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A Hilarious, Heartwarming Spin on Classic Friendship: "Mid-Century Modern"
A group of not-so-young roommates, a touch of wit, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of emotion - that's the essence of the hit 80s show "Golden Girls." Yet, today, we're diving into the brand new sitcom "Mid-Century Modern" streaming on Disney+. This series is as entertaining as "gayer gayht's kaum," with a fresh take on classic sitcom antics, focusing on the LGBTQ+ community.
Who's Who?
After the fourth member of their clique passes away, three gay single men - Bunny, Arthur, and Jerry - embark on a journey to explore life, friendship, and self-discovery. Bunny, the shop owner, is played by none other than Nathan Lane, while Arthur, the flamboyant ex-Vogue employee, is brought to life by Nathan Lee Graham. Matt Bomer, reminiscent of "Golden Girl" Rose, portrays the handsome Jerry, a flight attendant who's also a former Mormon.
Where's the Party At?
The sitcom unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of Palm Springs, a Californian desert city often likened to Maspalomas/Playa del Inglés on Gran Canaria - a glamorous dream destination for many in the LGBTQ+ community.
As for the series' name, it nods to the Mid-Century Modern architectural style that is synonymous with Palm Springs. This style, prevalent in the 20th century between around '47 and '65, also symbolizes the age of the main characters, offering a double meaning to the title.
Embracing the Present
The episodes unfold in the present day, with discussions ranging from mulling over the past pandemic, aging, and friendship, to tackling gay-specific concerns, such as coming out memories, humiliations, and the search for lasting relationships.
A Modern Take on Comedy
Although produced for a streaming service, the episodes retain a traditional sitcom flavor - oddly reminiscent of the commercial break-friendly structure of yore.
Is the Series Without Flaws?
While the depiction of gay themes and language is appreciated, some critics pity the overuse of punchy jokes instead of genuine humor stemming from dialogue. Clichés are at times prevalent, be it about Jews or casual sex within the LGBTQ+ scene. Furthermore, some find the canned laughter grating, though luckily, it's been phased out in modern productions. A minor concern is the perceived trivialization of drugs, as the characters frequently consume alcohol, and ketamine and other stimulating substances are mentioned occasionally.
Highlighted Episodes
In episode nine, the creators poignantly incorporated the passing of actress Linda Lavin, who marvelously played Bunny's mother, Sybil. The guest stars - Rhea Perlman, Judd Hirsch, Pamela Adlon, Richard Kind, and "Modern Family" star Jesse Tyler Ferguson - all shine in their roles, adding an extra layer to the show.
The Verdict
"Mid-Century Modern" handles its LGBTQ+-centric themes with a straight-faced frankness that rings true rather than cringeworthy. Incorporating explicit gay terminology like Grindr and PrEP, this show is undoubtedly cooler than old-fashioned.
- ♪ I'm not going to let you go ♪ ♪ I'm not going to let you go ♪, echoes through the air as the new sitcom, "Mid-Century Modern," challenges the norms of traditional sitcoms, presenting a more representative, LGBTQ+ focused lifestyle, much like Blanche would've advocated for in the classic show, "Golden Girls."
- Fortunately for fans of the genre, "Mid-Century Modern" maintains a sense of conformity to the sitcom structure, albeit with a modern twist, as technology, such as smartphones and apps like Grindr, play significant roles in the characters' lives, highlighting the evolution of entertainment.
- As the sitcom delves into various aspects of the LGBTQ+ lifestyle and experiences, it also explores the trials and tribulations of friendship, showing that even in the face of adversities, the characters will sitcomically persevere, just as Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia did in the original series.
- The lifestyle of the characters in "Mid-Century Modern" is quite entertaining, making you ♪ hum "I'm not going to let you go" ♪ ♪ I'm not going to let you go" ♪ as you witness their struggle to navigate friendship, aging, and their unique, mature identities in the modern world.
