u/DreadPirateRemy

Unfortunately, there is no episode 11 coming out today, so I thought to write about this show instead.

Keeping things short: 

This show is something special and I’m glad I went back to really give it an honest go. Steve Carrell has yet another endlessly re-watchable series, and this one is filled bursting to the brim with heart, humor, and hot cocoa. Unafraid to play with genre, take risks, and give us great eye and ear candy, Rooster is definitely worth the watch. It takes the best parts of those 90’s to early 2000’s college comedy and Adam Sandler movies and concentrates/weaponizes it to great effect right in your feels. 

(If you let it.)

Here’s a tiny bit more, but be warned, ahead there be spoilers:

I did not understand this show at first and mainly gave it a shot because I’ve always loved Steve Carrell’s acting (“Four Seasons” made me cry over him, damn you Tina Fey!) and he’s an absolute delight as this lovable melancholic sad man with a still broken heart that is trying and finding his place in the world. 

Rooster is giving me something that has been missing that I did not know was missing and it’s these very slight vignettes, gags, and relationships established through facial acting and cues performed with such delight and I cannot get over, nor understate, how phenomenal an achievement this show might be.

Given its limited runtime and episodes (I wish it was 24+ episodes a season, but alas we settle for a mere 10…) they still somehow find a way to let us know these characters and sit with them and it creates this rich tapestry of people who feel real and endearing and hilarious. Every actor is just firing on all cylinders and helping flesh out this charming picturesque New England college town brimming with beautiful good people. They are all trying their best to find a better way in the face of an increasingly ugly world and they thrive and learn and grow almost in spite of it.

[Author’s Note]: Rooster makes you believe New England were a real place! Gah, what a magical land that would be!

Anyway, it happened in Episode 3. The simple camera gag that made me sit up and really give this show a shot happens early in this episode where Archie (played by the immortal Phil Dunster), Sunny (played by the Mischa Barton of “Terrace House” Lauren Tsai), and Mo (played by the super funny Robby Hoffman) are in their apartment talking and after he inhales this deep measured breath we cut to Archie’s point of view as he blocks Mo from sight entirely with his hand and she peeks out from it while Sunny rolls her eyes and it is done with such panache that I was seriously taken aback at how funny that moment was and could not stop laughing. I think I replayed that scene over a hundred times just to admire the quality of the timing and shot. 

(Damn you Zach Braff, you talented bastard!) ((Oz Rodriguez, Jonathan Krisel, and Anu Valia this applies to you lot too!))

Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses have the juice and the entire cast and crew should be proud of the work they’ve done in making this great show. Writers Alain Bala, Tom McDonald, Annie Mebane, David Stassen, Barbie Adler, Genevieve Aniello, Matthew Kerr, and Anthony King are all very funny and talented people and I will be on the look out for more please and thank you.

The opportunity to bring to the forefront that magical something about being alive and existing as a human being is one of the best things about the miracle that is making a moving picture. That human element that adds that special ingredient, drives innovation/inventiveness, and most importantly, moves us and really makes a project sing. It is that thing that reassures me that humanity, and not “AI”, is the future. We are wasting the best of ourselves by investing in and using “AI”, and seeing something like Rooster, which feels so handcrafted and cared for is something special and something to behold and cherish. 

Do yourself a favor and don’t miss out on it!

In lieu of recent discoveries whilst writing this review, I have now come to realize that Phil Dunster is not Sam Witwer, so calling a young man “immortal” is fairly farcical and for that I apologize. Your performance as this lovable himbo akin to an Gaston with a college education is wickedly funny and you’re really bringing it with the physicality to your humor. (Please practice pratfalls and look up the great Dick Van Dyke on how to stay limber and the importance of falling without hurting yourself. I bet Mr. Carrell could give some good pointers too.) 

Now that I really think about it, you don’t really look alike at all. A real Margot Robbie and Emma Mackey situation there. My apologies. I was wrong. Dunster? You handsome bastard, stay winning!

Onwards!

I love how Steve Carrell convinced everyone to have hockey be a central part to Rooster’s interests because when he skates you can see the sheer joy written all over his face. His reverence for the ice and sport is truly in the man’s heart and I respect it. 

I’ve always been on the lookout for more Carrell family jokes/bits within their projects and the recurring awkwardness happening in Rooster makes me laugh so hard. (“Do you want to hold his other hand?” & “Mm. Smell so good.”) My favorite bits are the ones where Nancy Carell is his jilting lover. (Happens more often than you think and is hilarious EVERY. DAMN. TIME.) It must be so funny to play those roles since they are so obviously in love in real life and it is super sweet and makes me smile every time I see her pop up on screen.

Everyone on this show is an especially fantastic face actor. The expressions you see on this show will win you over, steal your hearts, and make you laugh really, really hard.

Here is a list of some standout performances for me and some brief thoughts:

Tommy the townie (played by uber affable Maximo Salas from the underrated “The Runarounds”) is the trickster imp with a heart of gold and a kid with a bright future that helped Rooster find what might be his truest calling as supportive teacher and mentor. An embodiment of a cross between the hedonistic Bluto (played by the late great John Belushi) from “National Lampoon’s: Animal House” and the good natured naivety of Kal Pen’s somewhat problematic Taj Mahal (From “National Lampoon’s: Van Wilder”) I can’t wait to see what new hijinks this young man gets up to with Rooster, Greg, Grg, can I just go back to calling you Rooster?

