On Sept. 30, ABC debuted its new comedy “Selfie,” an updated version of the 1964 classic “My Fair Lady.” The show follows Eliza Dooley (Karen Gillan, “Guardians of the Galaxy”), a self-obsessed social media addict, as she undergoes a personality makeover from her co-worker Henry Higgs (John Cho, “Star Trek Into Darkness”). The hokey title implies a pop culture infused show just looking to capitalize on today’s rampant narcissism. While this is unfortunately true for much of the first episode, there might still be a glimmer of hope for any tepid viewers.
The pilot does a fairly good job of introducing viewers into the show’s materialistic world. Eliza Dooley has over 200,000 followers on her social media platforms, thanks to her superficial personality and good looks. Henry Higgs, meanwhile, is a buttoned-up naysayer of the “selfie” culture.
Eliza and Henry work for the charming and strange Sam Saperstein (David Harewood, “Homeland”) at a pharmaceutical company. Eliza is the firm’s top salesperson, while Henry is a marketing whiz kid. When Eliza embarrasses herself in front of the company and her entire Internet following, she realizes how empty her life has become. She asks Henry for help in rebuilding her image and changing her outlook on life.
At times, “Selfie” is almost #TooMuch. The incessant, often-grating, pop culture references spittle out of characters lips through every scene. Think “Gilmore Girls” on acid. Most come from Eliza in her narration, which is understandable considering her character, but it feels less like a show trying to be culturally relevant and more like someone’s dad trying to sound hip. It’s as if someone took the Twitter feed of Kim Kardashian and turned it into dialogue. The point is obviously to be satiric, but it’s like beating a dead horse. The title and Eliza’s personality are enough of a scathing critique on society.
Another pitfall is the relationship between Eliza and Henry. There are some not-so-subtle hints at a romance between the two, which is no surprise coming from a mainstream television show about a man and a woman. As in “My Fair Lady,” the story is about a woman changing herself in order to meet someone else’s standards. While it is Eliza’s choice to change, to want to be a better person, she is ultimately doing it so others will like her, not so she will like herself. Having Henry fall in love with her only reinforces Eliza’s tendency to define her self-worth based on others.
A more interesting adaptation might find both Eliza and Henry growing from the situation, helping each other as individuals. But this is Hollywood, so there has to be a romantic happy ending, right?
Despite what they’re given as characters, Gillan and Cho offer a wonderful example of on-screen chemistry and comedic timing. Scottish actress Gillan hits the nail on the head with her performance as Eliza Dooley. She is simultaneously ditzy, vain and vulnerable. She manages to find depth in an outwardly one-dimensional role. Cho also shines as the tersely spoken cynic with a heart of gold, Henry. He is funny without being comical, and he is honest without being especially preachy. Gillan and Cho are well matched, easily the highlight of an otherwise uneven premiere.
In fact, it’s thanks to Gillan and Cho that the show is even watchable. The quieter moments between the two are when “Selfie” really shines. The charming chemistry between these two are enough reason to stick with the show for at least a few more weeks.
As with most pilots, it isn’t perfect, but there’s still time for growth. Taking out the overdone dialogue and focusing less on hooking up the two leads, “Selfie” might actually capture the “likes” it’s craving.
“Selfie” airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC.
