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stars on screen Out (and down) Abby McEnany is a witty ‘Work In Progress’ on Showtime By Michelle Rose TV Media Out (and down): The pilot was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival. Now, Showtime is hoping TV audiences will be just as enthusiastic about a full series of “Work In Progress,” which debuts Sunday, Dec. 8, on Showtime. Set (and shot) in the Windy City, the series is a quirky and thoughtful exercise in storytell- ing that leans into dark com- edy while addressing LGBTQ themes. And critics are saying it could be a star-making role for creator Abby McEnany, a veteran of the Chicago improv scene. The story centers on McEna- ny’s 45-year-old character, who is struggling with self-loathing, anxieties and obsessions. De- spair runs deep — in fact, the official trailer opens with Abby counting out 180 almonds while explaining, “Every day, I’m just gonna throw one away. And if there’s one almond left, and I don’t feel any better, I’m done. I’m out.” Things don’t improve when Abby’s therapist unexpectedly dies mid-session. But even in the bleakest moments, there’s an element of self-deprecating humor and a healthy dose of perspective to lighten the mood for viewers — like when Abby yells out, “My life is hard- er than anybody else’s!” just as a young woman in a wheel- chair enters the room. And the good news is that Abby’s fortunes do start to turn, with events leading to an unexpect- ed romance with a young trans man played by guest star Theo Germaine (“The Politician”). “Work In Progress” was a one-person show until McEnany partnered with Tim Mason to create an indepen- dently produced comedy pilot. That pilot was screened at Sun- dance in January, where it was an official selection of the Indie Episodic program. In May, it was handed a series order, and Lilly Wachowski (“The Matrix,” 24 | Screentime Theo Garmaine and Abby McEnany in “Work in Progress” 1999) was brought on board meeting is a meaningful com- to serve as executive producer edy moment that has already and writer alongside McEnany. generated buzz for “Work In Once the series launches on Progress” ahead of its Dec. 8 Showtime, keep an eye out for premiere. an appearance by Julia Swee- ney (“Saturday Night Live”) in Casting Clinton: After a scene that offers a commen- tackling the case against O.J. tary on LGBTQ media images. Simpson and Gianni Versace’s Abby (and McEnany in real killer, “American Crime Story” life) cites Sweeney’s gender- is turning a lens on the Wash- ambiguous character from the ington scandal that transfixed recurring “SNL” sketch (and the nation 20 years ago. 1994 feature film) “It’s Pat” Titled “Impeachment: as a hurtful portrayal that “ru- American Crime Story,” the ined my life.” It’s not the first third season of the anthology time Sweeney’s character has series will tell the story of the been singled out as a negative impeachment of President Bill portrayal, though the come- Clinton. It has already found its dian has stated that she never president in Oscar-nominated intended to present Pat as non- actor Clive Owen (“Closer,” binary, only to highlight how 2004), who will be heavily people feel the need to label featured. others. Nevertheless, McEnany Production will begin says the two have become fast in spring 2020 for a tenta- friends, and their on-screen tively scheduled fall premiere, December 4, 2019 | East Oregonian and Hermiston Herald though it’s been a long journey just to get to this point. Back in 2016, “American Crime Story” creator Ryan Murphy announced the next install- ment would tell the story of hurricane Katrina. It appeared to be coming together, with a number of big-name actors signing on, but delays and other developments caused Murphy to eventually abandon the idea in 2017. That same year, Murphy also optioned Jeffrey Toobin’s book “A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Story of the Sex Scandal That Nearly Brought Down a Presi- dent” (Toobin’s book on the O.J. case shaped Season 1 of “ACS”). It would have served as the inspiration for the story told in Season 3. Instead, a chance meeting with Monica Lewinsky inspired Murphy to tell the story from the perspec- tive of the “women who found themselves caught up in the scandal and political war that cast a long shadow over the Clinton presidency,” according to FX chief John Landgraf. Actress Beanie Feldstein (“Lady Bird,” 2017) will por- tray Lewinsky, who has a key behind-the-scenes role as pro- ducer. While Annaleigh Ashford (“Younger”) will star as Paula Jones, “ACS” and steady Mur- phy collaborator Sarah Paulson will play the role of Lewinsky’s former confidante, Linda Tripp. ’Sin City’ TV: Legendary au- thor Frank Miller and indie stu- dio Legendary TV have reached a deal to adapt Miller’s comics to the small screen, and that’s great news for fans. Miller’s “Sin City” comics have already spawned two film adaptations — one in 2005 and another in 2014 — that brought the film noir-esque characters and gritty universe to life. This agreement is inter- esting because TV could prove to be a better fit for Miller’s anthology format. Robert Rodriguez, who co-directed the two films, is reportedly close to reaching a separate deal for his involve- ment in the TV adaptation. Keep in mind that the project is still early in the develop- ment stage, and few details are known at this time. But here’s what we do know: the Legend- ary TV deal guarantees a first season, though it remains to be seen if a network or streaming platform will pick up the series. It also calls for an animated prequel, with both Miller and Rodriguez serving as executive producers along with Stephen L’Heureux and Silenn Thomas.
