• Latest
  • Trending
Unstable Review

Unstable Season 1 Review: A Hilarious Journey through Grief and Comedy

Shadow Force Review

Shadow Force Review: A Family on the Run

Vermiglio

David di Donatello Awards Spotlight Female Directors as ‘Vermiglio’ Leads With Historic Wins

1 day ago
Patricia Clarkson

Patricia Clarkson Opens Up About Hollywood Harassment and Weinstein Dispute

1 day ago
MrBeast and James Patterson

MrBeast and James Patterson to Publish Globally Distributed Thriller in 2026

1 day ago
Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. Discovery Reports Revenue Drop Amid Mixed First Quarter

1 day ago
Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey Review

Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey Review – A Study in Fragility and Hope

Odyssey Review

Odyssey Review: Polly Maberly’s Unforgiving Antihero

All in Abyss: Judge the Fake Review 

All in Abyss: Judge the Fake Review – When Poker Becomes Life or Death

Forever Season 1 Review

Forever Season 1 Review: Black Teen Romance Redefined

Octopus! Review

Octopus! Review: Streamed Science Meets Sharp Humor

The Age of Disclosure Review

The Age of Disclosure Review: Pilot Testimonies in the Void

Summer of 69 Review

Summer of 69 Review: Jillian Bell’s Bold Directorial Debut

  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Gazettely Review Guidelines
Friday, May 9, 2025
GAZETTELY
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Vermiglio

    David di Donatello Awards Spotlight Female Directors as ‘Vermiglio’ Leads With Historic Wins

    Patricia Clarkson

    Patricia Clarkson Opens Up About Hollywood Harassment and Weinstein Dispute

    MrBeast and James Patterson

    MrBeast and James Patterson to Publish Globally Distributed Thriller in 2026

    Warner Bros.

    Warner Bros. Discovery Reports Revenue Drop Amid Mixed First Quarter

    AMC

    AMC CEO Adam Aron Dismisses Early 2025 Box Office Slump as Anomaly, Points to Sharp Recovery

    Alan Cumming

    Alan Cumming’s Offhand Remark Fuels Avengers: Doomsday Speculation

    Quentin Tarantino

    Cannes Classics 2025 Honors Tarantino, Revives Landmark Films, and Showcases Personal Documentaries

    Leighton Meester Michelle Trachtenberg

    Leighton Meester Speaks Publicly on Michelle Trachtenberg’s Death

    Nate Bargatze

    Nate Bargatze Says Modern Disney Leadership Ignores Audience Priorities

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Shadow Force Review

    Shadow Force Review: A Family on the Run

    Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey Review

    Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey Review – A Study in Fragility and Hope

    Odyssey Review

    Odyssey Review: Polly Maberly’s Unforgiving Antihero

    Forever Season 1 Review

    Forever Season 1 Review: Black Teen Romance Redefined

    Octopus! Review

    Octopus! Review: Streamed Science Meets Sharp Humor

    The Age of Disclosure Review

    The Age of Disclosure Review: Pilot Testimonies in the Void

    Summer of 69 Review

    Summer of 69 Review: Jillian Bell’s Bold Directorial Debut

    Forge Review

    Forge Review: Sibling Bonds Under Neon Skies

    American Sweatshop Review

    American Sweatshop Review: Lili Reinhart’s Captivating Turn

  • Game Reviews
    All in Abyss: Judge the Fake Review 

    All in Abyss: Judge the Fake Review – When Poker Becomes Life or Death

    Lushfoil Photography Sim Review

    Lushfoil Photography Sim Review: Capturing Serenity, One Shot at a Time

    Revenge of the Savage Planet Review

    Revenge of the Savage Planet Review: Satirical Sandbox Meets Metroidvania Flair

    Captain Blood Review

    Captain Blood Review: Resurrecting a Shelved Adventure

    Drop Duchy Review

    Drop Duchy Review: Forging Kingdoms One Block at a Time

    Pilo and the Holobook Review

    Pilo and the Holobook Review: Creative Exploration for All Ages

    Moroi Review

    Moroi Review: Blood, Slime, and Memory Fragments

    Tiny Garden Review

    Tiny Garden Review: Pocket‑Sized Puzzle Farming

    Care Bears : Unlock The Magic Review 

    Care Bears : Unlock The Magic Review – A Star‑Powered Quest for Kindness

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Vermiglio

    David di Donatello Awards Spotlight Female Directors as ‘Vermiglio’ Leads With Historic Wins

    Patricia Clarkson

    Patricia Clarkson Opens Up About Hollywood Harassment and Weinstein Dispute

    MrBeast and James Patterson

    MrBeast and James Patterson to Publish Globally Distributed Thriller in 2026

    Warner Bros.

