somethingreal81

As a huge fan of Motherland, Lucy Punch, and Joanna Lumley, as well as having read all the glowing reviews of this series, I went in with extremely high hopes. Unfortunately, those hopes were completely dashed by a rather dull and unfunny first episode. Given the talent involved, however, I was sure things would improve in episode two. Sadly, that episode was just as laugh free and I decided it wasn't worth any more of my time.

I would truly like to know what those who've praised this show found amusing as I found it to be entirely laugh free. After two episodes, I think I only cracked a smile once. And barely at that.

I've enjoyed all three seasons of American Crime Story and Netflix's Monster so I figured Ryan Murphy's take on Aaron Hernandez would be similarly interesting. Unfortunately, the show is dull, dull, dull! I've watched the first seven episodes and they still haven't gotten to the murder that sent Hernandez to prison. Sure, he had a troubled life and committed crimes before the murder and those things certainly warrant some examination, but 7+ episodes worth? There's a reason those stories didn't make big headlines at the time--because they're, frankly, not that interesting. Worse, as the show has dragged closer to its finale, it's clear that the story of the murder, subsequent trial, and Aaron's death will be told in a completely rushed fashion. Maybe this show could have worked as a 6 episode series that gave a little backstory about Hernandez and then focused on the murder, trial, and Aaron's death, but there is just not nearly enough interesting material here for this to have been dragged out to 10 episodes.

Given the lack of promotion around this show, I went in with pretty low expectations. But after watching all six episodes, I would definitely recommend it--particularly if you're a fan of Happy Endings, the prior collaboration of Adam Pally and David Caspe. While it doesn't have quite as high of a joke per minute ratio as that show, it has a similar sensibility and many clever set-ups and payoffs. Steph Curry isn't an actor, obviously, but is surprisingly charming here. And major props to the casting director for finding Layla Scalisi. There are so many shows that have been hampered by less than great child actors, but she is genuinely hilarious in her role. I really hope this one gets a second season.