The Knights of Prosperity - TV-PG

Misguided Robin Hoods miss their mark.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: ABC Cast: Donal Logue, Lenny Venito, Maz Jobrani Genre: Comedy

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this intentionally quirky sitcom follows a novice criminal gang's efforts to rob rock icon Mick Jagger in order to help them finance their personal dreams. Viewers are expected to root for them even though the reasons behind the heist are mostly selfish. Parents also need to know that this show contains strong sexual innuendo and often objectifies women.

Families can talk about why people commit crimes. Is there any crime that can really be considered noble or acceptable? What if the crime doesn't seem to really hurt someone, like stealing money from rich people? Do you think the show's premise could ever happen in real life? Why is it funny in this context? Families can also discuss how people can achieve their dreams without engaging in inappropriate behavior. How can you reach your goals despite the lack of money or education?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

THE KNIGHTS OF PROSPERITY centers on Eugene Gurkin (Donal Logue), a night-shift custodian who wants to leave his dead-end janitorial job and open a bar. But without money or an education, he finds himself with nothing but a (to him, anyway) great idea: Burgle rock-n-roll icon Mick Jagger's luxurious Central Park apartment in order to finance his dream.

Eugene recruits a team of other hardworking "average" folks to help him pull off the heist. The gang includes fellow janitor Francis "Squatch" Squacieri (Lenny Venito), taxi driver Gourishankar "Gary" Subramaniam (Maz Jobrani), and warehouse security guard Rockefeller Butts (Kevin Michael Richardson). The group, which calls itself "The Knights of Prosperity," is later joined by sultry waitress Esperanza Villalobos (Sofia Vergara) and nerdy college student Louis Plunk (Josh Grisetti).

The Knights are basically good (if sometimes crass) people who reject guns and violence and commit themselves to donating whatever any excess loot to their favorite charity. They view themselves as modern-day (albeit misguided) Robin Hoods who are stealing from the rich to help the poor -- in this case, themselves. Their attempts to use strategies reminiscent of Ocean's Eleven -- combined with their lack of criminal experience and their unique brand of street smarts -- leads to a few funny moments.

The series, which expects viewers to root for the Knights, shows how its members begin gaining self-esteem and feeling a sense of hope about their future as they work together to stage the perfect crime. But while this might help viewers sympathize with them, the fact remains that their cause really isn't that noble. Unlike Robin Hood, their true motivation isn't to help others, but rather to escape the day-to-day grind of their working-class life. And unlike the Ocean's Eleven gang, they aren't honest with themselves about the fact that they're engaging in criminal behavior.

Fans may also like Grounded for Life or My Name Is Earl.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Strong sexual innuendo, as well as rather graphic discussions of sex and sexual pleasure. In one scene, prostitutes are introduced to help one member of the group lose his virginity. Many of the guys attempt to fondle and/or attract the attention of Esperanza, the only female Knight. Mick Jagger's seemingly androgynous assistant presents some uncomfortable (for the characters) sexual undertones.
Violence The Knights aren't really violent, and some members are uncomfortable with guns. But guns are visible.
Language "Damn," "bitch," etc.
Message
	Social Behavior Stealing is presented as a noble cause, but the motivation to rob Mick Jagger's apartment is really for selfish reasons. The Knights are of various races and ethnic backgrounds; the group includes a woman. Mick Jagger's assistant is Asian. Women are often objectified. The Knights' meeting place is a Jewish supply company, so menorahs and other Judaica are clearly visible.
	Commercialism E! Entertainment television is featured. Music icon Mick Jagger and his wardrobe and discussions of Rolling Stones music are also present.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Adults drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes and cigars.