Flying Blind (TV series)

Flying Blind
Genre Comedy
Created by Richard Rosenstock
Starring Téa Leoni
Corey Parker
Clea Lewis
Robert Bauer
Theme music composer David Byrne
Opening theme "A Million Miles Away"
Country of origin USA
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 1
No. of episodes 22
Production
Running time 30 minutes
Production company(s) Sweetum Productions
Paramount Network Television
Viacom Productions
Release
Original network Fox
Original release September 13, 1992 (1992-09-13) – May 2, 1993 (1993-05-02)

Flying Blind is an American sitcom that aired on Fox from September 1992 to May 1993. The series stars Corey Parker and Téa Leoni.

Synopsis

The series revolves around awkward post-collegian Neil Barash (Parker) who, by serendipity, meets beautiful libertine Alicia (Leoni) and begins a relationship with her. The show explores the difficulties faced by self-conscious and repressed Neil in dealing with the erotic antics of Alicia and her eccentric roommates, Jordan (Robert Bauer) and Megan (Clea Lewis).

Veteran comedy actor Peter Boyle guest starred as Alicia's father, a former spy, and Charles Rocket had a recurring role as movie maker Dennis Lake. Thomas Haden Church, acting full-time on Wings, also served in a recurring role as Jonathan. In addition to Leoni, an assortment of stars had guest spots or cameos in the series before they became famous, including Diedrich Bader, Jill Hennessy, Greg Grunberg, Lisa Kudrow, Andy Dick, Willie Garson and Noah Emmerich.

Production notes

The series was created by Richard Rosenstock, who later went on to write for Fox's Arrested Development. The theme song for the show was "A Million Miles Away", written and performed by David Byrne which appeared on his spring 1992 album release Uh-Oh.

The production companies were Sweetum Productions, and Paramount Network Television in association with (eventual corporate sibling) Viacom Productions. The series later became owned by CBS Television Distribution.

Reception

The series got generally favourable notices upon its debut. Ken Tucker gave the show a B+ in Entertainment Weekly, "Flying Blind's pilot episode is so well written, so zippily sexy, that it immediately stands out among Fox's usual run of self-consciously crude comedies. But even if it soon crashes and burns, this pilot for Flying Blind is easily one of the best debut shows of the year."[1] People Magazine also graded the pilot a B+ and stated "The show may never again attain the sustained comic brilliance of last week's pilot. But this is a rarity for Fox: a sophisticated and clever sitcom."[2] Howard Rosenberg of the Los Angeles Times wrote "It's not only the episode's sharp writing but also its eroticism and its balance between the naivete and predictability of Neil and the spontaneity and instability of Alicia that give "Flying Blind" its uniqueness. What a nice beginning."[3] Mike Duffy of the Detroit Free Press wrote "Rosenstock has a terrific sense of irreverent non-sexist humor, the sort of contemporary, self-deprecating wit that makes Neil and the outlandishly attractive Alicia most enjoyable. Plus, Flying Blind stars Parker and Leoni share a very nifty comic chemistry in this hip, fast-talking and contemporary romance."[4] The show only lasted one year and has never been released on DVD. Joel Keller of Huffpost TV remarked "I'm not sure why the show only lasted one year, given the talent both in front of and behind the camera (James Burrows directed some episodes, and Linwood Boomer was one of the writers). But when it was on the air, it was mostly an enjoyable show to watch."[5]

