Why Netflix’s “Friends From College” Is The Enemy of Reason
Mild spoilers
It’s been almost two years since Netflix unleashed Friends From College, and the arrival of the very unoriginal and unfunny comedy, was an unpleasant surprise when you consider the modest expectations, that it would at the very least try to be somewhat entertaining.
It turned out to be an uneven delivery of the worst characters ever created.
Okay, maybe not the “worst,” but they’re pretty darn excruciating to tolerate, and it’s not because they look great being boring as hell. It’s really about the disconnect of grown adults who have the resources necessary to cushion the blows of not taking anything seriously, and being seriously fucked up — at the same time.
It would also be unacceptable to ignore the glaring absence of women of color, specifically Black women.
First off, in this era of mandatory inclusion, and the urgency of ensuring that the industry produces offerings that reflect the real world, it’s beyond offensive to be a Black woman watching a whole season of a highly-touted show, streaming on Netflix, and not be able to identify anyone who resembles my template.
But that’s precisely why Friends From College lacks the charm and authenticity that it’s purposely missing, because after restlessly sitting through the newly-minted second season, it’s abundantly clear that the show’s writers are on a quest to prove how a very bad product, functions at its very best when its the baddest it can be.
This explains the round up of hideous personalities, encased in attractive coverings, who spend their time completely wrapped up in the silliness of mishaps, that they revel in with the level of energy that leaves mind-numbed viewers like me exhaustively confused and frustrated.
Season 2 reassures that your Friends haven’t changed at all. They’re still based in New York City, and the carryovers from the previous season only serve as the primers for what’s supposed to be feisty mayhem, but only ends up falling flatter than a squashed patty.
The big revelation of the weirdly long and reckless affair between Ethan (Keegan-Michael Key) and Sam (Annie Parisse) is now activated, and the awkwardness is awkward to…
