Big Mistakes: A Review of Netflix's New Comedy Series
In the realm of television comedy, the genre of dark comedies about ordinary people forced into intense criminality by the vagaries of capitalism has been a fascinating evolution. While 'Weeds' is often remembered for its decline from a perceptive and pointed dark comedy to a chaotic and silly one, it remains a significant influence on the genre. Netflix's new comedy series, 'Big Mistakes', created by Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott, is a direct heir to 'Weeds' and will likely appeal to fans of other similar shows like 'Killing It', 'Deli Boys', and 'Sunny Nights'.
The series follows the ethnically and religiously confusing family of Linda (Laurie Metcalf), a hardware store owner who decides to run for mayor after the death of her mother. The story is not solely about Linda, but rather focuses on her son, Nicky (Levy), a pastor in a Christian denomination that allows clergy to be gay but not in relationships, and her daughter, Morgan (Taylor Ortega), an aspiring actor turned elementary school teacher in a loveless relationship with Max (Jack Innanen).
One of the most intriguing aspects of 'Big Mistakes' is its plot mechanics, which are based on poorly considered happenstance rather than organic economic desperation. This choice, however, makes the show less emotionally investable. The series suffers from what physicists call the observer effect, where the act of closely examining the show diminishes its quality. Despite this, the show is entertaining due to its tight direction, editing, and score, which distract the audience from the implausibility of the circumstances.
The cast of 'Big Mistakes' is impressive, with Metcalf, Ortega, and Levy delivering strong performances. Ortega effectively anchors the series with her endearingly insufferable vulnerability, while Levy arcs his character's growing exasperation in a funny yet limited way. However, the show's lack of discernible reason for character actions, such as Yusuf's (Boran Kuzum) escalating exasperation, diminishes the overall impact.
In conclusion, 'Big Mistakes' is a broad and entertaining comedy series that, while not reaching the heart-filled emotional place of 'Schitt's Creek', has the potential for a fun second season. The show's influence from 'Weeds' and its ability to entertain despite its flaws make it a notable addition to the genre of dark comedies.
