that Greenfield replaced Australian ac- tor Josh Lawson ("House of Lies"), who was originally cast in the role of Dave back in March. Then, in June, reports surfaced that Behrs would take over the role of Gem- ma Johnson for Dreama Walker ("Don't Trust the B—— in Apart- ment 23"), who had been original- ly cast in April. No definitive rea- son was given for the recastings other than the fact that CBS want- ed to work with Greenfield. The cast shuffling meant the pi- lot had to be reshot, and luckily the cast and crew had an industry veteran at the helm. Legendary television director James Burrows, best known for co-creating the TV classic "Cheers," directed both pi- lots for "The Neighborhood." A Hollywood icon, he's directed more than 50 television pilots, and he reached a significant milestone when he directed his 1,000th TV episode in 2016 with an install- ment of NBC's "Crowded." It's clear the network has high hopes for "The Neighborhood." CBS gave the show a series order back in May, and it was featured at the 12th annual PaleyFest Fall Television Previews event in Sep- tember. In addition to Reynolds and series star Cedric the Enter- tainer, the show's executive pro- ducers include Aaron Kaplan ("The Chi"), Dana Honor ("Me, Myself and I"), Wendi Trilling ("9JKL") and Eric Rhone ("The Honeymoon- ers," 2005). Just like Calvin's precious neighborhood, Monday nights may never be the same as the Johnson family settles in and ad- justs to a new life in the big city. Dave may never win Calvin over, but it should be entertaining to watch him try. Don't miss the pre- miere of "The Neighborhood," air- ing Monday, Oct. 1, on CBS. Comedy with a purpose: It's a beautiful day in 'The Neighborhood' Cover Story this week Sheaun McKinney stars in "The Neighborhood" The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon I read that DJ Khaled just launched his own furniture line that includes gold couches, gold lion statues and even a throne. You can find it at Pier One in the "Drug Lord" section. Finland just hosted a contest to crown the world air guitar champion. Afterward, the winner held up her air trophy and hugged her air husband and kids. The Late Late Show With James Corden In other shocking food news, according to another study, chocolate chip cookie addiction shares many similarities with cocaine addiction. Truly, yes. Researchers say sugar can give you some of the same cravings that cocaine can give. And I say, it is actually worse for you. Like, believe me, try getting an entire chocolate chip cookie up your nose. Jimmy Kimmel Live All these guys who voted for Trump — now they can't watch the NFL. They can't ride Harleys. They have to burn their Nikes. They can't go to Starbucks or watch Netflix. They have to love Putin and hate the FBI. I mean, if this were a practical joke, it'd be one of the greatest jokes ever! Late Night With Seth Meyers Florida police are searching for a person who accidentally donated a duffel bag to a thrift shop that contained almost five pounds of marijuana. "This smells like weed," said customers about every thrift store item ever. According to a new report, some upscale hotels are now offering cannabis-infused room service items to maximize relaxation for guests. Or you could just go to any Days Inn and huff the drapes. Late Laughs Match of the Month For more information about Kinship Partners, please call (218)-829-4606 or visit our website at www.kinshippartners.org Be a Friend. Be a Mentor. Photography donated by Mike Aulie at Sothers Studio Why not start your own friendship journey? Madison and Memphis have faced some struggles in their young lives but they were fortunate enough to have been taken in by their grandparents. Madison, 9 and Memphis, who is 7 have been blessed to have wonderful grandparents who have provided love and support at a very important time in their lives. However, when their grandfather became ill it became clear that additional support would be welcome and Kinship Partners was able to provide mentors for the siblings. Bruce and Pam Cunningham saw the need and decided they would each become a mentor. They have been a real blessing to Memphis and Madison, and when their grandfather passed away, Bruce and Pam were able to take the kids for a couple of days to provide some relief for their grandmother. Congratulations Bruce, Memphis, Pam, and Madison on your Match of the Month! These four have had a lot of fun and both families would say this has been a match that all of them have enjoyed. Kinship Partners Inc. 001767457r1 BAXTER • ALEXANDRIA • PERHAM • CROSSLAKE www.advantageseamlessgutters.com Stay off the Ladder and leave your gutter cleaning & maintenance up to us! 7419 Forthun Rd. • Baxter, MN 56425 218-270-2663 Call for a free estimate. 001766991r1

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