Dog Bites Man

It's not surprising television writers would find television funny. It's gratifying they can make it funny for us, too.

The show exhibits some welcome bite.

It's highly entertaining.

There's no question that "Dog Bites Man"... scales heights of hilarity, more than one might have a right to expect. But there's a problem: Virtually all the characters are detestable in one way or another, and partly as a result, the show never seems grounded.

In its zeal to zing local TV news, "Dog" loses any flavor of authenticity, which is absolutely essential for effective satire.

Improv techniques aside, I'd just settle for a funny script.

This disappointing new series operates by one rule alone: When all else fails, refer to genitalia.