Courtney Rose (Brandon Michael Hall) poses in a promotional banner for “The Mayor.” The show is an ABC comedy which aired its first episode on Oct. 3. Photo Fair Use of ABC.
The ABC comedy series “The Mayor”, which aired its first episode on Oct. 3, is full of good humor and relatable characters, in spite of a somewhat weak plot.
The ABC comedy series “The Mayor”, which aired its first episode on Oct. 3, begins with the young, unsuccessful rapper Courtney Rose (Brandon Michael Hall) running for mayor as a promotion for his struggling rap album.
Contrary to his expectations, he wins the election and has to deal with the responsibilities of mayor. Because his instincts as a rapper run contrary to the typical mayor persona, the first episode deals with his adjustment to his role and responsibilities, with the assistance of his mother, Dina Rose (Yvette Nicole Brown) and his self-appointed chief of staff, Valentina Barella (Lea Michele).
The season has a promising start, combining witty quips with Courtney’s growth and realization of his responsibilities. Although the plot doesn’t reveal anything new, the story’s combination of the political and the comedic makes for a humorous, character-driven first episode.
The characters feel well-thought out, and readers can understand and empathize with Courtney’s struggle through a system he knows little about, and the decisions that he has to make between rap and responsibility, as well as his completely honest approach and motives. As an accidental politician who actually wants to do things, Courtney feels motivated and optimistic in a way that contrasts with traditional politicians.
None of the side characters feel extraneous, and they keep the plot focused. Even Courtney’s friends, Jermaine Leforge (Bernard David Jones) and T.K. Clifton (Marcel Spears), who are mostly sidelined to comic relief, have their character moments.
The show’s primary weak point seems to be its plot structure, which begins in a classic journey from naive optimism to realization and responsibility. While this works well for a first episode, it is predictable, and could become monotonous if perpetuated over the entire season.
Overall, “The Mayor” is a fun comedy, and the relatable, witty characters makes it worth a watch, in spite of a somewhat trite plot.
