Impastor

Impastor is a captivating and somewhat darkly comedic series by TV Land, which aired for two seasons between 2015 and 2016. Implicitly subversive, this show combines elements of crime, drama, comedy, and religion in an intriguing juxtaposition that makes it quite unique in the world of sitcoms.

The series centers around the protagonist, Buddy Dobbs, portrayed by Michael Rosenbaum. Dobbs is a hard-luck slacker with a gambling problem who has creditors from every corner hunting him down. In a sudden dramatic twist of fate, he assumes the identity of a gay clergyman named Jonathan Barlow, who had intended to start a new life as a pastor in the small town of Ladner.

The reappearance of Buddy Dobbs as Jonathan Barlow is greeted with excitement and a warm welcome from the town council of Ladner, but he has to carry forward the lie to ensure his own survival. The citizens of Ladner are portrayed as kind, accepting folks, though somewhat naïve. They are totally unaware that their new pastor is not only a fraud, but also straight and has less than holy motivations.

While the premise might seem interactive or even offensive to some, the writers handle it deftly, without making a mockery of faith or those who practice it. The humor in Impastor is found more in the protagonist's stumbling attempts to match the expectations of his congregants, the challenges he faces trying to follow the teachings of a book he's never read, and his ill-concealed discomfort in situations he never thought he would ever find himself in.

Supporting characters are well-developed and well-played, with each carrying a share of the comedy burden. From Alden Schmidt, the council president who is ecstatic that a young, hip pastor is about to invigorate the town church, to Dora Winston, the church secretary who appreciates having a pastor who doesn't hit on her, to Alexa Cummings, a church member who is singularly unimpressed by the new pastor, they all have enough depth to make them engaging and memorable.

One of the major strengths of the show is its unpredictability. Rosenbaum’s Dobbs handles his new path with an uneasy charm that gets him through a series of close calls and comical crises. Further, he has to constantly juggle his original criminal lifestyle while being the beacon of righteousness for the town. This keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, unsure if and when Buddy's secret will be exposed.

Impastor uses clever storytelling techniques to keep the narrative engaging. Throughout the two seasons, Buddy is continually forced to improvise, to plug holes in his story, or fend off some threat to his secret, including hitmen and a tenacious homicide detective who can't shake his suspicions. The suspense is beautifully threaded with humor, ensuring that the audience constantly swings between laughter and tense anticipation.

The situational comedy offered by Impastor is unique and fresh, straying from the typical sitcom format. The characters are all flawed in some ways, showing that humanity and humor often go hand in hand. The show also challenges stereotypes, fostering discussions around religion, sexuality, gender, and overall societal norms.

In conclusion, all these factors combine to give Impastor a distinct voice. With stellar performances, an intriguing premise, and a deft balance of suspense and humor, Impastor is an entertaining series that is worth watching. Despite being based around the concept of a lie, it shades light on some genuine truths about humanity and the nature of faith, all while delivering a great dose of comedy.