TV Review: 'Will and Grace' Finds Their Chemistry Still In Tact

Premiering in 1998, “Will and Grace” revolutionized TV. Former Vice President Joe Biden emphasized the cultural impact of the sitcom, remarking that it was a tremendous force in reshaping people’s perception of the LGBT community and the issues the community faces. In the eyes of 1998 - 2006, the show was both daring and hilarious in equal measure. However, for 2017, the show seems quaint at times. That is what’s fascinating about returning to the landmark property. The characters continue to shine as they hold a mirror to the America of the past. With the current state of affairs, many were curious how these characters exist in the modern world. This curiosity seems to have been the focal point for the creators, as they can’t stop mentioning what has changed in eleven years.

It’s 2017 and both so much and so little has changed. Divorced and childless, not like the finale, Grace (Debra Messing) finds herself crashing at Will’s (Eric McCormack) place yet again. Time of stay remains undetermined yet seemingly indefinite. However, now Will fancies himself a social crusader, contacting congressmen in order to appear woke. It doesn’t hurt his arch nemesis is a very attractive gay man. Grace wants to do more without actually doing more. Wealthy, lazy socialite Karen (Megan Mullally), still Grace’s assistant, exacerbates the situation with her gloating of a Trump Presidency. Jack (Sean Hayes) appears more the less the same, although now his Grindr game has gotten him secret service connections.

When the fabulous foursome reunited last year for an election special, one thing was clear. The cast still had boundless amounts of chemistry. From the opening scene, that initial suspicion was confirmed. The four leads, all of whom won Emmys for their roles, shine with every barb and one-liner they lob at one another. Mullally, in particular, dazzles from the opening moments with only a vacant glaze alone. These initial moments capture the fun of the original, even as the modern references oftentimes fall with a thud.

It’s when the show picks up steam on its initial plot that things go a bit haywire. Both the A and B plot brings the crew to the White House. Things culminate in a pillow fight in the middle of the Oval Office. “Will and Grace” has always been a frothy good time, but it’s never been so absurd. The premiere, in a way, feels like an all ditch attempt to sell the remake. The show drew much criticism in its final seasons for relying on frequent guest stars to mask for lazy writing. Hopefully, this new season doesn’t find itself relying on camp or high-concept gimmicks to justify its return. If the central foursome proves anything, it’s that their gifts as comedic legends are reason enough.

“Will and Grace” are a lot like your parents. You loved them and they were there for you in the late 90s and early 00s. However, no one needs them to pretend to be hip. Using the terms “woke” and over-relying on political humor comes off more as a crutch than as good storytelling. However, at the core, they are the same people you fell in love with. The end of the episode finds our core duo content with being themselves. No more pretending they’ve changed. No more trying to be young, to be woke or to be hip with the times. They’re “Will and Grace,” and I don’t want or need anything more from them.

"Will and Grace" airs every Thursday evening at 9/8c on NBC.

GRADE: (★★★)

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