After the abrupt cancellation of the beloved show “Enlisted” over a decade ago, Fox has decided to try their hand at another military-themed workplace sitcom with the premiere of “Going Dutch.” This new series, created by Joel Church-Cooper of “Brockmire” fame, follows Colonel Patrick Quinn, played by Denis Leary, who is sent to the seemingly insignificant army base in Stroopsdorf, Netherlands, under the command of his estranged daughter Maggie (Taylor Misiak).
Colonel Quinn, a gruff and macho character, finds himself out of his element in a foreign land filled with cultural differences and quirky colleagues. The humor in “Going Dutch” stems from Patrick’s struggles to adapt to the laid-back European lifestyle, including encounters with colorful characters like Sergeant Dana Conway (Laci Mosley) and Corporal Elias Papadakis (Hal Cumpston).
While the show manages to deliver laughs in its initial episodes, there are aspects that may need time to develop fully. The dynamic between Patrick and Maggie is at the heart of the series, but Maggie’s character feels somewhat overshadowed by her father’s presence. As the show progresses, it is hoped that Maggie will be given more depth and agency beyond her relationship with Patrick.
One potential area of concern is the show’s handling of political references, such as allusions to US foreign policy. While “Going Dutch” doesn’t seem to delve deeply into political discourse, these moments may raise questions about the show’s stance on sensitive issues. It will be interesting to see how characters like Abraham Shah (Danny Pudi) navigate these conversations while carrying out Patrick’s commands.
Despite these initial teething issues, “Going Dutch” shows promise and has the potential to grow into a more focused and emotionally resonant series. The show takes viewers on a light-hearted journey through the tulip fields of Stroopsdorf, offering a unique blend of humor and heart.
“Going Dutch” premieres on Fox on Jan. 2 at 9:30 pm ET, with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Thursdays. Fans of workplace sitcoms and military comedies are sure to enjoy this new addition to Fox’s lineup.
