'Fisk' injects Aussie humor in office comedy

The workplace comedy is not a new fixture on the TV box. Anyone who's been lounging in front of the tube for decades remembers "Private Secretary." "Murphy Brown" qualifies and, of course, "The Office," both British and American versions. The Australian comedy "Fisk" adds to the genre by ladling laughs without pulling punches.

"Fisk" is set in the office of Gruber & Gruber, lawyers. Ray Gruber dilly-dallies; workhorse Roz Gruber with her outlandish standards has been suspended. So Gruber & Gruber needs to expand the staff . Enter Helen Tudor-Fisk. 

She's been sorta fired (she may have attacked a client) and sorta cuckolded. So, back in her hometown of Melbourne, Helen rents a room in an Air B & B, where she and her darling dog often find the landlady napping on the sofa. Helen keeps things simple, starting with her dress-for-success suit -- make that three of the very same, very baggy brown  suits that read as loose upholstery.

Helen is burdened by her famous judge of a father's surname and reputation. She seems to be the only one working at this office. She is soon banned from the coffee shop downstairs (she can be caustic) and is confronted by kooky clients (the Russians are coming -- and taking). When a client will not listen, Helen rolls up a deposition to megaphone her advice.

Outright, prolonged laughter (to quote "A Thousand Clowns") ensues. But sometimes the humor is just physical (that bean bag chair!) and, sometimes, dry -- typical Aussie humor -- as in the domestic trials stirred by Helen's uncle. Often after the script ends, the cast of comedians continues to find the funny -- like the filips in "Doonesbury." Worth waiting for with lended ear.

Julia Zemiro, with her sprayed bouffant, is commanding as Roz; Aaron Chen makes webmaster George slyly amusing. The clients provide roles for dozens of character actors. But it's Kitty Flanagan who holds the initial six episodes together (a second series is set). She created "Fisk" alongside her sister Penny and Marty Sheargold. A veteran stand-up comedian, Flanagan deadpans as the series' star. What a mug.

Tragedies on "Fisk" flee as far from America's versions as possible and cozy as close to comedy, á la the original "Night Court," as probable. "Fisk"'s storylines entertain without effort; the scripts provide the leanest meat to chaw. "Fisk" is so much fun, so appealing, so silly. It's perfect for the dog days.