Amidst a wave of underwhelming content, Netflix’s ‘The Four Seasons’ struggles to stand out. The show disappoints with humor that falls flat, failing to deliver on the promise of its premise. The writing often appears weak, unable to support the acting performances.
The dynamics among the friends feels forced, as though the jokes are only amusing to those involved. The audience’s response feels more like an obligation than genuine enjoyment.
The series begins with a group of long-time friends, now in their 50s, who appear to be navigating mid-life crises. When Nick (Steve Carrell) decides to leave his wife, it sets off a chain of events. The introduction of a new woman adds another layer to the story.
While there are some effective moments, the show is plagued by tonal inconsistencies. Anne’s (Kerri Kenney-Silver) character is portrayed as overly trusting, diminishing the emotional impact of her marital troubles. The repeated vacations that coincide with her ex-husband and his new partner further create an artificial feel.
A stronger portrayal of Anne, as a character dealing with the aftermath of a failed marriage, would have been appreciated. The series’ format, which features the friends reuniting in exotic locations, also detracts from the more complex relationship dynamics.
The show touches upon significant themes, such as Kate’s (Tina Fey) doubts about her marriage and the challenges within the gay couple’s relationship. However, it fails to provide a thorough examination of these topics. The series hesitates to take risks, thus limiting its ability to explore the depth of its subject matter.