Mockumentary television has become a brilliant source of entertainment ever since Ricky Gervais' seriesThe Office, and is something people can always turn to for some excellent humor, fromParks and RecandFamily TreetoWhat We Do in the ShadowsandReno 911. One of the most brilliant of these mockumentary-style shows has to be Andy Daly’s 2014 comedy TV series,Review, a loose remake of an Australian series by the same name.
The cult mockumentary is co-created by Daly himself and Charlie Siskel. Daly stars as a professional critic, Forrest MacNeil, who hosts a show calledReviewwherein he reviews real-life experiences that have been suggested by his viewers and shares his opinions on them, ranking things like ‘eating too many pancakes’ on a scale of one to five stars. The shock chronicles Forrest, goaded by his malicious producer, as he gets too obsessed with his show and providing his audience with all the best reviews.
In an attempt to be a great critic and television host, Forrest gradually ruins his entire life, from divorcing the wife he still very much loves, to getting addicted to drugs and even being asked to kill someone, all because he has to get the perfect review for his audience. With only 22 episodes, the show ended in 2017 and has since been very sadly underrated; this comedy leaves you shocked, disturbed, and saddened, but it is all also totally hilarious. Let’s take a closer look atReviewand why it needs more love.
Forrest Goes Mad
At the beginning of the series, Daly isn’t afraid of throwing us in the deep end; there’s no such thing as easing us into it. Instead, we are shown a frantic Forrest getting himself into some sticky situations like attempting to rob a bank, somehow getting addicted to cocaine, and even escorting his son’s babysitter to her prom. Instantly, viewers are left confused, yet very intrigued to see where this show is heading. The bar is definitely set quite high from the get-go, and we are left asking questions about how they could even progress forward from such a strong opening.
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Miraculously, they do. As the series goes on, we are not only receiving brilliant and witty humor, but an interesting blend between comedy and tragedy. Slowly, Forrest seems to turn mad, and we laugh at his silly, crazy, and amazing adventures, but can’t shake the feeling that it’s actually quite sad. The fact that he is so dedicated to his work, that he risks everything, his wife and family (who are devoted to him), is actually pretty upsetting, and we can’t help but feel sorry for him.
For Daly to blend these two aspects into what is predominantly a comedic show is impressive and brings depth and texture to the original comedy. His performance is perfect as well, playing someone who is playing to the cameras, but who is hurting and conflicted deep down. The series feels like a critique of capitalism, a parody of reality television, a Greek tragedy, and a ridiculous absurdist comedy all at once.
Season Two and Three of Review
Going into season two, we don’t know how Forrest’s life can really get any worse, but alas, we follow him into a deeper hole that he seems to have dug himself. Although, he does acknowledge what he has lost, so he finds a way to turn down his audience’s suggestions to avoid ones that might literally ruin his life. His good behavior doesn’t last long, however, thanks in large part to his conniving producer (the great James Urbaniak), who notices the correlation between the more self-destructive or exploitive reviews and high TV ratings.Reviewpushes the comedy right to its limit, but it is still brilliantly raw.
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Season three gets even darker, and might leave you screaming at the TV, asking how someone could make so many wrong choices. Forrest seems like a prisoner of his own ambition and desire to please, a man so beholden to his television audience (akin to social media followers) that he’s always at risk of losing everything, including his very personality.
Reviewing the Darker Side Of Comedy
Reviewis brutal, hilarious, and full of adventure, but it is also lonely, heartbreaking, and filled with sacrifices. It is possible that this show can make you laugh and cry at the same time. Unfortunately, with it only beingshown on Comedy Centralon and off, it wasn’t spread wide enough for everyone to love it, yet, it is definitely worthy of a bit of extra love. The ability for Daly to portray someone who doesn’t know where his life is taking him and makes all the wrong choices, but still in a comedic, fun, and exciting way is nothing less than masterful.
Viewers could even say thatReviewmakes us appreciate our loved ones more, and gives us the chance to empathize with others who have lost everything through either bad decisions, ambition, selfishness, or happenstance. Although, some would understandably be wary about jumping off bridges and punching innocent strangers. Nevertheless,Reviewis a fascinating exploration of what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong,’ and how the dangers of obsession, ambition, and influence can take over your life. Plus it’s just hilarious.
