Flaked

Season 1 – 50% – I have been a big fan of Will Arnett ever since his occasional appearances in 30 Rock, and when he decided to venture into the waters of melancholic dramedy, I took notice. Unfortunately, the more contemplative Californication I expected only partially materialized. Chip's story does remind me of a more serious and mostly believable version of Hank Moody's escapades, but it is written so lazily that I don't get much out of it. Additionally, the central character himself is unappealing from the very beginning and whenever he can mess something up, he inevitably chooses that option. In combination with uninteresting supporting characters, one can only admire Arnett for deciding to distance himself from the sins that likely led to his divorce from Amy Poehler. The fact that his alter-ego and even Arnett himself developed an alcohol addiction during the making of the series is even more disturbing. However, there have been enough self-reflective, self-discovering, or simply contemplative cable relationship dramas in recent years, including Togetherness, Girls, Looking, and lastly Californication, that are in a completely different league. I'm sorry, Will, few people want a good series for you as much as I do, but Flaked is not it yet. Season 2 – 50% – It is even more disappointing to me, in the face of Will Arnett's phenomenal performance, that I can't rate it any better than last year. Even though the adjusted number of episodes is pleasing and prevents unnecessary detours and digressions, it still isn't enough. Someone had the crazy idea to make the mediocre sidekick Cooler the main character, and even though George Basil softens his natural eccentricity as much as he can, all of his lines still feel forced and whenever he delves into incomprehensible dialogue, I lose interest. On the other hand, Dennis is lucky with his storyline as his love interest, portrayed by the never-failing Lenora Crichlow as Rosa, can create irresistible chemistry with anyone. And as for Chip, he still has the gift of turning even the calmest situation into a catastrophe, which frustrates me even more. I cannot say with a clear conscience that Flaked is a bad series, and I believe that many people will rightfully enjoy it. However, I cannot overlook the fact that it never takes a proper step forward but always just sidesteps. (13/09/2016)