NEW TV SHOW 'Jake in Progress' needs to make a little progress of its own

Despite two talented stars, the show will struggle because of the script.
By HAL BOEDEKER
KNIGHT RIDDER TRIBUNE
ABC's newest sitcom carries an overly optimistic title: "Jake in Progress."
Try to detect the progress.
Yes, John Stamos makes a dashing star. Of course, Wendie Malick plays a dizzy executive with pizazz. Sure, Ian Gomez bolsters any cast -- fans of "Felicity" and "The Drew Carey Show" can attest to it.
But they are all at the mercy of a confused, tentative comedy. "Jake in Transition" would be more accurate. The show debuts today before moving to its regular slot Thursday.
The producers dropped their original premise, which had Jake (Stamos) dating one woman over one night in real time, a format found in the thriller "24." The revamped series follows Jake as he dates different women over time and looks for Mrs. Right.
Toned-down TV
More compelling is Jake's career as a high-powered publicist in New York. He works for neurotic Naomi (Malick) and caters to difficult performers.
And yet, this public-relations world lacks zip. The writing rarely exploits a backdrop perfect for adult, cynical comedy. On HBO, Jake's workplace would traffic in hypocrisy, sarcasm and phoniness. On broadcast television, it feels neutered. It's a male version of "Sex and the City" that can't strut its stuff.
The early episodes reflect the stresses in overhauling the series. The hectic premiere sticks to the original concept as Jake dates Kylie (guest star Madchen Amick) and infuriates her by failing to remember their fling. The actors strain through a sex farce decorated with split screens, told through rapid dialogue and complicated by Jake's sweaty palms.
The second episode, also airing Sunday, slows down a bit and improves on the opener. Jake counsels a client at an unusual crossroads. The man, one of the Three Gaymigos design team, longs to reveal that he's straight -- a clever twist on a familiar story.
The third episode returns to tired, obvious comedy. Jake childishly tries to upstage a rival publicist and gains help from a sexy actress. The best bit: When meeting her, Jake inadvertently spits a mint in her hair. Unfortunately, that promising start doesn't yield an affair to remember.
Supporting cast
The supporting cast reflects the show's unevenness. Rick Hoffman is annoying as a magician desperate for attention -- you'll wish he would disappear. Gomez supplies bright moments as Jake's best friend, a stressed family man who misses the single life.
The sitcom should gain a lift from Julie Bowen. The delightful star of "Ed" will come aboard later as an office temp who resists Jake's charms.
For now, the show is pretty easy to resist, despite Stamos and Malick.
When ABC shifts the sitcom to 8 p.m. Thursdays, starting this week, and airs back-to-back episodes, "Jake" is going to have a hard time making any progress. When your competitors include "Survivor" and "The O.C.," you better have your act together. "Jake" doesn't.