In the midst of the ongoing #MeToo movement, two new TV comedies have emerged, each with its own unique take on the current cultural climate. Netflix’s ‘Vladimir’ and HBO’s ‘Rooster’ have both garnered attention for their humorous approach to addressing the post-post-#MeToo era. However, while both shows have their moments, they also seem to struggle with staying relevant and avoiding dated tropes.
Let’s start with ‘Vladimir’, the brainchild of writer and comedian, Sarah Jones. The show follows the life of Vladimir, a Russian immigrant trying to make it in America. Jones, who also stars as Vladimir, brings her signature wit and charm to the character, making him instantly likable. The show is filled with clever one-liners and satirical jabs at American culture, making for an entertaining watch. But when it comes to addressing the #MeToo movement, ‘Vladimir’ falls a bit short.
The show’s attempts to tackle the issue of sexual harassment and assault often feel forced and out of place. While it’s admirable that the show is trying to address such an important topic, the execution leaves much to be desired. The jokes often come across as insensitive and tone-deaf, and it’s clear that the writers are struggling to find the right balance between comedy and social commentary. In this sense, ‘Vladimir’ feels a bit dated, as if it’s trying to catch up to a movement that has already evolved.
On the other hand, ‘Rooster’ takes a slightly different approach to the post-post-#MeToo era. Created by the talented duo, Jane and John Smith, the show centers around a group of friends navigating their way through the corporate world. What sets ‘Rooster’ apart is its diverse and dynamic cast, with each character bringing their own unique perspective to the table. The show does a great job of addressing issues of gender and power dynamics in the workplace, while still maintaining its comedic tone.
However, even with its progressive themes, ‘Rooster’ still falls into some familiar tropes. The character of the ‘womanizing boss’ and the ‘naive intern’ feel like recycled characters we’ve seen time and time again. While the show does try to subvert these stereotypes, it often ends up reinforcing them instead. In this way, ‘Rooster’ also feels a bit dated, as if it’s trying to push boundaries without fully committing to breaking them.
That being said, both ‘Vladimir’ and ‘Rooster’ have their redeeming qualities. The performances from the talented casts are top-notch, and the writing, while sometimes lacking, still manages to elicit laughs. In fact, the shows’ ability to address serious issues while still maintaining a comedic tone is commendable. It’s clear that both ‘Vladimir’ and ‘Rooster’ are trying to navigate a delicate balance between entertainment and social commentary, and for the most part, they succeed.
But in the end, it’s hard to ignore the fact that both shows feel a bit out of touch with the current cultural climate. With the #MeToo movement constantly evolving and pushing for change, it’s important for TV shows to keep up and reflect these changes. While ‘Vladimir’ and ‘Rooster’ may have been groundbreaking a few years ago, in today’s world, they feel a bit dated.
In conclusion, while ‘Vladimir’ and ‘Rooster’ may not be perfect, they still offer a refreshing take on the post-post-#MeToo era. They serve as a reminder that even in the midst of serious issues, there is still room for levity and laughter. However, it’s important for these shows to stay relevant and avoid falling into dated tropes. With a little more fine-tuning, ‘Vladimir’ and ‘Rooster’ have the potential to become truly groundbreaking comedies that not only entertain, but also challenge societal norms.
