The Loop (2006-2007)

Philip Baker Hall on The Loop. (Photo: Fox)

Starring: Bret Harrison, Mimi Rogers, Philip Baker Hall

As indicated by its title, this half-hour Fox sitcom was set in Chicago. Fresh out of college, series protagonist Sam (Bret Harrison) had matriculated to the position of "corporate drone," as the youngest executive at a major airline. Though hardworking and ambitious, Sam was still a frat boy at heart, the first of his college friends to land a "real" job. At the workplace, Sam was at the mercy of his clueless, overbearing boss, Russ (Philip Baker Hall), and his superior, Meryl (Mimi Rogers), who persisted in dropping "subtle" hints that she was sexually available to our hero, any time, any place; there was also Sam's assistant, Darcy (Joy Osmanski), an MIT graduate who felt that her job was beneath her and made no secret of the fact. On the domestic front, Sam lived with his slacker older brother, Sully (Eric Christian Olsen), and Sully's bartender girlfriend, Lizzy (Sarah Mason). He also carried a torch for the beauteous Piper (Amanda Loncar), who unfortunately was carrying on a long-distance romance with her never-seen boyfriend. Created by Pam Brady (South Park) and Will Gluck (Andy Richter Controls the Universe), The Loop premiered March 15, 2006. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide