The Grinder

The Grinder is a hilarious American legal comedy that graced our screens for a single season on Fox, beginning in 2015 until 2016. As a unique twist on your typical law drama crossed with a hint of sitcom flavor, The Grinder is one of those niche comedy series that leave a lasting impression.

The series is helmed by a superb ensemble case that is marked by the presence of notable actors like Rob Lowe, Fred Savage, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, William Devane, Hana Hayes, and Connor Kalopsis. The pivot of the show is the relationship between two brothers who couldn't be more different, lending an interesting dynamic throughout the series.

Rob Lowe dons the role of Dean Sanderson Jr., a charismatic, smooth-talking actor who, for nine years, starred as a fake attorney in a popular television series named The Grinder. The premise of the show sets in when Dean's long-running show concludes, and he finds himself in the throes of an identity crisis, questioning what to do next. Hefting his on-screen experience, Dean makes his way back to his idyllic hometown of Boise, Idaho.

In Boise, Dean's brother, Stuart (Fred Savage), resides - the real, hardworking lawyer of the family who has always stayed in his more successful brother's shadow. Unlike his brother, Stuart lacks Dean's magnetism, but he is a sincere and earnest attorney, running a modestly successful law firm. He's married to the devoted Debbie (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), and together they have two kids.

As Dean contemplates his next move after his Hollywood run, he whimsically decides to stay in Boise and help his brother's law firm. He believes that playing a lawyer for years on screen has equipped him with enough skills to practice law in real life. Dean's idea of joining the real-world law practice sets up the primary comedy factor of the series.

The Grinder's appeal lies in its blending of genres. On the one hand, the show is a family comedy about two disparate but loving brothers trying to understand each other. Simultaneously, it's also a parody of network television dramas with familiar tropes seen in numerous courtroom dramas, with Dean's often absurd and dramatic way of applying his fictive knowledge in actual cases.

Rob Lowe's performance as the overly confident and highly theatrical Dean is delightful to watch. His bravado combined with little knowledge of actual law proceedings results in comically appetizing scenes. Fred Savage shines as Stuart, the more grounded and practical brother constantly vexed by Dean's ineptness and the general admiration Dean seems to command, irrespective of his flamboyant antics

The supporting cast adds layers to the narrative, including the sprightly patriarch Dean Sr. played by William Devane, who's a retired attorney and intrigued by his actor son's audacious move; and the refreshing characters of Dean's sister-in-law, Debbie, and his niece and nephew.

The Grinder leverages the predictability of law procedurals and upends them with Dean's wacky interpretations. It punctures the gravitas of serious courtroom dramas with a wry sense of humor. The intertwining of the brothers' relationship, with their professional encounters, adds sibling rivalry to the mix, resulting in a heady brew of hearty laughs and tender moments.

The series is also notable for its smart writing, punctuated by laugh-out-loud moments and ridiculous situations played straight. It consistently pokes fun at the cliches and conventions of the television industry. The self-referential humor, where Dean leans on his experience of a fictional show within the show, is part of its clever meta-comedy.

Despite the show's premature ending, The Grinder's 22 episodes have been praised for their originality and clever dialogue, with a deservedly warm reception from both critics and fans. In its short run, this self-aware comedy succeeded in delivering many memorable moments, showcasing a unique premise, and outstanding performances, therefore making it worth a watch for every sitcom or legal drama enthusiast.