Charlie Sheen-Less 'Two . 5 Men': Exactly what the Experts Say

Refer to it as 2 . 5 Males: Version 5..our editor recommends'Two . 5 Men's' Ashton Kutcher, Chuck Lorre Talk Charlie Sheen, Series Reboot'Two . 5 Men's' Angus T. Johnson Misses Charlie Sheen: 'There's No Hard Feelings'How Charlie Sheen's Character Dies on 'Two . 5 Men' 'Two . 5 Men' Poster Features (Maybe) Naked The CBS comedy came back Monday evening because of its ninth season without original star Charlie Sheen -- who had been fired in March -- but with a brand new cast member, , who became a member of the cast in May. STORY: How Charlie Sheen's Character Dies on 'Two . 5 Males' Sheen's character, Charlie Harper, was wiped out off after being pressed before a subway train by Rose (Melanie Lynskey), his stalker/neighbor with whom he'd elope to Paris. But she got revenge after learning he'd been with another lady. The episode began served by his funeral, and also the actor didn't appear. Meanwhile, Kutcher's Walden Schmidt, a heartbroken Internet billionaire, turns up following a suicide attempt and eventually ends up purchasing Harper's former home. PHOTOS: Charlie Sheen's Crazy Twit Photos The episode wasn't readily available for review before it broadcast, a lot of experts' takes hit the net late Monday. USA Today's Robert Bianco recognized Kutcher and co-star Jon Cryer for his or her capability to "make repeated references to Walden's sexual organs but still appear sweet together." He added the show was looking for a big change before Sheen got fired for his public rants against his then-bosses on the program. PHOTO: Charlie Sheen, Bond Backstage at Emmys "Change is definitely hard, however in this situation change was both inevitable but for the best," he authored. "Even when there was a method to refresh Sheen's Charlie Harper character, who had been veering perilously near to 'one old joke' status, Sheen didn't seem to be as much as the job. He looked too attracted to become the energetic, magnetic Goodtime Charlie the role needed, and that he appeared too tired and, possibly, not really prepared to provide the show his best - which pressed a lot of comic load last season onto Cryer's Alan." He added that Kutcher brings new energy towards the lengthy-running comedy. PHOTOS: Charlie Sheen Tour "What fans need to hope Kutcher gives this mixture, apart from a brand new character, is really a new energy along with a better balance," he authored. "And when the continual screams in the studio audience are any suggestion, he provides extensive fans. They and also the show appear to stay in decent hands." Hank Steuver from the Washington Publish opined the show hasn't featured any "complicated story lines" which Kutcher "shown precisely how simple it's.Inch "2 . 5 Males isn't too funny, never too odd, never too naughty," he authored. "Again, for this reason it's on in hospital lounges and also the waiting room in the oil-and-lube." PHOTOS: 's Career Over time He added that the "golden" moment came right before Kutcher's "grand entrance" -- a little by which John Stamos turns up to purchase Charlie Harper's old house, "remaining only lengthy enough to create the episode's requisite obliquely homophobic joke.' The Chicago Sun-Occasions critic Lori Rackl recognized the episode and Kutcher. "Monday's opener got on a remarkably nice beginning, thinking about it happened inside a funeral home," she authored. "Penis and fart jokes is one factor - and also the first episode managed to get obvious the show expects to help keep turning individuals out. But dying is really a harder sell, before a studio audience filled with fans." She added that Kutcher held their own like a newcomer towards the lengthy-running show. STORY: Mocks Charlie Sheen on Emmys Stage "Filling the void left with a well-established character is not easy, but Kutcher mostly been successful," she authored. "Sometimes his character appeared a little like Lennie petting the bunnies by Rodents and Males, but provide him a couple of episodes, and that he should get ready nicely." Scott Pierce from the Salt Lake Tribune noted that it wouldn't happen to be surprising when the episode have been a disappointment -- however it wasn't. Actually, he'd high praise for that premiere. STORY:Charlie Sheen-Less 'Two . 5 Males': Exactly what the Audiences Say "The ghost of Charlie hung within the latest version of 2 . 5 Males, however it didn't exactly cast a pall," he authored. "It released the show into what appears like an encouraging new chapter. It had been funny. Really funny." He added the authors put in "some good bonuses for fans," including Stamos' cameo (Stamos was among the stars whose names were sailed just as one Sheen alternative). VIDEO: Charlie Sheen Roast: 10 Things Been sent in the Comedy Central Event The Chicago Tribune's Robert Lloyd echoed that sentiment, writing the months are on a "promising" start. "Kutcher brings a gentleness to some series that may be brittle and sour, misanthropic and misogynistic, and temperamentally middle-aged," he authored. "His presence might allow Cryer to experience some more gratifying, less strident notes, although it can be [series creator Chuck] Lorre, obviously, to reach that goal.Inch Related Subjects Charlie Sheen CBS Jon Cryer 2 . 5 Males