    Warner Bros. Discovery Reports Revenue Drop Amid Mixed First Quarter

    AMC

    AMC CEO Adam Aron Dismisses Early 2025 Box Office Slump as Anomaly, Points to Sharp Recovery

    Alan Cumming

    Alan Cumming’s Offhand Remark Fuels Avengers: Doomsday Speculation

    Quentin Tarantino

    Cannes Classics 2025 Honors Tarantino, Revives Landmark Films, and Showcases Personal Documentaries

    Leighton Meester Michelle Trachtenberg

    Leighton Meester Speaks Publicly on Michelle Trachtenberg’s Death

    Nate Bargatze

    Nate Bargatze Says Modern Disney Leadership Ignores Audience Priorities

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Shadow Force Review

    Shadow Force Review: A Family on the Run

    Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey Review

    Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey Review – A Study in Fragility and Hope

    Odyssey Review

    Odyssey Review: Polly Maberly’s Unforgiving Antihero

    Forever Season 1 Review

    Forever Season 1 Review: Black Teen Romance Redefined

    Octopus! Review

    Octopus! Review: Streamed Science Meets Sharp Humor

    The Age of Disclosure Review

    The Age of Disclosure Review: Pilot Testimonies in the Void

    Summer of 69 Review

    Summer of 69 Review: Jillian Bell’s Bold Directorial Debut

    Forge Review

    Forge Review: Sibling Bonds Under Neon Skies

    American Sweatshop Review

    American Sweatshop Review: Lili Reinhart’s Captivating Turn

  • Game Reviews
    All in Abyss: Judge the Fake Review 

    All in Abyss: Judge the Fake Review – When Poker Becomes Life or Death

    Lushfoil Photography Sim Review

    Lushfoil Photography Sim Review: Capturing Serenity, One Shot at a Time

    Revenge of the Savage Planet Review

    Revenge of the Savage Planet Review: Satirical Sandbox Meets Metroidvania Flair

    Captain Blood Review

    Captain Blood Review: Resurrecting a Shelved Adventure

    Drop Duchy Review

    Drop Duchy Review: Forging Kingdoms One Block at a Time

    Pilo and the Holobook Review

    Pilo and the Holobook Review: Creative Exploration for All Ages

    Moroi Review

    Moroi Review: Blood, Slime, and Memory Fragments

    Tiny Garden Review

    Tiny Garden Review: Pocket‑Sized Puzzle Farming

    Care Bears : Unlock The Magic Review 

    Care Bears : Unlock The Magic Review – A Star‑Powered Quest for Kindness

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
GAZETTELY
No Result
View All Result
Unstable Review

Stray's Mesmerizing World Now Open to Xbox Players – A PlayStation Gem Arrives!

Baldur's Gate 3: A Phenomenal Opening Weekend

Home Entertainment TV Shows

Unstable Season 1 Review: A Hilarious Journey through Grief and Comedy

Navigating Turbulent Waters with Laughter

Arash Nahandian by Arash Nahandian
2 years ago
in Entertainment, Reviews, TV Shows
Reading Time: 7 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on WhatsAppShare on Telegram

In the heart of bioengineering, there resides a virtuoso, a true master of his craft, who is unfortunately struck with an inability to carry on his monumental work. The cause? A profound wave of depression, washing over him following the loss of his deeply cherished wife. His professional life is at a standstill, his heartbreak paralyzing him from pursuing his groundbreaking project, a noble endeavor poised to rescue the world.

His colleagues at the corporation witness his sorrow with empathetic eyes, rallying around him in an earnest attempt to inject a glimmer of happiness back into his life. Their primary aim? To rekindle his spirit and thus redirect his attention towards the world-saving project that lies in wait. The company’s future, the world’s future, rests in the hands of this grief-stricken genius.

