'Rooster' E01 review: Steve Carell's comedy off to decent start
What's the story
Steve Carell's new comedy-drama series, Rooster, made its debut on JioHotstar on Monday. It's created by Matt Tarses and Bill Lawrence. The show has dropped one episode so far, and weekly episodes will follow every Monday morning. Light-hearted, breezy, and uplifted by experienced, dynamic artists, Rooster seems promising and worth your time. Here's our review of the opening episode.
Plot
A writer tries to save his daughter's marriage
The show follows Greg Russo (Carell), a writer known for his popular "beach reads." We first meet him at Ludlow College, where he's invited to deliver a guest lecture. Interestingly, his daughter Katie (Charly Clive) teaches there. Her husband, another faculty member, leaves her for a student, prompting Greg to intervene and try to salvage their marriage. Is he setting himself up for failure?
#1
Carell is as watchable as ever!
The Office might have immortalized Carell as a comedy legend, but the veteran artist sparkles just as bright in every genre, especially drama. Greg is recently divorced and battling loneliness; he's "self-conscious" and evidently too afraid to ask for companionship. Carell brings out these emotions spectacularly, and your heart aches to see Greg struggle through several personal and professional challenges.
#2
Numerous storylines come to the forefront
In the 33-minute-long episode, the show successfully establishes multiple subplots, and all of them keep you engaged. Carell and Clive are instantly believable as a father-daughter duo. Moreover, the latter gets several meaty scenes where she shines as a heartbroken ex who's gradually losing her sanity. However, the parallel track of Walter (John C. McGinley), the fitness-obsessed Ludlow president, runs out of steam quickly.
#3
Humor is sometimes hit-and-miss, but doesn't ruin the show
The show unfolds at its own rhythm, and sometimes, some jokes tend to fall painfully flat. Nonetheless, you keep watching because of the spunky characters and diverse ensemble, and the occasionally underwhelming humor doesn't mar the show heavily. Rooster works a lot better as a drama than a comedy, and is at its best when it explores the themes of love, longing, and loneliness.
Verdict
The ensemble and writing draw you in; 3/5 stars
Rooster has a sentimental, comforting feel to it, and it doesn't take you long to fathom and fit into this world. The characters feel realistic, their problems seem believable, and as always, Carell remains a comforting, delightful presence. The show bustles with energy and shimmers with potential, and Greg's journey is one to watch out for. 3/5 stars.