The series begins with a tenuous premise, uses it to leap to an inaccurate dichotomy and supports that with tired, unfunny stereotypes.

TLC is a place to turn to for sideshows, and this new reality series is certainly that.

American Gypsies, the second deplorable show about this subculture to come along in three months.

In comedy there's a fine line between wacky and desperate. Animal Practice crosses it early and often.

It's "3rd Rock From the Sun" without the wit or the understatement.

The series is really good at doing exactly what you expect, which makes it surprisingly tedious for a show where lives are on the line almost nonstop.

The result is a mini-series full of emoting that does not register emotionally, a tableau of great biblical moments that doesn’t convey why they’re great.

Each episode has an interesting 10 minutes or so in which we see what it takes to be a real sports photographer or Nascar driver. But then we’re invited to choke down the notion that anyone who has taken a few pictures or driven a go-cart can leap immediately to the top of the profession.