“What’s the face that we put out to the world and what’s the face that we look at in the mirror?”
Will Arnett (“Arrested Development”), creator and lead actor of Netflix’s latest show”Flaked” succinctly highlighted the show’s premise in one simple question.
While perceived to be comedic by observers of Arnett’s previous endeavors — “30 Rock” is hardly an introspective take on the human psyche – “Flaked” contradicts those perceptions with dry, witty comedy as a curtain to hide drama and intensity.
The show centers on Chip, played by Arnett, a self-help guru who also sells stools and lives in the now-trendy Venice, Los Angeles. At first glance, Chip is a self-absorbed man-child with a dark past of alcoholism.
“My best thinking tells me it’s OK to get loaded and get behind the wheel of a car … I killed a man,” Chip tells his AA group.
Immediately, the viewer is tricked into judging him: this is all about self-redemption, isn’t it? Is that Arnett? Why’s he serious?
Chip, however, has carefully constructed a lack of direction for himself. He helps other addicts, but constantly spins a web of little white lies that further his hedonism.
“I can’t even tell when you’re lying anymore. I don’t think you can either,” Chip’s best friend, Dennis (David Sullivan, “Argo”), tells Chip.
Dennis starkly contrasts Chip’s misadventures. The introductory episodes portray him as a kind, yet listless individual who gives in to Chip’s fancies too easily. No character, however, is shallow on this show, and Dennis’ own dark past comes to light as the season progresses.
Dennis is enamored with London (Ruth Kearney, “Primeval”), a new waitress who attracts the attention of a surprisingly awestruck Chip. Dennis painstakingly courts her and Chip even dryly remarks, “You have plenty of time to lose her. First, you have to get her.”
Chip unintentionally draws her fascination, so much so that London acts as an inadvertent wedge between the two friends. The viewer also suspects London to have her own hush-hush backstory.
There are, of course, other characters. Cara (Lina Esco, “Free the Nipple”) is Chip’s younger, casual hookup. George (Robert Wisdom, “Prison Break”) is a police officer and Chip’s ex-sponsor. Cooler (George Basil, “Roller Town”) provides adorable, dim-witted comic relief.
They all add layers to the show and have their own decisions to make. A recurring complaint by some reviewers is the characters seem too extreme to reside outside television. They act based less on reason and more on exhausting emotions and random whims.
Wasn’t Don Draper, however, too extreme? All immortal characters are only iconic because they are relatable. They tackle situations in the same ways that viewers would react and so, occasionally, take decisions that are ensconced more in emotion than rationality.
Yes, viewers will feel uncomfortable watching “Flaked.” Characters like Chip compel them to look in the mirror and differentiate between the arsenal of farcical faces reserved for different occasions.
They will, however, respect the show. They will be genuinely interested because “Flaked” promotes an acceptance of their flaws instead of the idealism so many flaked personalities preach on their shows.
