Unbreakable! Kimmy Schmidt
Netflix has been known to put out pretty great original series: “Orange is the New Black,” “Flaked,” “Bojack Horseman” just to name a few. Each show makes them good in their own right, and are usually original. In 2015, we got a truly original series from Netflix: “Unbreakable! Kimmy Schmidt” is one of those shows that is quite original, but does it deserve our praise, as well as a season two? Hold on, I just found out that, yes, it did get a season two. So um... I guess I have to watch that before I write this review?
Okay, so Unbreakable! Kimmy Schmidt is a pretty original series for Netflix. (Minor spoilers ahead). Ellie Kemper plays Kimmy Schmidt, a girl who as a child in the mid-west, was kidnapped and kept in an underground bunker for fifteen years by a crazy preacher. (Inspiration for “The Room” ??), and is trying to get her life together in… Gasp* New York City. Her friend and roommate, Titus Andromedon (Titus Burgess) is an on the rise, but lazy and food-hording, campy actor, with the landlord Lillian played by the witch from Princess Bride, what’s her name? Honestly I’m too lazy to find out myself.
Anyways, Unbreakable! Is pretty decent as the first season really brings you in all its own. You won’t laugh excessively through each episode, as the bulk of the humor is pretty quirky. However, there are some great gems in the show that are hilarious that you’ll find yourself and your friends quoting constantly. However, the humor isn’t the only reason you’ll be binge watching; the struggle of Kimmy rebuilding herself really brings out the show's humanity. It’s a real Rocky Balboa story, just trying to maintain the struggle of life without losing depth perception. Kimmy’s conflict and journey are great, and her bubbly, upbeat attitude makes her enjoyable to watch, even though her story isn’t easily relatable.
Season one is fantastic; out of the two seasons, it’s the first and best. The second season changes tone a bit. The more interesting and significant things happen to supporting characters, rather than leading character Kimmy Schmidt. The novelty of her personality does wear thin a bit as well. The second season is funny but I feel like it doesn’t hold up as well as the first season. Like the first season, there are some hilarious gems, but I think the story doesn’t pull you in as well as the first season did.
While Unbreakable! Kimmy Schmidt is an original and fun Netflix series, the peak of its likability ends at season one. While there are some wondrously hilarious moments and jokes throughout the series, there seems to be a decline in the ability to hold one's attention in season two. If I had reviewed this show before season two, I think I would have given it higher marks, but as I’ve said, season two falls short. However, I don't mean to discourage the watching of season two, as my opinions are pretty shitty so I could be completely wrong. Whatever.
Score: 3/5
