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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this sitcom features a fair amount of sexual discussion, innuendo, and off-screen sexual activity. One scene involves a man getting an erection ("pop-tent") while receiving acupuncture. The main characters are men who are intent on dating and/or sleeping with the show's female characters (who sometimes appear in sexy clothing or in intimate scenarios). Subtle stereotyping about gender and ethnicity is interlaced with the show's comedy; there's some social drinking and relatively minor language as well.

Families can talk about how the media -- particularly TV shows -- portrays dating. What kind of dating behavior do you see in this show that you can -- or can't -- relate to? How realistic are most TV dating scenarios? Families can also discuss what it is (and isn't) OK to do for love. Is it OK to lie to a potential girl/boyfriend -- even a white lie? Have you ever done strange, out-of-character things to impress someone? How did it turn out?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci

WELCOME TO THE CAPTAIN follows the quirky residents of a Hollywood apartment building named El Capitan. Main character Josh (Fran Kranz) is a sweet screenwriter/director who's found modest success in the industry but hasn't been as lucky in love. His college buddy Marty (Chris Klein) convinces him to move into the famed El Capitan, which is filled with eccentric showbiz types. Here Josh meets nosy building attendant Jesus (Al Madrigal) and his constant companion, Uncle Saul (Jeffrey Tambor). Both men know everything about the building's residents and quickly get involved in Josh's quest for "marrying material." Meanwhile, Marty juggles various women while playing silly practical jokes on Josh, and Josh focuses on failed acupuncture student Hope (Joanna Garcia).

While Josh and Hope have chemistry, the show suffers from the clichés and stereotyping that seem endemic to sitcoms. Madrigal plays his character as an odd ethnic caricature, and, as an aging star, Raquel Welch swishes around in leopard-print negligees and seduces young men -- a tired representation of older women and their sexuality. Later, when Marty finds out that Josh has slept with her, Marty gets a grossed-out look on his face, as if the older woman's sexuality is inherently unappealing.

Other comments -- like "she's German, so she's very organized" -- are worn-out stereotypes played for cheap laughs. Overall, with the show's adult themes and regular (albeit off-screen) sex, it's iffy for kids and bland filler for adults with nothing better to do.

Better, more original sitcoms include Aliens in America and Scrubs.

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