New Showtime comedy series will have multiple personalities

When I say that the new comedy pilot will have multiple personalities I don't mean it will be an ensemble cast. Well, I guess it will, but the ensemble will be in one person's head. And, no, I'm not talking about a new Tracey Ullman series!

The new Dreamworks project, which has been green-lighted by Showtime Networks, is entitled The United States of Tara. It will be a 30-minute, single-camera comedy (do they really just use a single camera anymore) about a mother who has multiple personality syndrome. According to Robert Greenblatt, president of entertainment for Showtime Networks, it will be a family comedy with a twist (aren't they all). Even though she'll be a wife and mother she may also be an aggressive male biker, a horny teenage girl, or a Martha Stewart-like homemaker.

Greenblat says that the producers of the The United States of Tara will not ridicule Tara's condition, even though the circumstances she ends up in will be funny. Rather, the comedy will balance the very real drama and comedy of a family dealing with an affliction that complicates everyone's lives. Frankly, this all seems very disturbing to me. Multiple personality disorder is a pretty serious condition that can lead to dire consequences. I'm not too sure that this will fly with the public.