DANCES WITH FILM: NEW YORK REVIEW! Lynn Rosen’s pilot episode of Gasbag is the story of a middle-aged overtalker finally seeing that there is a world where other people have something to say. OK. I’m being a bit facetious about this charming comedy.
George (Chad Kessler) is a lovable gay man, who is trying to figure out why he has not yet come into his own in life. He loves his job as a travel agent, but can’t seem to land that big promotion as his boss Marcia promised it to his arch-nemesis Sherri (Mary Bacon). He’s also a single man as he has recently split with his ex Rob (David James Boyd).
George also finds himself unwittingly entering an election for President of his co-op against the ultra competitive Trevor (Trey Gerald). His cousin Jean (Tina Chilip) is his campaign manager, but his mother is a fan of Tad
To help George understand the insanity, he attends an OA group, Overtalkers Anonymous. The group helps momentarily, but then everyone starts talking over one another.
“George is a lovable gay man, who is trying to figure out why he has not yet come into his own in life.”
Gasbag offers a much-needed dose of fresh air in a crowded world of sitcoms. Chad Kessler’s George is the reason to tune into this series. He is a lovable, sympathetic gentleman who loves to talk and talk and talk. It’s almost impossible not to root for George because no matter how crazy he may seem, someone appears to out-crazy him. My favorite is his workplace rival Sherri, played by the always great Mary Bacon.
My only qualm with the pilot episode is that it chases what appears to be three stories at once. In my opinion, two are the most important, as they allow you to explore the story deeper. I would have made the co-op election a single episode and focused on the travel agency and family antics.
Gasbag is a delightful blend of wit and heart, with Chad Kessler’s George stealing the show as a charming chatterbox navigating his life. Gasbag offers a much-needed breath of fresh air in the crowded sitcom landscape.
Gasbag premieres at the 2024 Dances with Film: New York Festival.
"…almost impossible not to root for George because no matter how crazy he may seem..."
