Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Anyone who found creator Martha Williamson's 1990's drama Touched by an Angel unbearably saccharine is likely to give this one a miss. And that's a real shame. Because though Signed, Sealed, Delivered does have the kind of mild thrills and everyone-hugs-and-learns-at-the-end plotting that older viewers will remember from the sitcoms of an earlier television age, it also boasts a pleasantly dry absurdity. Here's an exchange between Oliver and Norman as they race to stop a crime with a concerned grandma. Oliver tells grandma not to worry: "We're uniquely gifted postal workers." "With a license to deliver," chimes in Norman. "And a deep faith in the power of the written word," agrees Oliver. "I was hoping that was just a cover story," says Grandma. "Oh no. We're the real deal," says Norman, affecting a Men in Black facial expression. Hee hee!

A comic drama about a bunch of postal detectives who unravel mysteries for grandmas, army vets and frustrated singer/dancers sure sounds hokey. But Signed, Sealed, Delivered is in on the joke, and that, plus the fresh, funny writing and charming actors, makes for a delightful show that's fun for all generations. It's nothing new, but with a comedy this comfy, it doesn't have to be.