Returning to the format of the military workplace sitcom-over a decade after the cancellation of the previously underrated show "Enlisted"-Fox has premiered "Going Dutch". The show, created by Joel Church-Cooper of “Brockmire” fame, features the comedic talents of Denis Leary, who plays the role of Colonel Patrick Quinn and is also an executive producer.
"Going Dutch" sets its comedic stage in Stroopsdorf, "the least important army base in the world," located in the Netherlands. Leary's character, a career officer, finds himself managing this base alongside his estranged daughter Maggie (Taylor Misiak), providing an intimately familial aspect to the show.
Leary's character, a typical gruff-mannered military man, brings most of the show's humor as he struggles to adjust to managing mundane tasks instead of combat operations, which he was displaced from due to a rant caught on body cam during a drill. The show playfully depicts an American officer's cultural clash with Europe's relaxed pace through comedic episodes with his subordinates at the otherwise unimportant base.
Despite being a light comedy, "Going Dutch" shares a subtle scrutiny towards institutions, a characteristic found in shows such as "Brooklyn Nine-Nine". The show provokes thoughtfulness on certain jibes aimed at U.S. foreign policies without actually making politics a main part of its plot.
The central premise of the series focuses on the relationship between Patrick and Maggie-its development might just be the key to a successful run for this workplace sitcom. Combining the lighthearted exploration of a less-known aspect of military life with a familiar face in comedy, "Going Dutch" promises a fun, emotionally grounded show.
"Going Dutch" began airing on Fox from January 2 at 9:30pm ET, with weekly episodes following every Thursday.
