It’s two days until the official start of spring, and I think we could all use a little bit of sunshine in our lives. So this What to Watch Wednesday, I’d like to introduce you to (and gush over) the sun-shiniest show right now (and my latest favorite): “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
First of all, I have to apologize to any readers who don’t subscribe to Netflix, I try to avoid reviewing shows that aren’t widely available, but something tells me you’ll find a way, or try out that one-month trial. This show is worth it.
The premise of “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” is off-the-wall at best, and downright tragic at worst: After being trapped in an underground bunker in Indiana for 15 years with three other girls (the Mole Women), convinced that the apocalypse had destroyed the rest of humanity, Kimmy (Ellie Kemper) would have every right to be a hot mess. In some ways she is, but mostly she’s awesome, optimistic, and trying to start over in New York City.
The show has a lot of fun with Kimmy’s child-like curiosity, and it’s astounding to witness all of the technological changes that have happened since Kimmy was kidnapped at the age of 14. It’s also wonderful to watch a show with a strong female lead, that isn’t about the fact that she’s a woman. Kimmy’s story is extraordinary, not because she’s a woman, but because it’s extraordinary.
If you’re not sold yet, let me add this: Tina Fey is one of the show’s creators, along with Robert Carlock, and its style is often reminiscent of “30 Rock”…but better. Netflix is the best thing that could have happened to this show and its zany cast of characters—Kimmy’s roommate Titus (Titus Burgess), an aspiring Broadway actor; Kimmy’s landlord Lillian (Carol Kane); and Kimmy’s boss Jacqueline (Jane Krakowski).
You’re going to want to watch this all at once. Don’t. You can thank me later. You’ll be glad you took your time. Slowly savoring the process of discovery that each new chapter brings for our hero, Kimmy, is the way to go. I myself am only about halfway through this 13-episode debut season, and it’s taken some serious self-control. Take your time (unless you’re only doing the one-month trial, then make sure to at least watch two or three episodes a week).
If this show, an amalgamation of pure joy, wit, and a couple dozen Broadway stars (and musical numbers!), doesn’t make you smile, then you’re doing it wrong.
My apologies (sort of), you will have this theme song stuck in your head for a few days (you’re welcome):
…bi-daily smile…
Something else to watch this Wednesday:
