Dr. Ken – “Dave Goes on Shark Tank” Review. The Sleep Revolution.

Season 2, Episode 7

Air Date: Friday, November 11, 2016, 8:30/7:30c on ABC

Rating: ★★★★★

“How many have you sold?” – Mark Cuban

How can you not love Albert Tsai?

Ken (Ken Jeong) expresses his concerns to his wife Allison (Suzy Nakamura) after their son, Dave (Albert Tsai), is invited to pitch his invention, the Hot Legs Duvet, on the hit ABC series Shark Tank. Will the sharks, Mark Cuban, Kevin Leary, Robert Herjavec, Lori Greiner, and Daymond John, see Dave’s duvet as the next million dollar idea or will they go after Dave like fresh chum in the water?

The other day at the grocery store I came across a bag of Lay’s® Chicken and Waffle Flavored Potato Chips. While I enjoy both chips and chicken, I’ve never been a big fan of waffles. Despite my curiousness about the unique pairing, my enjoyment of only half the combo wasn’t enough to sell me on the idea so I decided to pass. I had a similar reaction when ABC announced Dr. Ken was doing a crossover episode with Shark Tank. I’ve never been a fan of shows that often berate people as part of a show’s gimmick. As silly as some of the inventions are, these people put their heart and souls into them, only to have their creations torn apart for the audience’s amusement. While Shark Tank is popular with many, I wondered how the Dr. Ken fans (who, like me, don’t watch the show) would view the mix. It’s a risk networks take any time they combine two very different shows; after all, for every sour cream and onion chip, there’s chicken and waffles.

Sink or swim with the sharks.

Thankfully, episodic writers Paul O’Toole and Andy St.Clair use a simple solution for how to make the episode palatable for fans like me—Albert Tsai. Tsai’s charm is infectious and just watching his bubble gum reviews on the short-lived Trophy Wife made me crave gum. Now, thanks to “Dave Goes on Shark Tank,” I suddenly want my own Hot Legs Duvet. Dave’s interactions with Cuban had me tearing up from laughing so hard when Cuban inquires about Dave’s sales figures. As concerned as I was, it’s Tsai’s personality that makes the crossover episode work surprisingly well.

Meanwhile, Molly (Krista Marie Yu) begins an internship at the Welltopia Medical Group in an effort to enhance her college resume for Stanford. Hospital administrator Pat (Dave Foley) is quick to show his appreciation of her efforts by writing a letter on Molly’s behalf and the end result is hilarious. As a fan of the show News Radio, I was super excited when Foley was cast as Pat. However, as much as I enjoy Foley as an actor and comedian, I haven’t felt the magic Foley used to provide on News Radio; that is until now.

Stamford with a M

Often on Dr. Ken, Pat’s antics walk a fine line between being funny and creepy. But with Molly, the audience gets to see a different side of Pat. The scenes between Yu and Foley are comical to watch and it’s fun to see Pat taking on an almost quirky uncle persona to Molly. I couldn’t stop laughing as Pat realizes the error in his actions. “Dave Goes on Shark Tank” is Foley at his comedic best, actually making me nostalgic and anxious to watch my News Radio DVDs for the umpteenth time. Not only does Molly get some quality time with Pat, she also has some very funny scenes with Clark (Jonathan Slavin) as they discuss the pitfalls of social media.

Going into “Dave Goes on Shark Tank” I admit I had my doubts and assumed I would be writing how the pairing of the two shows felt forced and was a shameless way to promote ABC. Instead, “Dave Goes on Shark Tank” is one of the funniest episodes of the series. Not only is the episode entertaining, it has a positive message about letting our kids sometimes fail in order to succeed.

Dr. Ken doesn’t get enough credit for how heartwarming the show is and “Dave Goes on Shark Tank” is no exception. The pep talk Ken gives Dave is especially touching. Smart, funny and heartwarming, “Dave Goes on Shark Tank” has a bit of everything for everyone. Given my reaction to this episode, perhaps I should give chicken and waffle chips a chance. What do you think?

Tweet me @Staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “Dave Goes on Shark Tank.”

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Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.