Why does Samantha Who? make me smile so?

by Jason Hughes

Because the writers are doing their jobs, I guess. Because it’s a comedy. But there are a lot of comedies on television, and yet this one has that special something that makes me smile. The premise is simple enough: Christina Applegate as a cute thirty-something “bad girl” who loses her memories and tries to remake her lives. Add in a friend from her “bad” days, a friend from her more innocent childhood, an ex-boyfriend/roommate and her parents.

A lot of the credit for the charm and success of the show rides on Christina Applegate’s inspired performance in the title role as Samantha Newly. She’s trying so hard to be this new “good” person, but the writers aren’t taking the easy way out on this. She’s still making bad decisions and even doing some bad things, but all coming from a much better place. Still, the best characters have become the ladies around our dear Sam.

Jean Smart has gotten recognition for her performance as Sam’s boozer, self-centered mother and she is hilarious in that role, but even she isn’t the strongest performer. Jennifer Esposita is really coming into her own as Sam’s “bad” friend, Angela, from her naughtier days. But even that character wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without the presence of Dena.

Yep, Melissa McCarthy has pretty much stolen the show for me. I’ve been playing DVR catch-up during the holiday break and today was catching up on Samantha Who? The final episode, in which the whole gang winds up at a rustic lodge for vacation had some classic moments from Dena. From her conviction that they were going to get murdered, to her constantly taking shoelaces away so Sam wouldn’t commit suicide over a boy.

Dena is sweet and innocent, but not really as much as you’d think. She is, however, very naive and filled with good intentions, which makes her a great foil for Angela. I’m sure the idea behind the show was to have new Sam going through life with the classic angel (Dena) and demon (Angela).

Actually, looking at that, they’ve reversed the names a bit, haven’t they? Angela/angel, Dena/demon. And the characters themselves have grown into more well-rounded personalities, displaying characteristics from both sides of the aisle. As much as I love Jean Smart, and enjoy her role on this show, I think I could live without her or her husband Howard. Even Todd is disposable so long as we never lose the trio at the heart of the show. They make me smile.