Enter a reluctant prodigy, his son, who is brilliant in his own right, albeit somewhat resistant. He is summoned into the chaotic realm of the corporation, stepping into the void left by his father’s incapacitating depression. Amidst their shared pain, father and son must navigate a minefield of unspoken emotions, trying to mend their frayed relationship and reconstruct a bridge of understanding. All while striving to safeguard their company, ensuring it doesn’t slip from their grasp and cascade into unforeseen turbulence. Intriguingly, beneath their company’s structural behemoth, in the very basement, resides a psychologist. An unusual arrangement, no doubt, but then again, why not?

As we shift our attention to the realm of television, it’s hard to ignore the uncanny pattern of roles donned by Rob Lowe. There’s a noticeable repetition of character portrayal – an unfailingly optimistic, buoyant man, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding spectrum of life’s grays. One could recall his enduring stint on “Parks and Recreation,” where for half a decade he embodied this very persona. It appears he never truly departed from this character, continuing the portrayal well past the show’s conclusion.

While some may argue that his ‘trickster opportunist’ persona is more appealing, I can’t help but favor this relentlessly positive version of him. However, throughout my viewing of “Unstable,” I couldn’t shake off a nagging sensation. It felt as though I was watching an extension of his earlier series, or perhaps experiencing the result of less than innovative scripting by the writers of this new show. A perplexing observation indeed, especially when considering the moments of effective humor that the show manages to sprinkle throughout its eight episodes, each approximately 25 minutes long. Perhaps the writers are simply ardent “P&R” enthusiasts…

Unstable Review

Stick around for our comprehensive review of “Unstable” to discover whether this new Netflix offering is deserving of your valuable screen time.

“Embark on a whimsical journey with ’10 Lives’, a heartwarming tale of a pampered cat’s quest for redemption. Explore our 10 Lives Review to dive into this animated adventure filled with humor, emotion, and a series of zany reincarnations. Click here to join Beckett, the fat and spoiled house cat, as he learns life’s greatest lessons across ten different animal forms.”

The Secret Sauce: Crisp Humor and Endearing Characters

The crux of the charm and appeal of “Unstable” rests heavily on an attribute it shares with the beloved “Better Off Ted”. What could that possibly be? Well, it’s the show’s ability to be uproariously funny. The humor is not just a byproduct of slapstick or farce, but rather it emerges from an invigorating blend of razor-sharp scripting, delightfully offbeat characters, and lightning-quick comedic timing.

Granted, the depth of the show may not be such that it shakes you to your core or compels you to shed a tear. But does that really matter when it consistently succeeds in dishing out hilarity of such caliber that I had to hit pause multiple times, just to regain my composure and stop the laughter that had taken over? I dare say, not!

A Title and Premise that May Mislead

The true essence of the show, however, is not immediately apparent from its rather bland and nondescript title. It’s a title so generic that it almost pleads with the audience to confuse it with Amazon’s distinct series, “Undone”. The show’s premise too, doesn’t quite hit the mark in reflecting the tone of the series, seeming more akin to an emotional dramedy like Apple TV+’s “Shrinking”.

Unstable Review

Our journey with “Unstable” commences alongside Ellis, two months following the devastating loss of his beloved wife of three decades. The heavy cloud of grief that envelops him is so dense that it morphs him into something quite different. His devoted CFO, Anna (played by Sian Clifford of “Fleabag” fame), treads delicately around his unpredictable nature. The show’s logo, in its bold serif-font, leaves no room for ambiguity in describing Ellis’s emotional state – he is unequivocally, well, unstable.

  • Also Read: Celebrating Excellence: 15 Warner Bros Movies That Made History

A Father’s Affection Transcending Reel Life

In the glitzy world of Hollywood, nepotism continues to thrive and be the order of the day. This sentiment is notably evident with Rob Lowe, the co-creator of “Unstable”. No amount of persuasion could convince me that one of the main motivations behind this project wasn’t the opportunity to cast his son, John Lowe, as the lead character. This isn’t an isolated incident; the father-son duo had previously collaborated in “Prawomocny” and “Hot Holidays”. Consequently, a sizable chunk of John’s acting portfolio is creditable to his father’s influence.

Some might argue that their real-life relationship lends an authentic touch to their on-screen portrayal. But isn’t acting all about convincing pretense? Wouldn’t it be feasible for a potentially more accomplished actor to essay the son’s role?

Unstable Review

A Tale of Grief and Redemption

As we delve into the narrative of the inaugural season, we find Ellis (Rob Lowe), struggling to maintain a grip on his everyday existence, following the painful demise of his wife. Rumors circulate that the company’s board of directors could vote him out if he fails to regain his composure. Faced with this grim prospect, his friend and managing director, Anna (Sian Clifford), intervenes in an effort to help him regain his footing.

In an act of desperate hope, she introduces Ellis’s son, Jackson (John Owen Lowe), into the company fold. Jackson, who has been estranged from his father for some time, initially resists. Not wanting to be overshadowed by his father’s illustrious scientific reputation, he reluctantly agrees to join the company, driven by a sense of propriety during this time of familial distress.

“Mark Wahlberg’s Latest Adventure”: Curious about Mark Wahlberg’s new role as a suburban dad with a secret assassin past? Dive into our ‘The Family Plan Review’ for a detailed look at this unique comedy.

Entwining Threads of Romance, Friendship, and Tension

Upon his arrival, Jackson is immediately smitten by the attractive scientist, Ruby (Emma Ferreira). Simultaneously, he catches the attention of Luna (Rachel Marsh), Ruby’s friend, who, despite having a boyfriend, can’t ignore the newfound intrigue.

Unstable Review

A chain of events is set in motion, drawing various characters into the mix, including Jackson’s old friend Malcolm (Aaron Branch), now heading a project at Ellis’s company, annoyingly odd board members TJ and Chaz (Tom Allen and JT Parr), and Leslie (Fred Armisen), a quirky psychologist who has taken up residence in the main characters’ basement.

Unravel the Intricacies of Grief in Good Grief: “Get captivated by the compelling narrative of ‘Good Grief.’ Check out our comprehensive Good Grief review to understand how Daniel Levy’s film beautifully portrays the journey through grief, betrayal, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Navigating Workplace Drama and Emotional Turbulence

The looming threat of Ellis being ousted from his own company forms the season’s central theme. The protagonist’s mental state is often portrayed with a comedic twist, interspersed with heartwarming father-son moments that add balance to the narrative. The story unfolds in a sitcom-esque manner, with bits of storyline evolving from episode to episode. Yet, it all circles back to the status quo at the end of each episode.

This format allows for stand-alone viewing, wherein you could jump into a mid-season episode without feeling utterly lost. Each episode, encapsulating its own mini-narrative, offers an easy-to-digest viewing experience. However, if one were to binge-watch the season, the latter episodes might feel repetitive and slightly tedious as the overarching storyline shows little progress.

Unstable Review
Unstable Review

The Inconsistencies in Humor

The comical elements within the show tend to hit the bull’s eye when they revolve around the characters embarking on utterly ludicrous exploits, subsequently sinking into their self-crafted absurdities. Take the first episode, for instance: we’re informed that a psychologist, hired by the company’s board to evaluate Ellis’s mental health, has mysteriously vanished.

The plot thickens as we learn that Ellis, annoyed by the psychologist’s blackmail, abducted him, and is now harboring him in his basement. This thread of silliness continues as the psychologist, named Leslie, quickly develops a case of Stockholm syndrome and seems quite content living in the Dragons’ basement – an unlikely surname, but why not? The writers masterfully layer this theoretically simple and somewhat humorous situation, giving us delightful complexity.

“Origin” Movie Insights: “Gain a deeper understanding of resilience and hope in Ava DuVernay’s ‘Origin’ with our Comprehensive Analysis of ‘Origin’. Explore how individual experiences reflect broader societal issues.”

Misplaced Attempts at Bizarre Comedy

On the contrary, the show stumbles when it tries to extract humor from characters acting ‘bizarrely’. Luna takes the crown for this category. Portrayed as a neurotic hybrid between a robot and a human, her character is something of a mixed bag. While the instant camaraderie she forms with Jackson brings about some chuckles, most of her mannerisms and eccentricities merely elicit cringe-worthy moments. Her quirky responses under stress fail to amuse, regardless of whether they’re encountered the first time or the hundredth time.

