Better Off Ted is a new comedy on ABC from Victor Fresco, creator of Andy Richter Controls the Universe. It centers on Ted Crisp, an R&D exec who works for Veridian Dynamics. Veridian specializes in technological innovation at all costs. The question of crossing ethical lines doesn’t even really come up for these folks. For their line of work, the line is a dot on the distant horizon behind them.

The pilot centers on introducing the main cast, consisting of Ted’s boss (and possible part-time lover) Veronica, the dynamic scientist duo of Lem and Phil, a company tester (and possible new love interest) named Linda and Ted’s daughter, Rose. We learn in this first episode that Veridian is researching weaponizing pumpkins and figuring out a usage for a new fabric that is both soft and irritating (they test it out on their own employees by installing it on office chairs).

The main plot involves getting one of the crew to volunteer for an experimental cryogenic freezing. Naturally things go somewhat awry and...well, you’ll just have to tune in and see for yourself.

As a concept, Better Off Ted has a lot going for it. It’s shot with a single-camera setup, similar to The Office, but has a different tone and feel. It’s more like a traditional sitcom, but with the possibility of satirizing conspiracy theory stalwarts like X-Files, Lost or even Fringe. Most of the jokes are pretty funny, but I’d like to see more of the show to see if the cast dynamics end up paying off. It’s too soon to tell for right now, but this has potential. Check it out when it premieres on ABC next Wednesday, March 18th at 8:30 p.m.