Critic Reviews

Malibu Country is nothing great. But its studio-shot sitcom style sure suits Reba.

I can't say I laughed a lot, but I like the premise and kind of dig the sheer novelty of a show that doesn't have characters forever addressing the camera.

The multicamera, laughtrack sitcom is completely unoriginal, the jokes are recycled and many of the characters--especially Reba's obnoxious teenage son and daughter--are underdeveloped stereotype. Still, the charismatic country star and Tomlin's droll Lillie Mae, who successfully balances her sharp tongue with surprising softness, are entertaining.

Reba's smile can warm almost anything. But it's not worth sitting through this recycled sitcom for it.

The comedy--anything but edgy--is one cee-ment pond and half a fancy eatin' table away from "The Beverly Hillbillies," and is rooted in the inevitable culture clash of a Tennessee family adjusting to life in Southern California.

Though she performs a heartfelt song about her mixed emotions, the implication being that Bobby's songs are lies and hers tell truth, the episode's ongoing comedy bits don't support this distinction.

The deal you make with a series like this is, if it doesn't ask too much of you, you won't ask too much of it.

The dialogue and situations (written by Kevin Abbott) are nothing special.

Outlandish and thoroughly TV Land-ish, Malibu Country belongs on the network of Hot In Cleveland, Happily Divorced and other broad, blast-from-the-past sitcoms.

Here the basic setup is "The Beverly Hillbillies" without Jed.