Bent (2012)

It is snappy, and funny enough when it needs to be.

Yes, they [Amanda Peet and David Walton] throw sparks, but it's more than that. The quick reparte and the presence of great secondary players is also a crucial part of the appeal.

Despite this highly unoriginal setup, NBC's midseason rom-com Bent has its charms--most of which come from the laid-back, likable lothario Pete.

Beneath all that witty repartee, the two main characters actually have some depth.

This unexpectedly charming, well-cast romantic comedy from Tad Quill ("Scrubs," "Spin City") represents something rare enough on NBC: a half-hour whose appeal might conceivably extend beyond the cable-sized viewership of savagely smart but more insular series like "30 Rock" and "Community."

Admittedly, the premise is a little fragile for syndication--who ever heard of a five-year remodel?--but Bent is so breezy as to sort of beg for more.

There's a lot going on in Bent. A lot of absurdity, a lot of characters, and that vital thing, a lot of talent.

The show misses its mark--but not by much and not in any objectionable way.