Gary Unmarried Season 1 Episode 1 Pilot
- TV-14
- September 24, 2008
- 21 min
-
6.7 (111)
Gary Unmarried season 1 episode 1, Pilot, introduces us to the titular character, Gary Brooks, who is recently divorced and trying to adjust to his new life as a single father.
We first meet Gary as he's trying to enjoy some alone time in his own house, only to be interrupted by his ex-wife, Allison, dropping off their two children for the weekend. It's clear from the get-go that there's still some tension between the former couple, but they're at least trying to be civil for the sake of their kids.
Gary's best friend, Dennis, is also introduced in this first episode. He's the quintessential "bro" type, always trying to push Gary back into the dating scene and encouraging him to have more fun. Dennis also has a tendency to put his foot in his mouth, leading to some comedic moments throughout the episode.
As the weekend progresses, we see Gary struggling to navigate his new role as a single dad. He's well-intentioned, but doesn't always know the right thing to do. For example, he initially plans a pizza and video games night with his kids, only to realize too late that his daughter has a school project due the next day that she's barely started on.
In addition to juggling his parental responsibilities, Gary is also dealing with his own personal issues. He's still not quite over his divorce, even though it was his decision to end things with Allison. He also feels a bit aimless now that he's no longer married, and is starting to question what he wants out of life.
All of these threads come to a head at a dinner party thrown by Allison's new boyfriend, Dr. Krandall. Gary initially declines the invitation, but changes his mind when Dennis convinces him that it's a good opportunity to meet new women. The party starts off awkwardly, with Gary feeling out of place among the other guests, but things take a turn for the worse when he gets into an argument with Allison about their kids.
Despite the rocky start, the episode ends on a somewhat positive note. Gary has a heart-to-heart with his daughter, showing that he's not just a bumbling dad, but also has moments of genuine insight. He also reconnects with his ex-brother-in-law, who offers him a possible job opportunity.
Overall, the pilot episode of Gary Unmarried sets up the show's premise and characters well. While there are some predictable beats, it's clear that the show has potential to explore some interesting themes around divorce, co-parenting, and figuring out what comes after a major life change. The humor is mostly lighthearted, but there are moments of genuine emotion that keep the show from feeling too shallow.