The Charlotte Observer
`Embassy' is `Ally' across the pond
MARK WASHBURN

We can debate this but for purposes of argument, let's just agree that "Ally McBeal" is the best show in the niche of programs that attract and excite women in a way that is not painful for men to watch.

It's a microscopic niche in the bloated carcass of TV, just big enough for "Sex in the City" and Olympic figure skating.

But on Monday, Fox serves up "The American Embassy" for a six-week run, a spicy stew of angst, sex, relationships, career and contact sports filmed so regally that it's sure to smash the gender barrier.

In the first breath of "Embassy," we meet the beautiful and conflicted Emma Brody (Arija Bareikis), fleeing heartbreak by joining the 21st century alternative to the French Foreign Legion, the American Foreign Service. Her mom nagging her to the end, she jets off for London and before the plane lands, finds herself in the embrace of an irresistible rogue who works for the CIA.

By 10 minutes into the first episode, she's dealing with a naked guy who plants himself in the embassy lobby and before the second commercial for L'Oreal, we've met her randy roommate who is, shall we say, wall-bendingly vocal in matters of passion.

Just for insurance, "Embassy" plays Brody against a messy custody case, an engaging transvestite and an engaged Lord Fancypants, a regular jack of hearts who makes Emma go all flushy. I can't speak for women (who inexplicably will like this mannered, dainty, wealthy, honest, tender, walk-on-my-cloak gallant, Hugh Grant-type creep), but the men are all rooting for the callous rascal from the CIA. There's even touch football. Something for everyone.

Emma's conscience speaks to us through her letters and e-mails (Advice to brother: "There's a direct correlation between temptation, humiliation and self-doubt." And she proves it. Something for everyone, I'm telling you.)

This nexus of the series is the same Maalox moments that drive "Ally McBeal," gallons of anxiety vs. thimblefuls of self-confidence. The overachiever, wants-to-be-a-good-girl Emma is confronted with cold reality and she's got to overcome challenges with whatever wits she can muster. It's a rich conflict, explored here capably.

But "Ally McBeal," with all its architecture and fashion and facial ballet, never looked this good. "Embassy" gives us dance scenes, British accents and tragic slow-motion moments where unweighted things flutter aimlessly through the mist as Emma struggles for her footing.

Neither London nor the cast are hard on the eye. Our envoys to the court of St. James are a well-bodied bunch, as they prove in eveningwear or Ohio State sweatshirts.

"Embassy" hijacks the time slot for "Ally," finishing with a two-hour finale April 15. "Ally" returns the following Monday with a double episode.

In the language of diplomacy, we see no cause for frank dialogue on contentious issues regarding direct oversight of the instrument of change as regards the timeslot during this interim.

Translation: No fights over the clicker because of this one.

Mark Washburn

charlotte observer

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