Tina Fey and Steve Carell’s ‘The Four Seasons’ Drags Out What Should’ve Been a Movie

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You have a fondness for Tina Fey and Steve Carell, both of whom are gracefully maturing while maintaining their comedic prowess. They occasionally dabble in dramas as well. When they collaborated on the 2010 action comedy “Date Night,” it didn’t quite hit the mark. However, if you stuck around for the end credits, the outtakes (which are typically lackluster) showed that their pairing could have been successful, given their natural charisma. Thus, when word got out that Fey and Carell would be reuniting for a Netflix series adaptation of “The Four Seasons,” it definitely piqued our curiosity. Notably, the series leans more towards dramedy rather than being a traditional comedy.

The Four Seasons, distinct from the luxury hotel chain and setting of HBO’s The White Lotus, originated from the 1981 film by writer-director-star Alan Alda (known for Marriage Story). Previously adapted into a series in 1984, it has now been reimagined by Tina Fey. Over four decades later, this adaptation has garnered widespread acclaim. Interestingly, the visual appeal that enriches all eight episodes is largely due to the other notable actors featured. With Colman Domingo’s charm and Will Forte’s committed performance, Tina Fey’s contemporary interpretation primarily stands out as a captivating miniseries with occasional unexpected plot twists.

Reunited, Does It Feel So Good?

Reunions among old friends in their 30s, 40s, or beyond often serve as a reliable source of engaging content, suitable for both movies and TV shows. Iconic examples include “The Big Chill” (1983) and “Friends with Money” (2006), as well as the humorous Netflix series “Friends From College”. For those unfamiliar, the 1981 film “The Four Seasons” focuses on a group of six friends, five of whom have been close companions for years. By Episode 1, Nick (Carell) is celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary with his loving wife Anne (Kerry Kenney).

However, it’s important to note that while Anne is still present in the series, by Episode 3, she has been replaced in Nick’s life for a summer trip to a distant island with Ginny (Erika Henningsen). Nick’s long-time friends Kate (Fey), Jack (Will Forte), Danny (Domingo), and Claude (Marco Calvani) are also present, having joined them for the scenic vacation, much like they did during the ill-fated 25th anniversary celebration earlier in the miniseries. The friends were taken aback when they discovered Nick’s intention to divorce the charming Ginny, but throughout the four seasons of this story, they continue to accompany and support him through his various experiences.

In simpler terms, each season on this show has a dedicated pair of episodes, one focusing on the vacation they take together during that particular season, and eight episodes in total per season. Have you ever taken four separate vacations in a single year for fun? That sounds luxurious, and it seems like as you grow older, you might find yourself with more disposable income to afford such trips. However, money isn’t a major concern for any of these characters.

Kate and Jack’s marriage has its ups and downs, despite their humor and frequent intimacy. On the other hand, Danny and Claude face multiple challenges, such as Danny’s health issues and the disapproval from some old friends towards Claude, his new love interest. However, it’s Nick’s decision to move on from Anne that seems to have had a significant impact on their lives, perhaps even causing the current problems in the other relationships, which are now becoming more apparent.

To Domingo, We Say “Bingo”

Danny is perfectly suited for the role that Domingo was destined to play, despite the fact that his previous, more award-worthy characters may have been a better fit for critical acclaim. It’s clear that Domingo enjoyed himself immensely in this role, which was tailor-made for him by Alda. As for Forte, he showcases his comedy skills exceptionally well, although this performance might bring to mind his memorable work in the independent film Nebraska (2013). Forte’s intelligence shines through, particularly when paired with Fey, who plays his partner – even if Fey’s character Liz Lemon often overshadows her career.

If his role in this isn’t your preferred Steve Carell performance so far – and it likely won’t be – there’s still plenty more of the talented actor coming up. Keep an eye out for Jesse Armstrong’s upcoming HBO film, where Carell plays a billionaire on a business trip. In ‘The Four Seasons’, he certainly fits the bill as a seasoned divorcé seeking another taste of youth. However, you might find yourself preferring the scenes featuring Domingo and Fey, as Carell’s presence in the project seems like a hint at missed opportunities for fans, given that it lacks the zany humor we’ve come to expect from shows like ‘The Office’ or even ‘Anchorman’. Nevertheless, what could have been a light-hearted Netflix film is instead divided into binge-worthy episodes, each one compelling you to continue watching.

The Four Seasons is now streaming on Netflix.

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2025-05-02 20:03