Tubegazing: Tracy Ullman's 'State of the Union'

The comedienne's Showtime series creates skits you won't see on 'Saturday Night Live.'

from the March 28, 2008 edition

State of the Union (Showtime, March 30, 10 p.m.): British comedienne Tracy Ullman's new series allows her to develop an impressive cast of characters as she paints a sardonic portrait of America. The sketch show includes an Indian pharmacist who breaks into Bollywood-style musical numbers, guest celebs (Helen Mirren, Renée Zellweger), politicians such as Nancy Pelosi, and an array of blue-collar workers. Vulgar and brazenly racy, it's unlike anything else on TV. It will appeal to anyone who can appreciate Ullman's sheer acting/impersonation skill. It may be a harder sell for those who can't see past the potentially wearing gimmick of her playing every lead. – Gloria Goodale