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Sep 24, 2012 Web Exclusive By Lily Moayeri

David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, the creators of Will & Grace, create a show about their lifelong friendship in Partners. In the process, the two hit replay on their former hit show. David Krumholtz (Numbers) plays Dave, the straight friend, and Michael Urie (Ugly Betty) plays Louis, the gay friend, partners in an architecture firm. Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill) plays Dave’s girlfriend, Ali, and Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) plays Louis’ life partner, Wyatt.

In the pilot, Dave debates asking Ali to marry him while Louis interferes intensely with the decision. The roles are quickly established with Louis being the meddlesome one who would like everyone to follow his choices. This includes Wyatt, whom he repeatedly refers to as a “Jewish doctor,” even though he is a male nurse.

The real couple on Partners is none of the three defined ones, but rather Ali and Louis. The two have a Jack and Karen of Will & Grace dynamic accompanied by the same dramatics, humor, and best lines on that show. They—particularly Urie’s natural portrayal—do the imitation justice. Routh, whose Wyatt is desperately trying to represent himself as a straight-seeming gay guy, much like Will used to, drains what little life there is in a borderline lifeless role. Similarly, Krumholtz is struggling to keep up his end of the humor. Luckily, Urie is funny enough to carry the show and Bush is not far behind him. (www.cbs.com/shows/partners)

Author rating: 5/10