Alexandra Wentworth in Head Case: It Sounds Kind of Familiar

'Head Case' is probably a most fitting title considering it is a show about celebrities and their psychological needs. In this show, Alexandra Wentworth plays Dr. Elizabeth Goode, therapist to the stars. Her practice is based in Beverly Hills and different guest celebrities make up her clientele each week. (Source: 'Head Case' Official Site)

'Head Case' seems to be almost directly modeled on another show called Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist (Comedy Central, 1995 - 2000). Dr. Katz (voiced by comedian Jonathan Katz) was a therapist to different guest stand-up comedians each week. A few of his guests were Steven Wright, Dave Attell, Emo Philips, and Mitch Hedberg. (Source: IMDb.com)

There are two big differences, though. First, Dr. Katz was animated and 'Head Case' is a live action series. Second, the character of Dr. Katz was funny and likeable. Alexandra Wentworth's character is not. Wentworth is a seasoned actress but may not be the best comedian. Her attempts at "wacky" just go over the top and then deflate - kind of embarrassingly so.

Conversely, Dr. Katz was always unassuming and almost underplayed, letting the humor sort of resonate and flower in one's mind. He gently guided the guest comedians along the path to "funny." Whereas Alexandra Wentworth just sort of bashes you really hard over the head with a (not very funny) joke and, while you're reeling from the pain, yells in your face "wasn't that FUNNY?" (No, it wasn't.)

The promotional pieces of the show do reveal some funny moments, but they all come from the guests. 'Head Case', so far, has featured Sean Hayes, Ione Skye, Andy Dick, and Tom Sizemore among many others. (Source: IMDb.com) There is a very insistent voiceover during most of the promotional videos, citing 'Head Case's comedy to be "UNAPOLOGETIC!" (Source: 'Head Case' Official Site) That seems to be the new buzzword, these days, when trying to sell something "wacky" that has an edge to it.

Annoying promotional videos and a questionable ability by Alexandra Wentworth to deliver laughs aside, I would probably still watch 'Head Case' once or twice based on the guests. There are some funny moments, and I would just really like to see how far an ever-changing lineup of guests can carry a regular in a comedy.

And who knows? Alexandra Wentworth may be the kind of actress who grows on you. I really disliked James Spader at one point, and now he's one of my favorite actors. Maybe he'll be a guest one day on 'Head Case'. Now that is an episode I would watch.

'Head Case' is a comedy series starring Alexandra Wentworth that appears on the Starz network on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Eastern. It was in a 15-minute format during its first season in 2007 but has been expanded to a 30-minute format for 2008. (Source: IMDb.com)