While my love of science fiction runs deep, I often need a respite from the overwhelmingly dark and cynical tone that permeates much of the genre today.

Science fiction comedies like Larry And Lucy are much welcome oases.

Another such oasis is Anne & Jake, a winning little time travel comedy web series packed with charm and wit.

Created by writer/producer/actor Victoria Bullock for her LoveDog Productions firm, the web series tells the story of Jake, a brilliant, gawky young scientist, whose time machine inadvertently plucks a British woman named Anne from her gilded life in 1814 London, and plops her into the present day.

While this "fish out of water" premise is a well-treaded narrative trope, the show uses it with remarkable success to mine situational comedy gold.

Anne (portrayed by series creator Bullock) is a young woman who rails against the constraints placed on her by her time period. Intelligent and independent, she is resentful at being forced into an arranged marriage.

However, her world is completely upended when she is suddenly transported 200 years into the future.

Ms. Bullock's performance as Anne is a series highlight. Her reactions to the conventions and technology of the 21st century generate the bulk of the humor in the series.

However, Ms. Bullock also uses Anne's observations to make astute commentaries about the social vagaries of modern life.

A prime example is when Anne discovers television. I won't spoil what she sees, but her reactions provide an unexpected and powerful moment of poignancy.

Ms. Bullock's acting and insightful writing make me think she is going to be a filmmaker to watch.

The other series star is Matt Dallas, best known for his role as the titular Kyle in the much underrated ABC Family series Kyle XY.

As in Kyle XY, Mr. Dallas brings an earnest, almost boyish-like charisma to the role of Jake. He and Bullock have great chemistry together, which is the cornerstone of the show's humor and charm.

Watch the official series trailer here ...

Watch the misadventures of Anne & Jake unfold on the series YouTube channel.

To discover more about the show, visit its official home at LoveDog Productions.

Because of its charm, wit, charismatic leads, and perceptive social commentary, Anne & Jake is a sci-fi gem.

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