Truly interesting premise and the execution is almost great. I really appreciate the deep dive into psychosis the series boasts, the subtle turnover from sane to "undone." It's a well written turn many other writers should see.
However, I take issue with the ending of this season. Cliffhangers are tricky. They have to be done just right. But what makes them particularly difficult with shows like this is they must balance not only the literal payoff, but also the emotional and metaphoric weight of the show. And here is where Undone lost me. Purdy and Bob-Waksberg spend the entire season carefully crafting the subtle and nuanced switch from believing in Alma's ability to seeing her on the verge of a break in desperate need of professional help. The emotional arc here is beautiful and satisfying. It shows how slowly, naturally, and easily illness approaches. How much easier it is to believe in the fantastic than the reality, because here it stems from an unwillingness to process trauma and pain. It's relatable. But it also boasts extremely good character arcs from the supporting characters, primarily Camilla and Becca--but not really because they change. The arc is in how Alma (and, in turn, the audience) perceive them. They shift from overbearing and borderline insufferable, to compassionate (even if they perhaps could learn to express it better). The writers have put an extremely careful eye to developing the arc and it works.
But then comes the cliffhanger ending: is Alma actually schizophrenic? Is her father going to walk out of the cave? The answer, of course, needs to be no. If he does, there are more issues that arise than are solved. I suppose none of these are so big that couldn't be wrapped up with another season's worth of content, but I'd argue that another season will actually diminish the impact of the one that already exists. It feels as though we could be heading to a retread of the same arcs we've already seen. It might not happen though. Purdy and Bob-Waksberg have proven their writing mettle over numerous years of excellence on Bojack. But it does make me nervous. Particularly considering that indulging Alma's illness could have problematic implications similar to those presented by Legion's depiction of mental illness.
But on a completely subjective level, I just felt like the writing had so brilliantly shifted to showcasing Alma's mental state as the series is titled. A cliffhanger undermines this for what, to me, feels like nothing more than a just kidding... unless?
@filmboicole Perfect review, I completely agree! I loved how everything was coming Undone in the last episode, wish they committed to it. I really hope Season 2 is just as good...
Review by filmboicoleBlockedParentSpoilers2019-11-14T15:36:57Z
Truly interesting premise and the execution is almost great. I really appreciate the deep dive into psychosis the series boasts, the subtle turnover from sane to "undone." It's a well written turn many other writers should see.
However, I take issue with the ending of this season. Cliffhangers are tricky. They have to be done just right. But what makes them particularly difficult with shows like this is they must balance not only the literal payoff, but also the emotional and metaphoric weight of the show. And here is where Undone lost me. Purdy and Bob-Waksberg spend the entire season carefully crafting the subtle and nuanced switch from believing in Alma's ability to seeing her on the verge of a break in desperate need of professional help. The emotional arc here is beautiful and satisfying. It shows how slowly, naturally, and easily illness approaches. How much easier it is to believe in the fantastic than the reality, because here it stems from an unwillingness to process trauma and pain. It's relatable. But it also boasts extremely good character arcs from the supporting characters, primarily Camilla and Becca--but not really because they change. The arc is in how Alma (and, in turn, the audience) perceive them. They shift from overbearing and borderline insufferable, to compassionate (even if they perhaps could learn to express it better). The writers have put an extremely careful eye to developing the arc and it works.
But then comes the cliffhanger ending: is Alma actually schizophrenic? Is her father going to walk out of the cave? The answer, of course, needs to be no. If he does, there are more issues that arise than are solved. I suppose none of these are so big that couldn't be wrapped up with another season's worth of content, but I'd argue that another season will actually diminish the impact of the one that already exists. It feels as though we could be heading to a retread of the same arcs we've already seen. It might not happen though. Purdy and Bob-Waksberg have proven their writing mettle over numerous years of excellence on Bojack. But it does make me nervous. Particularly considering that indulging Alma's illness could have problematic implications similar to those presented by Legion's depiction of mental illness.
But on a completely subjective level, I just felt like the writing had so brilliantly shifted to showcasing Alma's mental state as the series is titled. A cliffhanger undermines this for what, to me, feels like nothing more than a just kidding... unless?