The TBS original series “10 Items or Less” begins its second season tomorrow night. TBS is still delving into original programming and has been hit or miss thus far. The network may eventually be able to grind into a niche the way FX has been able to, but for now its niche is still centered on syndication.

However, “10 Items or Less” is one of the better offerings TBS has put forward in the last couple years. The show is set in the struggling homespun groccery store Greens & Grains. The store’s optimistic manager rivals SuperValueMart, a Wal-Mart-esque uber-corporation that operates across the street.

In the first episode of the new season Leslie, the manager, finds $5,000 in silver dollars and attempts to use it as a promotion by putting five thousand dollar bills into a money machine where the dollars will float around and a customer can grab as much as possible in a minute. The promotion ends up attracting two robbers that hold the employees hostage while Leslie tries to avoid giving up any cash or getting shot in any way he can.

Some of the moments in the standoff are the funniest in the episode. However, the show tends to take an already ridiculous situation over the top to the point that it gets too goofy. While this is part of the show’s sense of humor, I feel that if “10 Items” can get rid of the over the top moments and focus on the straighter gags it will be a funny show. The situations and characters are ridiculous enough that the show is a lot funnier without that extra step into mayhem.

Regardless, the show is worth watching even with a few problems, because you will get some laughs out of it. Keep your expectations in check and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

Season two of “10 Items or Less” premieres tomorrow at 10 p.m. on TBS.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 14th, 2008 at 5:32 pm and is filed under Television. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.