For me, a satisfying pilot episode sets up lead characters and their dynamics while introducing the big conflict. With this in mind, I would say the Going Dutch pilot hits squarely down the middle.
U.S. Army Colonel Patrick Quinn (Denis Leary) is a “raging narcissist” and decorated combat soldier who, after mouthing off on video, is demoted to overseeing a sedate service base in the Netherlands. We quickly learn Stroopsdorf, the fictional base, prioritizes gourmet food, bowling, bicycles and soldier morale. The person managing these priorities? Leary’s estranged daughter Captain Maggie Quinn (Taylor Misiak).
It seems the show it set up to follow themes like:
- Ugly Americans and cultural differences
- Leadership styles/femininity vs. masculinity
- Military ineffectiveness and misspending
- Loyalty
Other notable characters include Danny Pudi, or Major Abraham Shah. His role as XO (Executive) Officer (which, Pudi explains to a heartbroken soldier, does not stand for “commander of hugs and kisses,”) makes him the straight man to Leary’s typical raging, teeth-baring performance. It’s nice to see him in such a different role from his memorable character in last decade’s Community. Laci Mosley plays Sergeant Dana Conway, a Stroopsdorf-based character similar to Pudi’s capable type–but more mischievous. Lovable oaf Hal Cumpston is the character Corporal Papadakis: reliable comic relief.
I chuckled along to the pilot, enjoying Leary’s ability to poke fun at his inherited collection of endearing, peaceful military personnel. When Maggie reluctantly performs a secret handshake routine with Papadakis, Denis Leary remarks the routine’s finger guns were the first weapons he had seen on base. He further proves his point by remarking on Papadakis’ soft, lavender-scented hands, which Papadakis explains come from daily afternoon lavender picking sessions. The Corporal’s defense of his gout diagnosis made me laugh with every rewatch.
Leary’s dismissal of Dutch culture and attempting to shoehorn his aggressively masculine energy into his daughter’s “gentle parenting” Army base has predictable results and laughs. But I’m not convinced this tour of duty will last very long.
