Marry Me (If she won't, I will.)

Guys, I found a new actor/character to love.  Shall I share?  First, remember that I’m a fan of the holiday fare that dominates the TV this time of year.  I’ve copped to that weakness and the knowledge that most – nay, usually all – of those shows are sub-par, at best.  There, that’s out of the way.  Now let me convince you that this movie, these actors, and in particular, this one actor should not be included in the mix.  Yes, it premiered this weekend at the height of the season, but it wasn’t really about Christmas at all.  No reference to Christmas magic or a knowing, twinkly-eyed Santa or mischievous, well-meaning elves.  So you can relax.

The movie to which I refer is that two-night, 4-hour special Marry Me, starring Lucy Liu.  First let me give the star her due.  I sincerely hope that you didn’t see the promos for this special and assume that Lucy had slid off the A List.  Frankly, I think that’s a misconception these days.  Lots of serious stars are dipping their toes into television.  In fact, it’s upping the ante for those who consider it their sole or primary medium of entertainment.  Think Glenn Close in Damages (or pretty much anyone on that series).  Or James Franco in that stint on General Hospital.  Or what about Timothy Olyphant starring in Justified (Don’t you dare disparage Timothy, Justified or this example, or you and I will be having a serious conversation.)?  My point is that Lucy picked a solid script and a likeable character and, complemented by the other lead (my new crush), was able to build her resume rather than besmirch it.

Let’s get down to the premise of this entertaining story.  Lucy plays a single-something social worker from a wealthy family (she was adopted from within the same system for whom she now works) who wants the fairytale.  I should say that this initially concerned me.  Et tu, Lucy?  BUT she doesn’t play the role with the standard always-a-bridesmaid-never-a-bride angst.  Nor does she exude self-pity.  She is strong, she is confident, she loves her job, she’s stylish, she doesn’t sell out or sell herself short, she says what’s on her mind and doesn’t let her suspicions fester... I like her.  Plus, she showed some serious navigational skills on the suddenly choppy waters of her social life.  A lesser actress would have allowed the character to drown.

I should probably explain the entire story, because it really is cute without being cloying, but it will just pull me away from my target subject:  Steven Pasquale.  I don’t care about spoilers, so get used to it or get out.  But you should know that Steven’s character, Luke Maynard, is “the one”.  Both for Lucy Liu’s Rae as well as for me.  Talk about bringing the woo.  He always knew what to say – from sweet to clever to romantic to (most importantly) sarcastic.  He called Rae on her crap… which wasn’t a lot, but normally that stuff gets drawn out, creating unnecessary strife in order to accommodate a bad plot.  Plus, I’m a sucker for a guy with a sense of humor and this guy had me smiling a lot.  He was funny in a subtle way, the kind of funny that slides down smoothly and creates a warm feeling in your belly.  And Rae appreciated this about him too, which made me like her even better.

I guess what it comes down to is that Lucy and Steven made their characters believable.  They responded to each other like real people.  Their issues were legitimate.  Their fights understandable.  Further, I actually appreciated their fights because I understood both sides.

As for Mr. Steven Pasquale, how have I possibly overlooked this gem?  Apparently he is a regular on Rescue Me, a show I have never watched and now regret.  Have any of you seen him in anything else?  Was he just as amazing?  I know his character can’t be the same every time.  I’m not an idiot.  But I can’t imagine he’d be able to play Luke Maynard so successfully if he didn’t at least share some of his essential traits.  I mean, it’s easy for a passably good actor to play someone mean or angry or stupid or smarmy or conceited.  Isn’t it?  But to play awesome?  To carry off those snappy lines and spot on reactions?  I just feel like you have to understand it to be successful at it.  If you don’t share at least some of that style personally, how can you fake it?  Because if you could fake it, then for goodness sake, fake it all the time man!  

Ok, that’s enough of my preaching.  I guess you can assume (especially since I’m telling you straight) that I’ll be keeping my eye open for anything new with Steven Pasquale.  Fingers crossed, he’ll do a buddy movie with Scott Caan.  And maybe Mark Wahlberg.  Oh my.  I’m swooning already.