By Dean Robbins
Paul Reiser returns to wallow in misery
Where has Paul Reiser been hiding? The star of the beloved 1990s series "Mad
About You" is a natural-born sitcom comedian, and he hasn't lost a bit
of his endearing nervous energy in "The Paul Reiser Show" (Thursday,
7:30 p.m., NBC). Written and produced by Reiser, it's a "Curb Your Enthusiasm"-style
slice-of-Hollywood-life in which the star plays a version of himself.
"
What's funny for the audience at home is you squirming," a Hollywood
type tells Paul when he tries out to be a game-show host. "Your misery
is the funny part!"
There aren't many times in life when you're moved to shout "bring on
the misery!" But this is definitely one of them.
‘Game of Thrones'
Sunday, 8 p.m. (HBO)
HBO turns George R.R. Martin's fantasy book series "A Song of Ice and
Fire" into a TV series, rendering complicated power struggles among kings
and queens, knights and noblemen.
If you're the type who likes to see royal clans clash in lush medieval-style
settings, you're sure to have a good time. And even if you aren't that type,
you might appreciate the unusually adult-oriented approach allowed on premium
cable. This is a mythical land that likes its sex frequent and buck naked,
and even the lowliest prostitutes have bodies worthy of "Playboy." CV
