‘Hank’ features veteran actor, follows typical sitcom equation

The formula remains the same.

Take one family made up of an overconfident, yet naive, father figure, a seemingly strong, modern-day mother, children who fail to identify with the family and an obnoxious in-law or two, and all the pieces are in place for the modern family sitcom.

The newest such family sitcom is ABC’s “Hank,” starring Kelsey Grammer, who is best known for his work on the ’90’s comedy, “Frasier.”

“Hank” follows the story of Hank Pryor, a once wealthy C.E.O. of Pryor Sporting Goods, who has fallen victim to the cut-throat corporate business world. Now without his company and life savings, Hank is forced to move his family back to Riverbend, Va., where he began his first store, met his wife and started his family.

The story follows Hank as he tries to connect with his family, whom he had distanced himself from in order to become a successful businessman. The comedy comes from his interactions with the family, which he tries to run in much the same way as he did as the “boss.” Hank is forced to cope with the idea of learning how to be a father first before he can truly connect.

Many viewers may see many similarities in Grammer’s performance as Hank and his role as Dr. Frasier Crane. Both characters seem to exude a false sense of confidence, and both are also forced to adapt their personalities to those around them rather than people identifying with him. Fans of “Frasier” will surely see this similarity and tune in simply to see Grammer’s portrayal.

With Grammer playing a very similar character, it seems that the success of “Hank” will rely on the performances of the supporting cast, namely Hank’s wife, Tilly. This, however, may be the show’s downfall. Played by Melinda McGraw, who viewers may recognize as Commissioner Gordon’s wife from “The Dark Knight,” the character of Tilly leaves much to be desired.

While she attempts to play a strong woman, McGraw doesn’t even come close to the performances of Patricia Heaton in “Everybody Loves Raymond” or Leah Remini in “King of Queens,” actresses playing similar parts on similar programs. To make matters worse, the performances of the children, Maddie and Henry (Jordan Hinson and Nathan Gamble) do not show much promise, as they play the typical rebellious daughter and nerdy son.

The only hope for “Hank” other than Grammer’s performance may be in the form of Grady (David Koechner), Hank’s brother-in-law. Based on Koechner’s past performances (namely as Champ Kind in “Anchorman”) and the on-screen chemistry between he and Grammer, there is a high probability for some well-placed one-liners and stints of comedic genius from both actors.

With all factors calculated into the formula, “Hank” does not look like it will be the blockbuster of the fall line-up, but it can break ABC’s addiction to hospital-based television. While some shows with the same formula have enjoyed high success, others were simply hung out to dry and never given the chance to flourish. With his performance as the critical factor to the show’s success, “Hank” provides Grammer the opportunity to break from the typical “Kelsey Grammer-esque” role.

And if it doesn’t, Grammer can always go back to a “Cheers” bar stool and have a drink with Norm and Cliff. That seemed to work well.

3 1/2 out of 5 stars