Episode list

Title Directed by: Written by: Air date
1"Pilot"James BurrowsRichard RosenstockSeptember 13, 1992 (1992-09-13)
Neil meets Alicia.
2"Smiles of a Summer Night"Michael LembeckRichard RosenstockSeptember 20, 1992 (1992-09-20)
Neil and Alicia plan their first sexual encounter.
3"Crazy for You... and You"Michael LembeckEllen Byron,
Lissa Kapstrom
September 27, 1992 (1992-09-27)
After Neil and Alicia break up, Neil dates his high school sweetheart.
4"Single White Eurotrash"Michael LembeckDouglas WymanOctober 4, 1992 (1992-10-04)
The twin of Alicia's dead boyfriend moves in with Alicia.
5"The Week of Living Dangerously"Michael LembeckBob StevensOctober 11, 1992 (1992-10-11)
A former boyfriend of Alicia's threatens to kill Neil.
6"Prelude to a Brisket"Michael LembeckTerri MinskyOctober 18, 1992 (1992-10-18)
Alicia spends an evening with Neil's parents and wants to become like them.
7"Desperately Seeking Alicia"Dennis ErdmanMichael Borkow,
Terri Minsky
October 25, 1992 (1992-10-25)
Neil's cousin Leslie visits and wants to be like Alicia.
8"Lovers and Other Strangers"Ellen FalconRichard RosenstockNovember 1, 1992 (1992-11-01)
Jonathan returns with news that he's getting married, and Alicia doesn't believe him.
9"The Heartbreak Id"Peter BonerzBob StevensNovember 8, 1992 (1992-11-08)
When Neil and Alicia have problems in bed, Alicia goes into therapy.
10"The Secret of My Great Dress"Ellen FalconEllen Byron,
Lissa Kapstrom
November 15, 1992 (1992-11-15)
Alicia becomes a fashion designer and has no free time for Neil.
11"A Woman Under the Influence"Peter BonerzRichard RosenstockNovember 22, 1992 (1992-11-22)
Alicia is jealous when Neil flirts with the Hochman Fudge Girl.
12"Dad"Ellen FalconBob StevensDecember 13, 1992 (1992-12-13)
Alicia's Dad returns to terrorize her current boyfriend.
13"Ted Over Heels"Ellen FalconLinwood BoomerJanuary 10, 1993 (1993-01-10)
After Ted ruins his career at Hochman Foods, Megan instantly becomes attracted to him.
14"Panic in Neil's Park"Stan DanielsRichard RosenstockFebruary 7, 1993 (1993-02-07)
Neil is fired from Hochman Foods and begins searching for a new career.
15"The Player"James WiddoesTerri MinskyFebruary 14, 1993 (1993-02-14)
Neil accidentally interrupts a movie shoot and is hired by the director.
16"Escape to New York"Jeff MelmanMichael BorkowMarch 7, 1993 (1993-03-07)
Neil moves in with Alicia, but it may ruin their relationship.
17"My Dinner with Brad Schimmel"Stan DanielsRick Copp,
David A. Goodman
March 14, 1993 (1993-03-14)
Neil uses Alicia to impress an old rival.
18"Unforgiving"Jeff MelmanTerri MinskyMarch 21, 1993 (1993-03-21)
Meg gets back at Alicia by writing a B-movie about her.
19"The Bride of Marsh Man 2: The Spawning"Jeff MelmanMark ReismanMarch 28, 1993 (1993-03-28)
Alicia agrees to reprise her role as Bride of the Marsh Man, but only if Neil directs.
20"The Spy Who Came in from the Old"Joshua WhiteTom Maxwell,
Don Woodard
April 11, 1993 (1993-04-11)
Alicia's dad announces that he's leaving the spy game and getting married.
21"The People That Time Forgot"Peter BonerzRick Copp,
David A. Goodman
April 25, 1993 (1993-04-25)
Neil has to choose between an art opening with Alicia and a sports memorabilia show with an old high school friend.
22"The Long Goodbye"Peter BonerzMichael Borkow,
Ellen Byron,
Lissa Kapstrom
May 2, 1993 (1993-05-02)
Neil and Alicia break up after Neil reads Alicia's diary.

References

  1. Ken Tucker on Sep 11, 1992 (1992-09-11). "Hearts Afire; Flying Blind Review | TV Reviews and News". EW.com. Retrieved 2014-01-30.
  2. Hiltbrand, David. "Picks and Pans Review: Flying Blind". People.com. Retrieved 2014-01-30.
  3. HOWARD ROSENBERG (1992-09-12). "TV Reviews : Some Fresh Fun on Fox's 'Flying Blind' - Los Angeles Times". Articles.latimes.com. Retrieved 2014-01-30.
  4. Mike Duffy, Detroit Free Press (1992-12-29). "Unlike 'Flying Blind' Character, Corey Parker Has Been Around - Orlando Sentinel". Articles.orlandosentinel.com. Retrieved 2014-01-30.
  5. "Short-Lived Shows: Flying Blind". Aoltv.com. Retrieved 2014-01-30.
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