Granted, the scripted bits were hit and (more often) miss, with so much time spent delving into the way-back machine as to become a trifle tedious. Then again, Hall can be somewhat forgiven for reveling in the moment, and his own enthusiasm--looking like someone genuinely happy to have this second shot--helped power through the clunkier elements.
First nights are rarely great, and even terrible starts are no indication of how a show will fare. Mr. Hall’s return to the screen was mostly a little sad. He is better than this and deserved a more convincing comeback.