By NICOLE HORTON
ABC’s new pilot “Mixology” premiered on Feb. 26, boasting a unique concept and an ensemble, intertwined cast of 10 main characters. Each episode will follow two or three characters as they interact for the first time. The series takes place over the course of one night at a Manhattan bar called Mix as they converse, flirt and drink. The end of the night and the outcome for this ensemble cast takes place during the season finale.
The first episode begins with Bruce (Andrew Santino, “Arrested Devlopment” 2013) and Cal (Craig Frank, The Dark Knight Legacy 2013) taking their best friend Tom (Blake Lee, the To Do List 2013), who got dumped suddenly by his fiancé, out to Mix for a night of male bonding and ego boosting.
Bruce and Cal encourage Tom to hit on Maya despite acknowledging that she is “out of his league.” Unassuming Tom is quickly overmatched by Maya, a hardened attorney who is looking for a strong man. He secures her phone number after he takes her advice to show authoritative confidence.
Cal is handsome and confident, whereas Bruce is admittedly unattractive, but he uses his confidence and humor to his advantage. As the night goes on, Bruce decides to leave Cal and make his “move” on a woman who just vomited. Anyone who has gone to a bar or club has seen this guy before—the one who is looking to find a vulnerable woman, or an “easy lay.”
Other characters include Ron, a failed internet entrepreneur who just lost millions of dollars and decided to get very drunk before meeting Jessica, a single mother he met online. As a result he vomits inside Jessica’s clutch upon introducing himself. He leaves the club and ends up charming Liv, Maya’s friend who flashes an engagement ring while shaking his hand.
One of “Mixology’s” strengths is that it can appeal to both young adults and their parents. Parents can look back on the single life and nights spent at bars, and it will seem all too familiar for young adults who frequent the bar and club scene characterized by hook-up culture. Also, movies with ensemble casts have found success at the box office, such as He’s Just Not That Into You.
Although certain attitudes and experiences are relatable, it has yet to be seen if the characters will be as well. For instance, the pairing of Tom and Maya may not be well-received because her tough exterior borders on cruel, and fans would not want to see her hurt a sweet guy like Tom. Many fans enjoy “shipping” certain couples, but as Rihanna’s song goes, some viewers will question if they will “find love in a hopeless place,” get bored of these struggling singles and look for another or TV show.
