haranguemeringue Reviews

Single Parents (2018–2020)

Single Parents isn't just for the titular group

[7/10 · 3 January 2019]

Single Parents *is* funny but humor is always subjective, so that's not enough info to properly review this freshman comedy gem.

First off, I'm not a Single Parent; I'm actually childfree, so you don't have to be a breeder 😉😬 to enjoy this show.

So let's get into the guts of this show. There's an amazing cast w/wonderful chemistry, both among the parents themselves and w/the kids & parents in the cast. The show is well-written enough, meaning yes it can be predictable at times & a bit cheesy as such, but there are plenty of LOL moments and fresh one-liners to keep the pace.

It does take a bit for the show to grease its wheels and move along smoothly, but that's true of anything, really. Giving a show a crappy rating based on a bad pilot, or not giving it a real chance beyond a couple episodes isn't exactly fair anyway, as most people know. Stick with it beyond a couple episodes and you may be rewarded, as I was, because once Single Parents finds its groove, it becomes a can't miss each week.

The key to this show, imo, is that often the kids act more like parents "should" while the parents act like kids. I don't mean that the parents are irresponsible or immature, just that the kids help the parents grow & become better people. This applies to both the kids of the actual parents & kids from other parents. They eventually become a found family and their adventures are quite entertaining. Kudos their casting directors because the kids are paired well w/their fictional parents & chemistry works well all around.

My only concern is where this show can go in future seasons. There's plenty of material out there, of course, but hopefully the writers & crew keep creating fresh comedy that keeps pace w/similar shows.

Difficult People (2015–2017)

The show for viewers who hate people - and themselves

[7/10 · 17 August 2017]

The first & second seasons of Difficult People were outstanding - hilarious, comedic and charming. "They hate the same people I do!" is a common statement to make while viewing. But the third season just isn't as funny. At least, not yet. I'm picky about comedy, but political humor, the easy jokes about our current president, etc, YAWN. I enjoyed this show when the episodes were unpredictable even with raunchy outcomes. I'm not easily offended, and if you are, steer clear of this show. But I am bored by so many shows that take the easy way out with comedy by vomiting hatred of the current people in power. And hating their fellow voters who put said people in power. We get it, liberals hate conservatives - and vice-versa. That horse died long ago and yet still they keep on beating it. Both sides, yes, but which side gets the most air time? ;) I hate everyone equally, as did the two leads in the first two seasons. But somehow in developing the third round, the writers swapped dark sarcasm and global hatred for bitter rants and typical one-party hatred. The part that offends me is that this is considered comedy. Not anymore. Which is a damn shame because the first two seasons were phenomenal - edgy, unique, and the show offered a voice to those who find most people ridiculous. But now Difficult People is in danger of becoming mainstream, which means it'll keep taking sides and keep celebrating the very people the leads used to despise. This just isn't original anymore. It makes me sad that these two so lost their way... and yet I know this will end up on the road to mainstream success. Compromise your values by preaching the same tired mantra and you'll end up successful - as long as you're on the "right" side. But that means what I loved about this show - the global hatred of everyone, especially themselves, is gone. Written out. Replaced by the unoriginal slop that plagues most network comedy shows. My rating is based on all three seasons -what has aired so far for S3. This started as a 10, and was among my top recommended shows - if I could converse with people long enough to recommend a show to them. But it's slipping. Sign of the times? Perhaps. Just stop with the dead horse/political humor, even if you decide to take on all sides, but I'm no fool. I know nowadays entertainers have to lean one way or else they'll get blackballed. These two used to spit on the system but now they're embracing the ridiculousness. They used to stand up against the BS, but now that rolls off their tongues as well. I guess I gave them too much credit, too soon