Tonight I watched the pilot ... and I am completely disappointed. I was hoping for something wonderful, but despite the enormity of talent, the little screen didn't replicate the warmth and uniqueness of the big screen. More than likely, the American public, satisfied with mediocrity, will accept it.
Unlike the promise, it did not pick up where the movie left off. The names of the 2 main characters have changed, the situation changed, i.e., Dad gave them a house AFTER the honeymoon (at the wedding in the movie), Toula (now Nia) has returned to the restaurant (a key point in the story was her escape from this unfulfilling job), and the character of Ian is not only gone, but so is the irreplaceable John Corbett, who was contractually unable to recreate his role. A look alike would have been a better choice, but, more importantly, John's tender and caring approach to the character is completely absent in Steven Eckholdt's depiction (now, Michael). Most importantly, the most charming focus of the movie is gone ... the fact that this man was so in love with this woman that he accepted anything her family threw his way. Gone, for comic effect. While there is a wealth of talent on board (most notably, Michael Constantine and Andrea Martin) who try very, very hard to keep it afloat, the script and storyline has been greatly attenuated. Such a pity.
Unlike the promise, it did not pick up where the movie left off. The names of the 2 main characters have changed, the situation changed, i.e., Dad gave them a house AFTER the honeymoon (at the wedding in the movie), Toula (now Nia) has returned to the restaurant (a key point in the story was her escape from this unfulfilling job), and the character of Ian is not only gone, but so is the irreplaceable John Corbett, who was contractually unable to recreate his role. A look alike would have been a better choice, but, more importantly, John's tender and caring approach to the character is completely absent in Steven Eckholdt's depiction (now, Michael). Most importantly, the most charming focus of the movie is gone ... the fact that this man was so in love with this woman that he accepted anything her family threw his way. Gone, for comic effect. While there is a wealth of talent on board (most notably, Michael Constantine and Andrea Martin) who try very, very hard to keep it afloat, the script and storyline has been greatly attenuated. Such a pity.