Forever

TV Show Name: Forever
Year of Release: 2018
Created by: Matt Hubbard, Alan Yang

Directors: Alan Yang, Miguel Arteta, Janicza Bravo

Stars: Maya Rudolph, Fred Armisen, Catherine Keener, Noah Robbins, Sharon Omi, Kym Whitley, Julia Ormond, Obba Babatunde, Peter Weller

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7
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Synopsis:

As the streaming wars continue, it's interesting to witness the output of shows that the different companies are producing. From Amazon Prime comes "Forever", a show created by Matt Hubbard and Alan Yang. Yang previously created "Master of None" (with Aziz Ansari), while both he and Hubbard wrote for different shows such as "Parks and Recreation" and "30 Rock", to name but a few from their eclectic writing resumes. The show follows the story of June and Oscar, a married couple who have comfortably lived together for some time. Their existence is based on a series of repetitive routines that they have established, which June initially found endearing, but as time as moved on, have begun wearing her out. When they decide to go on a ski trip, their lives change dramatically, as Oscar dies and June is left to move on. June's career also, and unexpectedly, suffers a dramatic change, sending her on a trip, where she suffers a fatal accident. June and Oscar are reunited in the afterlife, where they initially start resuming their lives together, much like they did when they were living, but with different friends/neighbors. But as new neighbors join their peaceful existence, such as Kase, June in particular starts questioning her relationship with Oscar, and particularly the choices she made and keeps doing even in the after life. This need to explore leads her into unexpected situations and discoveries.
"Forever" is a show that takes its time to unfold the concept that is presenting. It's a comedic show made of nuances and observations, and plays cleverly with the concepts of afterlife, relationships, the dichotomy of resistance/acceptance to change and ultimately the notion of true acceptance of one self. It's a show that provides enough information on the context to keep the audiences interested, without delving too deeply into the circumstances where the characters find themselves in. The focus is very much on the relationships between these characters and how they come to realize their paths, always with a great sense of humor, with some situations being borderline ridiculous/surreal, but also and because of that, extremely funny. Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen are perfectly cast in the show, and they ultimately elevate it, making it always interesting, particularly since their characters are always showing a different side to them. It's a show that still needs a bit more clarification on the universe where it stands, and where the supporting characters can also benefit from some extra dimension, but it's nonetheless engrossing and impeccably shot. Worth watching!