HBO returns to form with 'Flight of the Conchords'

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By TERRY MORROW
Thursday, June 14, 2007
"Flight of the Conchords" (debuting 10:30 p.m. Sunday, June 17) is HBO's return to form.

After failing to find interesting and engaging comedies to follow in the hallowed footsteps of "Sex and the City" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," the cable channel has finally gotten it right with "Flight."

It's the quirky story of transplanted New Zealand folk musicians Jemaine and Bret (Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie) who are trying to make it in New York City.

The story borders on surrealism. It follows the duo trying to date women in the big city or finding time to practice for their next, non-paying gig or finding enough money for food.

And in the middle of their adventures, they break out into very funny songs, some sounding like vintage Prince while others mimic the Pet Shop Boys.

The humor is dry, smart and sharp.

It's been a very long time since HBO has mustered a comedy this worthy of an audience.

"Flight" is one of those rare gems on cable TV that gets everything right. The main plot gets a terrific reprieve with the songs. The stories are always tangy nuggets of oddness.

Don't listen to the naysayer who proclaims HBO has lost its zip. "Flight" shows that's far from the case.

Other highlights for the week of June 17-23 (all times are Eastern; listings are subject to change; check local listings):

SUNDAY, June 17

-- "Brad Paisley 5th Gear" (8 p.m. GAC). Brad's show from St. Louis is brought to the small screen.

-- "Bridezillas" (9 p.m. WE). Here comes the bride ... and she's in a foul mood.

-- "Ice Road Truckers" (10 p.m. History Channel). People who brave the icy roads for a living are documented doing their slippery work.

MONDAY, June 18

-- "The Closer" (9 p.m. TNT). Brenda is back for a third season, more blood and more at-work angst.

-- "Heartland" (10 p.m. TNT). Treat Williams is the organ transplant doctor who can give you the cure in this new drama.

TUESDAY, June 19

-- "NOVA" (8 p.m. PBS). We go looking for the giant predator called the Thylacoleo or, if you know him well, "Theo" for short.

THURSDAY, June 21

-- "Live from Abbey Road" (10 p.m. Sundance). The cable channel's first musical performance series offers three artists and their process in making their music. Honestly, it's more interesting than that description.

SATURDAY, June 23

-- "Phantom of the Opera" (8 p.m. Hallmark Channel). The Andrew Lloyd Webber classic arrives where it belongs: On an older-skewing cable channel.

-- "Confessions of a Matchmaker" (10 p.m. A&E). The woman who gets couples hooked up is profiled in this new reality series.