It’s become increasingly obvious, especially after the arrival and success of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, that a lot of the innovation of the world’s media is happening online, in web series (also see The Guild) and webisodes. I wouldn’t put Ctrl on par with these two leaders in the field; in fact, if not for the combination of boredom and Netflix Instant, there’s a big chance that Elizabeth and I would never have come across this 2009 NBC web series. But, not wanting to go to sleep and stuck in the wasteland that is X-Files season eight, as well as entranced by the opportunity to see Tony Hale in something again (“hey brother”) we found ourselves sailing through the first (and sadly only) season of Ctrl.
After a freak ice tea spill, Stuart Grundy’s (Tony Hale) keyboard bizarrely starts manipulating his workplace reality. Example: By pressing “Ctrl B” Stuart can undo the last thing that happened, such as taking off his glasses, just like life was a computer. The lovable Stuart uses his new powers to finally admit his feelings for fellow employee Elizabeth (Traffic Light’s Emy Coligado) and to gain the upper-hand over his annoying boss Ben (Steve Howey). However, when time travel and Ctrl V get involved, Stuart’s life gets increasingly complicated.
Most episodes range between three and five minutes, meaning the entire ten-episode series took us less time to watch than an hour-long drama. Ctrl’s plot is fun and everything, and the scripting and directing are enjoyable to hear and watch, but the real and obvious star here is Hale. He steals every and any scene that he’s a part of in any show or series. More of a commanding and smart figure here than his Buster character in Arrested Development, Hale is still hilarious and still lovable.
Maybe Ctrl is no Dr. Horrible or The Guild, but it is a cute diversion when you want something short and sweet. (Kinda like this blog post…)
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