“Crutch,” a spin-off of the hit CBS series “The Neighborhood,” is a hilarious Paramount sitcom about family, community, and the ups and downs of life. Created by Owen Smith, the series follows Francois “Crutch” Crutchfield (Tracy Morgan), the Harlem cousin of Calvin (Cedric the Entertainer), the main character of “The Neighborhood.” Crutch is a widower and business owner who is just starting to enjoy his empty nest when his adult children and grandchildren move back in with him. Filled with hilarious moments, a strong and talented cast, and some iconic guest stars, the series is funny, refreshing, and incredibly well-written.
“Crutch” opens in Harlem with a celebration. Crutch’s son, Jake (Jermaine Fowler), has just graduated from Columbia Law School, and his father couldn’t be prouder. To celebrate, Jake’s older sister, Jamilah (Adrianna Mitchell), and her children, Lisa (Braxton Paul) and Mase (Finn Maloney), travel to New York for the festivities. Calvin and Tina (Tichina Arnold) also arrive to join the party.
Creator: Owen H.M. Smith
Stars: Tracy Morgan, Jermaine Fowler, Adrianna Mitchell
Thrilled to have his family visiting, nothing can dampen Crutch’s spirits, not even his sister-in-law, Toni (Kecia Lewis), with whom he has a contentious but loving relationship. However, things take an unexpected turn when Crutch learns that Jamilah isn’t just in town for the party. She reluctantly reveals that she has separated from her gambling-addicted husband and needs a place to stay with her children for the summer. Things get even more complicated when Jake reveals that he has quit his job at a prestigious law firm to work in legal aid, meaning he can no longer afford his expensive Manhattan apartment.
Throughout the eight-episode first season, the Crutchfield family adjusts to living under the same roof while trying to maintain their own autonomy. Crutch tries to be supportive of his children even as he simultaneously meddles in their lives. His antics, which include hilarious lessons on how to ride the subway and his candid yet bewildering interventions, come from a good place. Meanwhile, Jake and Jamilah try to navigate this new and unexpected phase of returning to their childhood home. Mase and Lisa, raised in Minnesota, are eager to immerse themselves in the frenetic pace of New York City and be spoiled by their grandfather. Toni, the voice of reason, constantly uses her spare key and good judgment to keep everyone sane.
Filmed with multiple cameras in front of a live audience, “Crutch” has all the makings of a classic sitcom. The situations are absurd, but the series goes a step further, using explicit and uncensored language, as the CBS streaming platform doesn't restrict dialogue with network standards and practices. Episode 3, “Emotional Crutch,” is both funny and heartfelt. Feeling increasingly distant from Jake, Crutch invites his son to a game night at his apartment. However, Crutch doesn't expect millennial men to be so emotionally expressive. After watching Calvin easily connect with the young men via FaceTime, Crutch realizes that for him and Jake to forge and maintain a stronger father-son bond, he must learn to communicate differently.
In addition to the episodic narrative, the series works well thanks to its outstanding cast. Ms. Pearl (a fantastic Luenell) is Crutch's sassy and nosy neighbor, always peering from the fire escape, spying on and commenting on the Crutchfield family's lives. Also, Flaco (Adrian Martinez), Crutch's best friend and employee, appears in most of the comedic sequences, mimicking Morgan's signature style. Guest appearances by Arsenio Hall, Deon Cole, and Vanessa A. Williams also add depth and uniqueness to this comedy.
Ultimately, “Crutch” is entertaining and easy to watch. Morgan easily slips into the role of a stubborn yet well-meaning patriarch who wants the best for his family. Combining reflections on real life, generational differences, economic problems, and a constantly changing community, the series is charming, well-developed, and could certainly have a long run on both streaming platforms and traditional television.
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