Netflix romcom Nobody Wants This ignores its USP

As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for the quirky and the romantic, I must confess that “Nobody Wants This” left me wanting more… of something else entirely. Having grown accustomed to the charm of Seth Cohen from The OC and Veronica Mars, I was eagerly anticipating a delightful rom-com, but this show seemed to have misplaced the recipe.

*Warning: Contains spoilers for Nobody Wants This.*

Title of Netflix’s newest original, “Nobody Wants This,” may appear as a humorous jab for critics, but it resonates deeply with an audience who have been yearning for such a production. The combination of Seth from “The OC” and Veronica Mars in a romantic comedy, with each episode concluding within a 25-minute span that fits perfectly into a binge-watching schedule, sounds almost too good to be true. Add to that a plot reminiscent of the next big thing since “Fleabag,” and this ten-part series seems tailor-made for millennials.

Unfortunately, Adam Brody’s character Noah and Kristen Bell’s character Joanne seem to lack the spark that one might expect, much like two disinterested scratching posts. The intriguing central theme – a devout rabbi grappling with his faith amidst his blossoming feelings for an agnostic podcaster – frequently takes a step back in favor of less significant and arguably self-absorbed concerns.

It seems like this notion stems from the perspective that podcasting is seen as a more profound purpose, with Joanne’s podcast, reminiscent of Call Her Daddy, playing a larger role in shaping its narrative rather than Noah’s efforts to fulfill his long-held spiritual goals.

Could sister Morgan, who often steals scenes on Succession and has a catty rapport with her co-host, secure a lucrative deal with Spotify alongside her? Will the developing romance in her life influence the audience’s interest in gossip about the urban dating scene? The show seems to believe we will find it significant.

It frequently takes on a promotional tone for podcasts. In a scene subtly mocking a dinner table discussion, Noah expresses sincerely to Joanne – a woman who, as his mother Bina (Tovah Feldshuh) notes, earns her living by discussing past relationships in the public sphere – “What you do holds significance.

Interestingly enough, both Erin Foster, known for The World’s First Podcast with Erin and Sara Foster, and Bell, from We Are Supported By, previously hosted their own podcasts. Notably, Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert is one of the world’s most popular podcasts, which is his wife’s husband’s production.

Netflix romcom Nobody Wants This ignores its USP

Indeed, Joanne eventually helps Bina realize her mistakes by encouraging her to discuss a past romantic encounter with Frank Sinatra during a fictional podcast interview. Moreover, she motivates Noah, who after hearing an episode titled ‘Dil-dos and Dil-don’ts’, transforms into the most open marriage counselor within his community.

In a passionate statement, Joanne clarifies that the focus of her podcast isn’t about sex, but rather its purpose is to inspire and uplift listeners. She aspires for them to find empowerment through her work.

It’s intriguing to note that Foster’s background includes undergoing conversion to Judaism, a process that significantly impacts his personal relationships as well as his professional future.

Apart from a brief mention here and there, This show seems vague about its central theme. The topic doesn’t get proper attention until the eighth episode, where Joanne makes an early decision only to change her mind later without providing any insight or reasoning behind it.

Netflix romcom Nobody Wants This ignores its USP

Interestingly, glimmers of a more realistic romantic comedy can be found, and it’s a storyline that delves deeper into Noah’s journey, making it far more captivating.

At a mutual friend’s dinner gathering, they encountered each other in an amusing way that sparked an intriguing discussion about their contrasting yet similar spiritual views (Jewish tradition involves questioning and pondering the existence of God). A journey to a Jewish summer camp offered a shift in their dynamic; Noah was admired like a star while Joanne felt ostracized. The show effectively used these moments to reveal family tension (Joanne is often disregarded by Noah’s unpleasant relatives) and religious hypocrisy, such as a humorous scene involving a sex shop visit with a church benefactor.

The show gains an extra edge whenever Noah’s boss, Cohen (Stephen Tobolowsky), makes occasional witty comparisons regarding the love life of potential replacements (“This job comes with a lot of restrictions. No pork, no shellfish. However, I get the feeling that I’m looking at a rabbi who has discovered a fondness for a tasty blonde crab cake”).

Interestingly, Noah interacts better with Cohen than he does with Joanne, a character whose unrelenting paranoia and inconsistent behavior often make it challenging to sympathize with their relationship. Initially, she’s seen slipping away covertly during a date when the conversation turns emotional about a lost relative. Similarly, she demonstrates a pattern of evasiveness when Noah attempts to win over her eccentric family.

She informs her podcast audience that he’s returned, implying she was considering ending their relationship over his choice of flowers. However, the ending hints that Noah might give up his noble profession for someone who seems more focused on personal gain.

Instead of lingering on the unpopular drama between Morgan and Noah’s bothersome spouse, Sasha (Timothy Simons), who keeps trying to seize control of the family business in a futile power struggle, we could instead focus on more engaging storylines.

In a way reminiscent of the initial, broader script for Grace and Frankie, Joanne’s eccentric mother Lynn (played by Stephanie Faracy) and her recently out father Henry (Michael Hitchcock) share an unusual bond.

Even though it may seem uncommon, this probably won’t require any divine assistance to achieve success. In today’s world, shows like Emily in Paris have managed to secure a fifth season, and films such as Anyone But You have earned over $200 million.

Despite such a talented cast and intriguing concept, however, it’s ultimately left wanting.

2024-09-26 11:04

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