Tag: sitcom

Upload: Upping the Game for these Hoes

On March 17, 2022

I really enjoyed the first season of this Amazon Prime show, so the second season had a lot to prove. Greg Daniels has created countless incredible projects, so it’s not a surprise that this new venture is doing well. Upload’s first season has an 88% Critics Rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 87% Audience score. Although the second season has significantly fewer reviews, the approval rating is going in the same direction.

I think I’m in the same boat with these reviewers.

The second season picks up right where the first season left us, but then we get a three-week time jump. I have conflicted feelings about this. On one hand, I see how this takes us back to the main storyline quicker. On the other hand, I’m intrigued to know more about this technology-less encampment and wish we had spent more time there dissecting its politics. Maybe in the third season, there will be more room to explore this part of the show’s sight for the future – I’m hoping so. I think the idea of a religious cult with a leader that has anarchist ideologies towards technology leaves a lot to be explored and endless means for writers to make current cultural criticisms.

I appreciate that Aleesha has been given a little more screen time and crusts of a storyline compared to the crumbs of last season. However, I still think that this show is greatly underusing Zainab Johnson. She’s a comedic and dramatic wizard who steals every scene she’s in. I want more!

They’ve somehow made Ingrid [Allegra Edwards] more annoying than she was last season. I know that’s the point of her character; she’s out of touch with reality, and her wealth gives her the power to control her ex-boyfriend’s life. Upload does a great job of making the viewer hate the rich. And I know this is a half-hour show; I know what that means in terms of limited space for nuance. However, I still feel that Ingrid, and the majority of the other representations of the ultra-rich, are portrayed as cartoonishly evil and unhinged. I think this representation does the message of the show a disservice. Even the ultra-rich have their moments of humanity – that’s what keeps them on top – kindness at the right moment. I think this show could use a smidgen of more humanity coming from its villains and performances that actually garner sympathy. Adding that kind of nuance will hit the message a homerun.

Nora’s [Andy Allo] story takes an interesting turn when she hooks up with Matteo [Paulo Costanzo]. I liked that Nora was taking on more rebellion, but I was sad when she was sucked back into the corporate system. It felt like Nora’s character evolved and then regressed. Matteo’s arc felt too sharp, as well. Their story together is why I wish we had more time in the three-week time jump.

Nathan [Robbie Amell] maintains being simultaneous: smart and a dumbass. I admire the loyalty to the character’s roots, but I wish he had more moments of “Eureka!”. He is supposed to be a brilliant coder, but the most we see him code is with the glitches and tools Nora gave him.

All criticisms aside, I enjoy this show: I like its concept and direction, I think the performers are great, the writers are doing a great job. I think this season’s cliffhangers are setting up a promising season three.

Side note: I think it is bonkers how many Amazon Prime Originals are about inhumane crimes committed by the ultra-rich when considering who owns the entire company.

You know what, Bezos, keep your enemies close, right?

Abbott Elementary: Teaching Us Value

By Isobel Grieve

On February 8, 2022

In Reviews, TV

It airs Tuesdays on ABC, and everyone should be watching. It is created by and stars Quinta Brunson, who is absolutely hilarious! Her writing and performance show the makings of a new household name in comedy.

Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary-style show with side interviews, direct to camera side-eye, the whole shebang. This style of sitcom has created some of the most beloved sitcoms in recent years, like The Office (9 seasons), Modern Family (11 seasons) and Parks and Recreation (7 seasons). With all its heart and jokes, this new primetime sitcom has the potential to be on air for many years to come.

Centring around six faculty members at the sitcom’s namesake school, Abbott Elementary explores the failings of American Education Systems that lack proper funding and resources. In that sense, Quinta Brunson’s protagonist, Janine Teagues, is very similar to Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation because she is determined to do with what she has and stay optimistic.

While taking place in Philadelphia, Abbott Elementary pokes fun at the education system’s failings while also critiquing those failings in earnest. The main characters’ dedication to the school and their students is enough to make you root for them. However, their character quirks and peaks into their personal lives make you fall in love with them, flaws and all.

Tyler James William is home in this genre: his delivery and facial expressions add a Jim Halpert (of The Office) to the mix. His and Quinta Brunson’s onscreen chemistry is palpable as a version of the quintessential The Office ship: Jam and Pam. They start very similarly to the famous Office couple: Brunson’s character, Janine, is in a long-term relationship with someone who does not fully appreciate her and William’s character, Gregory, pines for her quietly while offering friendship. It’s cute, it’s hopeful, it’s funny.

The senior teachers, Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) and Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter), are depicted as thicker skinned and stronger stock than the younger teachers. Janine idolizes Barbara and thinks of her as a mentor. Although Barbara will guide Janine, when need be, she is reluctant – why? Well, Barbara has plenty of other things to do. Her expert with children is clear from the get-go as her children are always much more well-behaved than the other classes. Melissa is the Italian with all the underground connections. Melissa is harsh but fair – the kind of woman to take no crap because she’s done that before, and what had it gotten her? Nothing.

The useless but hilarious principal, Ava, is played by comedian Janelle James whose stand-up comedy style shines through in her performance. Ava is nothing but laughs whenever in the room, her ego is huge, her sexual energy is on fire, and her money handling is terrible. Ava is the perfect stand-in for government incompetence regarding the support of public-school teachers in the United States.

Quinta Brunson has created something that wide audiences can enjoy. Majority of westerners have been to school and understand the kind of hoops teachers jump through to provide proper education. Teachers are fundamental in growing up: most people have fond memories of when learning clicked for them at school. Yet, teachers are extremely underpaid for the hours and effort they’re putting into their classrooms and extracurriculars. Abbott Elementary is hopefully a beacon for people to realize that schools and teachers deserve better resources, and the children need a healthy, stable learning environment to thrive.