TV Review: Catastrophe
On our flight over to Barcelona I had downloaded the first two episodes of the first season of a show on Amazon Prime called Catastrophe. Jenn was sleeping at this point of our first flight and I actually woke her up when I was cracking up on the second episode. She turned to me and started watching (with no sound) and then quickly asked what I was watching. I then restarted Catastrophe from episode one and Jenn got just as hooked as I was.
We only had the first two episodes on the iPad so we had to wait until we got home to catch the last four of the show on Amazon Prime. The show is about a couple who hook up while Rob (played by Rob Delaney) is on a business trip in London. Flash forward a couple of weeks and Rob receives a phone call while on a date from his London fling Sharon (played by Sharon Horgan) who lets him know that she's pregnant. He moves out to London to "figure it all out" and what ensues is some of the funniest television I've watched since The Office.
The charm of both Rob and Sharon is undeniable. You get a combination of English and American humor. There are social quips, political jabs, and just an all around witty experience. It also feels real. In a way that many comedies fail, both Rob and Sharon seem like two normal people who are trying to not only deal with the baby their bringing into the world but also that they have a relationship that is just at the onset. The first four episodes of Catastrophe and nothing short of brilliant. I'm going to repeat myself some of the funniest stuff on TV.
Sadly the last two episodes (especially the last episode) go a little off the rails. The last episode in particular just loses some of the good will that these characters have built up. They become a bit to crass. That doesn't stop Catastrophe from being an incredible show. While Netflix continues to hit home runs you have to hand it to Amazon for doing their part as well. Although the first season is only six episodes its easily some of the best out there. I cannot wait for the sophomore season of Catastrophe. I think the foundation is laid for a comedy that could have some serious legs.
