5 very familiar plot elements in CBS' 'Made in Jersey' teaser

Why do we feel like we've seen this before?

By Chris Eggertsen Wednesday, May 16, 2012 9:44 PM

Even star Janet Montgomery can't help speaking out against all the plot cliches in her new show.

Credit: CBS

Are you a fan of 2012 TV Upfronts?

Sign up to get the latest updates instantly.

Look, I get it. When attempting to promote a new TV series in only 3 minutes, it's necessary to break down the plot to its basest and most relatable elements. That said, I couldn't help but notice that the new behind-the-scenes promo for CBS' "Made in Jersey" is even more awash in narrative cliches than that of your average network slot-filler. Here are five that caught my attention, as voiced by several members of the cast and crew. (Full promo at the bottom of the page.)

1) "This show is about an outsider trying to fit in." - Kevin Falls, executive-producer

In other words, "Made in Jersey" has one of those good ol'-fashioned "fish out of water" scenarios that can be summed up in one or two easy breezy sentences. In a nutshell: beautiful, street-smart Jersey girl (trendy!) + uppercrust stuffed-shirt Manhattan law firm = complications. Genius!

Want More...

2012 TV Upfronts?

Check out everything there is including photos, reviews, videos.

Go There ►

2) "There is a kind of underdog story here that we love. We always gotta root for that." - Felix Solis, co-star

Sort of like David and Goliath, if David were a fashionable, outspoken New York lawyer with big dreams and incredible shoes.

3) "For me there's always interest when you have one world, and another world, and you bring them together." - Felix Solis, co-star

Isn't it great when TV shows and movies do that?

4) "Martina is a woman that is a work in progress, and doesn't apologize for who she is." - Toni Trucks, co-star

While she's brash and opinionated, Martina is also not perfect and will realize things about herself, and maybe even change.

5) "Her mission and conflict is how she carves out a life for herself in between her past and her future." - Dana Calvo, creator/co-executive producer

Which doesn't sound unique, but trust her, it is.

"Made in Jersey" is slated to air at 9pm Fridays on CBS. You can check out the network's entire fall schedule here.

Follow me on Twitter @HitFixChris

Michael-chiklis-kai-lennox-james-russo-jason-omara-and-dennis-quaid-of-vegas

David-krumholtz-and-michael-urie-of-cbs-partners

Lucy-liu-and-jonny-lee-miller-of-cbs-elementary

Images from CBS' 'Vegas,' 'Elementary,' 'Made in Jersey' and 'Partners'

Launch Gallery ►

Chris Eggertsen
Producer

A former contributor to sites including Bloody-Disgusting and AfterElton, Eggertsen enjoys rock music, rainy days and smelling the pages of old books. You should read all of his articles and follow him on Twitter because it's the right thing to do.

Next Article - The CW sets its 2012-13 schedule
Previous Article - Weigh in on a new Sherlock in CBS' 'Elementary' teaser

Trending Now on HitFix Boards

Topic	Started By	Latest Post	Replies
Game of Thrones, "Second Sons" for book readers	sepinwall	1 day ago	1
Game of Thrones, "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" for book readers	sepinwall	9 days ago	1
Discuss Scripted Dramas on HitFix Message Boards »

Balaji K

This is won't last more than a season or may be even half a season. I think they will debut Golden Boy in it's place sooner than later.
May 16, 2012 at 10:25PM EST Reply to Comment
Jon88

Interesting photo caption. Maybe you could share some of her "speaking out"?
May 17, 2012 at 10:00AM EST Reply to Comment

News From Our Partners

Follow HitFix:

Follow @HitFix

Get Instant Alerts on Breaking News

HitFix.com

Event Calendar

Movies

TV

Music

Videos

Photos

Awards

Riot

In Theaters

New to DVD

On Demand

New Music

5 very familiar plot elements in CBS' 'Made in Jersey' teaser