Ep 1. Back Issues

The iconic NBC sitcom Just Shoot Me! premiered on March 4, 1997, and its pilot episode "Back Issues" introduces audiences to the dynamic and eccentric cast of characters that populate the world of the fashion magazine Blush. The series follows the lives of the staff members at Blush, a high-end fashion magazine, as they navigate through their professional and personal lives in the cutthroat industry.

"Back Issues" is a perfect introduction to the world of Just Shoot Me! and sets the tone for the series, immersing viewers in the juicy drama and comedic hijinks that will soon become synonymous with the show. As the episode opens, we are introduced to Maya Gallo (Laura San Giacomo), a recently unemployed writer who begrudgingly accepts a job as an editorial assistant at Blush under the watchful eye of her overbearing father, Jack Gallo (George Segal), who is the owner and publisher of the magazine.

Maya is quickly thrown into the deep end when she is tasked with gathering photographs of a former supermodel, Veronica Chase (Wendie Malick), for an upcoming cover story. Amidst all the chaos, she discovers that the person assigned to help her with the task is Elliot DiMauro (Enrico Colantoni), the resident photographer who happens to be an ex-boyfriend she still has feelings for.

The episode explores the complicated and often hilarious relationships between Maya, Elliot, Jack, and Veronica, who is now the fashion editor of Blush despite her tumultuous past. The cast of characters is rounded out by Nina Van Horn (Portia de Rossi), the office's icy and ambitious model-turned-journalist, who is trying to gain more respect in the industry by writing a hard-hitting exposé on the fashion world.

One of the most significant themes of the first episode is the tension between the corporate world and the creative world. Jack and Maya embody different perspectives on how to run a business, with Jack being more focused on profits while Maya prioritizes the creative vision of the magazine. Throughout the episode, they butt heads over how to approach the cover story and Blush's overall direction, with Maya pushing for something more artistic and Jack leaning towards a more commercial approach.

Another theme that emerges in "Back Issues" is loyalty. Maya's relationship with Elliot is tested as they confront their past, and Maya is forced to choose between her loyalty to him and her loyalty to the magazine. Similarly, Veronica's struggle with alcoholism and her past as a supermodel come back to haunt her as she grapples with the decision to reveal her innermost secrets to the rest of the staff.

The humor in "Back Issues" is somewhat uneven, with some jokes falling flat while others land perfectly. However, what makes the pilot episode work is the cast. The actors' chemistry is undeniable, and each character shines in their own way. Wendie Malick steals the show as the haughty and self-assured Veronica, while Enrico Colantoni imbues his character with a lovable goofiness that makes you root for him from the get-go. Laura San Giacomo navigates the complex emotional landscape of Maya with ease, and George Segal breathes life into Jack, a character who could have easily become a one-dimensional antagonist.

Overall, "Back Issues" packs a lot into its 22-minute runtime. It sets up the overarching conflicts that will define the series while also delivering plenty of laughs and memorable character moments. If you're looking for a sitcom that straddles the line between heartfelt drama and whip-smart comedy, Just Shoot Me! should definitely be on your watchlist.