Benched

Benched, a USA Network sitcom that aired in 2014, primarily revolves around Eliza Coupe's character, Nina Whitley, a star corporate lawyer who experiences a sudden and startling personal and professional meltdown. After making a scene in front of her colleagues, her high-profile position is dramatically terminated, which soon propels her down an unexpected, less-glamorous career path.

Eliza Coupe, famed for her work on shows like "Happy Endings" and "Scrubs," masterfully takes on the lead role, providing her signature wit and impeccable comic timing. Her character, Nina, is a fast-talking, ambitious attorney who is used to the high-stakes world of corporate law but soon finds herself navigating the often-chaotic world of a public defender's office.

The narrative unfolds as Nina must transition from her previously sophisticated world to the gritty, no-frills precinct of the public defender's office. Suddenly, she's up against seasoned attorneys and understaffed, under-resourced conditions as she is expected to serve justice for those who can't afford private representation. It's a sharp contrast to her past life, with its lavish lunches and swanky clients and introduces Nina to a side of the justice system that she had previously overlooked.

Along the way, Nina encounters a colorful cast of colleagues, each with their own eccentricities and quirks, which adds another level of comedy to the show. This includes her new no-nonsense boss, Phil (played by Jay Harrington), who doesn't have the patience for Nina's over-the-top antics and often criticizes her methods. Meanwhile, there's also Carlos, another public defender played by Oscar Nunez, who provides a stabilizing force among the chaotic office politics, proving to be a solid counterpoint to Nina’s impulsive nature.

"Nina's fast-paced, often acerbic dialogue works well in contrast to the laid-back, less urgent rhythm of the public defender's office, sparking much of the series' comedy," says Harrington. "Her determination to uphold the law while often playing by her own rules leads to a multitude of hilarious situations."

Moreover, Benched cleverly uses its comedic framework to underscore several societal issues. While the public defender office serves as the backdrop for most of the comedy, it also draws attention to the inadequacies of the criminal justice system. The show subtly critiques the lack of resources provided to public defenders, the crushing caseloads, and the justice imbalance between wealthy and poor defendants.

In addition to the comedic and critical elements, Benched packs an emotional punch too. Eliza Coupe's character's journey of self-discovery and resilience becomes an engaging narrative element, giving the show more depth than a standard sitcom. Audiences are taken on a journey with Nina as she navigates the highs and lows of her new role, questioning herself and her abilities, rediscovering her passion for law while finding new methods to make a difference, and slowly deconstructing her former high-powered persona to find a more grounded, humane approach to her work.

There's a romantic angle too, drawing from classic sitcom tropes of will-they-won't-they scenarios, providing both tension and comedy while keeping viewers hooked.

Visually, Benched strikes a balance between the polished, glamourous firm that Nina once belonged to and the coarse, budget-friendly public defender’s office, expertly creating a stark difference between the two worlds. The bright, modern aesthetic of her former law firm is juxtaposed with dark hallways, overflowing file cabinets, and worn-out desks, symbolizing the disparity between her past life and present reality.

Through its one-season run, Benched achieved acclaim for its fusion of comedy, drama, and social commentary. The sharp writing, superb performances, especially by lead Eliza Coupe, combined with the show’s depiction of socio-legal nuances make it a memorable sitcom experience even years after its original airing.

In conclusion, Benched succeeds both as a comedic sitcom and a commentary on the justice system's flaws, intricately interweaving humor with reflective moments. Eliza Coupe's performance as Nina Whitley is a standout, making the show a must-watch for her fans and lovers of intelligent, sharply written sitcoms.