Netflix’s ‘Easy’: Review Of The Entire Netflix Anthology Series — Some Episodes Flopped, Others Soared
Netflix has a vast assortment of original series including House of Cards, Stranger Things, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and now their latest, Easy. Easy is an anthology show that focuses on sex, dating, and relationships. Some episodes are definitely worth watching, while others flopped. Rotten Tomatoes provides the synopsis for this Netflix series.
“Easy is an anthology series from creator Joe Swanberg that explores diverse Chicago characters as they fumble through the modern maze of love, sex, technology and culture. The eight-episode series, written and directed by Swanberg, features Orlando Bloom, Malin Akerman, Jake Johnson, Marc Maron, Dave Franco, Hannibal Buress, Emily Ratajkowski, Michael Chernus, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Aya Cash, Jane Adams, Elizabeth Reaser, Evan Jonigkeit and more.”
Netflix’s Easy: “The F*****g Study”
The first episode of Netflix’s Easy didn’t go off with a bang, but rather a thud. It’s really unclear what this particular story was trying to convey. On the surface, it’s just a story about a married couple who have two kids and a so-so sex life. Underneath the surface — well — there’s not much underneath the surface which is the problem.
If a viewer has never been married, then they could possibly find meaning in this story. But most are aware that sex in a marriage, or any relationship, can become mundane if you don’t maintain the excitement. There is no real purpose in watching this, unless you have an overwhelming desire to see either Michael Chernus or Elizabeth Reaser half-naked. This tale lacks both character depth and interesting dialogue; it is as humdrum as the relationship portrayed. And perhaps that’s the point, it’s just not a very entertaining one.
Netflix’s Easy: “Vegan Cinderella”
The second episode does exactly what the first one couldn’t achieve: entice Netflix viewers and entertain them. Since this Netflix series is advertised as a comedy, it’s refreshing that this episode provides some laughs. “Vegan Cinderella” is also a perfect example of how a show can offer character depth in just a half-hour.
On the surface, it’s about a relationship that starts off with a night of passion and then develops. But “Vegan Cinderella” is truly about how someone you just met can impact your life, and the lengths some people think they have to go in order to impress someone.
Netlix’s Easy: “Brewery Brothers”
In another delightful addition to this series, “Brewery Brothers” tells the story of a husband, and soon to be father, that starts an underground brewery company with his pothead brother. This story could have easily become its own series. The two couples featured have tremendous chemistry, and it’s refreshing to see a narrative centered on two healthy relationships.
Netflix’s Easy: “Controlada”
If you need a reminder on why exes should stay in the past, and why you should never settle for anyone, then “Controlada” is for you; this installment offers little of anything else. A couple trying to have a kid gets a visit from the wife’s friend, who’s also her ex-boyfriend, and trouble ensues.
The main issue of this addition to the series, aside from extremely boring dialogue, is that there aren’t any likable characters. The husband is boring to the point of being unbelievable, the wife lacks substance, and the ex is an immoral creep. On the upside, “Controlada” does a good job of actually showing Chicago. In the previous episodes of Casual, there was nothing that really showed the city or the feel of it.
Netflix’s Easy:“Art and Life”
“Art and Life” is perhaps the best, and most original, episode in this Netflix series. Marc Maron plays a graphic novelist who draws from his past relationships for his storylines. The tables are turned on him when he sleeps with a photography artist; unbeknownst to him, while he’s sleeping, she takes a picture of him for her gallery.
Netflix’s Easy: “Utopia”
“Utopia” is a look at a modern marriage, and dating in a technological era. An adventurous couple uses Tinder to try to setup a threesome. A friend of theirs, who also uses the app, sees their profile and presents a tempting proposition. This is a fun addition to the series that offers as much sex as it does dialogue, but the dialogue is clever and often provides laugh-at-loud moments.
Netflix’s Easy: “Chemistry Road”
In another humdrum installment in this series, “Chemistry Road” lacks just that—chemistry. It’s not necessarily bad, it’s just not gripping or entertaining. The dialogue is dull and uninteresting, as is the plot: an actress goes through a breakup but has a promising career. Jane Adams portrays the most interesting character in “Chemistry Road,” but unfortunately it doesn’t focus on her.
Netflix’s Easy: “Hop Dreams”
“Hop Dreams” is essentially “Brewery Brothers” Part 2. Many of the characters in this Netflix series tie into other episodes, but none as directly as this one. Since “Brewery Brothers” was one of the best episodes of the show, it was nice to see the characters return. “Hop Dreams” offers more of a serious conflict, as the brother’s brewery is in jeopardy thanks to a reporter.
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For a series advertised as a Chicago based comedy, only a few episodes provided some laughs and only a couple reflect that the show takes place in Chicago. All in all, this series is a 50/50 split. Out of the eight episodes of the Netflix original series Easy, four hit the mark and are very enjoyable, and a couple of those are worth revisiting.
[Featured Image by Netflix]