Unstable Review
Unstable Review
Unstable Review

Furthermore, some comedic bits could have been effective had the writers decided to use them sparingly. However, when an entire episode is dedicated to, say, fawning over the twin characters, the humor quickly fades, leaving behind a tiring and repetitive narrative.

“Laugh and empathize with our Scrambled review, a quarter-life comedy that tackles modern womanhood with wit and warmth. Find out why it’s a must-watch. Click for the full review!”

The Review

Unstable

7 Score

"Unstable" comes across as a series bursting with potential, packing enough humor to warrant a casual watch. However, its reliance on the initial idea and repeated comedic devices render it somewhat tiresome over an extended period. The romantic arcs within the show don't quite hit the mark, largely owing to the lack of tangible chemistry between the characters. On the other hand, the comedic aspect manages to evoke a few chuckles here and there, although it falls short of claiming the title of 'the best comedy of the year'. If you find yourself with some downtime, perhaps during the Easter break, "Unstable" could provide some light entertainment. But, let's be clear – it's not a show that you must absolutely finish, lest the world comes crashing down.

PROS

  • Crisp humor and clever scripting
  • Endearing and well-developed characters
  • Lightning-quick comedic timing
  • Effective portrayal of the protagonist's grief and strained father-son relationship
  • Stand-alone episodes that offer easy-to-digest viewing

CONS

  • Misleading title and premise that don't accurately reflect the tone of the series
  • Repetitive and tiresome narrative in later episodes
  • Some attempts at bizarre comedy fall flat and elicit cringe-worthy moments
  • Overreliance on certain comedic elements diminishes their effectiveness

Review Breakdown

  • Score 0
Tags: Aaron BranchChristina ChangClark MathisComedyEmma FerreiraFeaturedFred Armisen Tom AllenJohn Owen LoweNetflixOffice humorRachel MarshRob LoweSian CliffordUnstable (TV series)Victor FrescoWorkplace comedy
Previous Post

Stray’s Mesmerizing World Now Open to Xbox Players – A PlayStation Gem Arrives!

Next Post

Baldur’s Gate 3: A Phenomenal Opening Weekend

Discussion about this post

Try AI Movie Recommender

Gazettely AI Movie Recommender

This Week's Top Reads

  • richest football club owners in the world

    Top 40 Richest Football Club Owners in the World

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Eternaut Season 1 Review: When Snow Becomes Enemy

    2 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • I, Jack Wright Review: A Dynasty in Decay

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Turning Point: The Vietnam War Review – What Gets Remembered, and Who Gets to Speak

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • MobLand Season 1 Review: Family Ties and Underworld Intrigues

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes Season 1 Review – Reclaiming a Lost Life

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Salvable Review: Fighting for More Than Victory

    2 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Must Read Articles

Shadow Force Review
Entertainment

Shadow Force Review: A Family on the Run

53 minutes ago
Summer of 69 Review
Movies

Summer of 69 Review: Jillian Bell’s Bold Directorial Debut

2 days ago
Fight or Flight Review
Movies

Fight or Flight Review: High‑Octane Carnage at 30,000 Feet

2 days ago
Poker Face Season 2 Review 1
Entertainment

Poker Face Season 2 Review: Unmasking Secrets, One Episode at a Time

7 days ago
Weak Hero Class 2 Review
Entertainment

Weak Hero Class 2 Review: When Bullying Becomes Battlefield

1 week ago
Loading poll ...
Coming Soon
Who is the best director in the horror thriller genre?

Gazettely is your go-to destination for all things gaming, movies, and TV. With fresh reviews, trending articles, and editor picks, we help you stay informed and entertained.

© 2021-2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

What’s Inside

  • Movie & TV Reviews
  • Game Reviews
  • Featured Articles
  • Latest News
  • Editorial Picks

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About US
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Review Guidelines

Follow Us

Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movies
  • Entertainment News
  • Movie and TV Reviews
  • TV Shows
  • Game News
  • Game Reviews
  • Contact Us

© 2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

Go to mobile version