Cristle, Tommy’s Mother and Administrative Assistant with the naughty naughty bedroom eyes (played by the gorgeous and always funny Annie Mumolo from so many things, notably, “Brides Maids” & “About a Boy”) finds her fire again, and though it may not be end game with Rooster, they did help each other get to a better place and will be great as friends. She is more than the fun trope of the hot mom (think Stifler’s Mom from ”American Pie” played by the iconic Jennifer Coolidge) and I hope she continues to grow and reinvent herself as “Crissle” because frankly it is kind of a fun name to say out loud. Excited about her new romance blooming with our struggling hockey coach, whom I am rooting for in his recovery.

Coach Jake (played by the intimidating yet hilarious Scott MacArthur from “The Mick” & “The Righteous Gemstones”) is a welcome agent of chaos and destruction. Everyone on this show has a unique set of vocals, but Coach Jake still manages to stand out with his ultra raspy and unhinged tirades. I really hope he gets the help he needs, but doesn’t lose his fighting spirit. Do you believe in him too?

Donnie the bumbling local police officer (played by the best mustache in the business Rory Scovel from “Physical”) gives Barney Fife a run for his money. I did not think this character would grow on me as much as he has, but Rory Scovel plays things perfectly and I think would make Don Knotts blush. May the Rooster and his Bucket Boyz continue to get into many more altercations with the worlds best and smartest police officer Donnie Mullins. Now, has anyone seen his gun? Please check under your tables.

The Bucket Boyz AKA Spooner, George, and Pig Ti  J.D. (Newcomers, whom I hope have long and great careers, Evan Jachelski, Xavier Beloved, and Noah Grismer) all bounce off each other so well and are a great friend group for Tommy. Each of them have their moments and I love their interactions with both sober and intoxicated Rooster. 

Ronni the best killjoy in the business (played by the intense/intensely funny Sophia Macy, also a fresh face) is a fierce foe-to-friend for Rooster and I sort of hope she continues to be a thorn in everyone's side and never loses her moral clarity/compass. Perhaps after the reckoning of liking his new book, Ronni does a deep dive and becomes a massive Rooster booster alongside Tommy?

Maya the horse girl (played by the understatedly funny Cece Abby, also at the start of a very promising career) is one of many talented students within Rooster’s class and she unapologetically loves horses and we should all be so brave as to openly love what we love and share it with the world!

Liv and Gina (played by two more very funny up-and-comers Tate Moore and Shelby Holihan) the almost problematic, but sort of interesting, and altogether funny, take on the male gaze collapsing in on itself. I hope Archie is afraid of them by the end of season five. (If he isn’t already.)

Eli and Eva (played by the respectable rookie Jonah Beckett and rizzled veteran with supranatural charm and humor Madison Hu from the massively underrated “The Brothers Sun”) had an entire romantic comedy play out in the background of the show and I’m glad the young man got his nebulizer and maybe they may have found a way back to each other if even only as friends. I hope we get more Eva and Dylan and that she pursues her writing and we can explore one more of the many evolving and beautiful mentor and mentee relationships on this show. 

Eva has so many great line deliveries that are just stuck in my head like, “Oh, no, sad dad. What happened?” & “She’s right. I peep a new swag.” Madison Hu should have her own show where she solves spooky supernatural crime like in Scooby Doo and all of the villains are just corporate douchebags doing anything for that dollar. Joanna Wang, god willing, (Singer-songwriter, see all albums, recently “Hotel La Rut”) could do the entire soundtrack and maybe even star alongside as the villain whom looks really cool in suits and business attire because they’re really good at business. It could pay homage to all those great 90’s action comedy/dramas like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Xena Warrior Princess, and Jack of All Trades, etc. Anyway, where was I? Something about poetry and massive talents. 

Dylan (played by the insanely talented Danielle Deadwyler, whom I can watch and listen to forever especially after that performance in “Station Eleven”) has the funniest facial expressions especially when she uses her eyes during those awkward moments. I love that she is endgame. Rooster and Dylan have this really warm understanding and chemistry and it is beautiful to see and hope it is explored further. “Dad if you ever find a woman as excited about this as you don’t let her go.” Seeing her read Pablo Neruda’s “Nothing But Death” with such a joyous smile brought me such joy too. I want more Dylan and Eva. Dylan and Rooster. Dylan and Walt. Just more Dylan really. Gah, I just really love all the relationships within this show!

Zoey and Lily (played by the spooky cool tenderfoot Fiona Tarses and the adorkable shoe-in to play the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Courtney Parchman from “The Get Together”) the righteous student and flippantly funny Teacher’s Aid serve as a great sounding board and support system to our done wrong girl Katie. Zoey has that too cool for school energy, but really looks up to their teachers/professors/possible mentors. Lily actually is too cool for all of it and I love that for her. The life they inject into their scenes is very welcome and I am looking forward to seeing them more in the future.

Katie (played by the beautiful Charly Clive from “Pure” & “The Lazarus Project” whom I like to imagine, in a positive way, of being a nepo baby to her parents Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. I don’t know why I do. I just find it oddly comforting. I bet they are proud too because she’s killing it.) Anywho, she has the face of a person that doesn’t know what a cellphone is and I love the juxtaposition of her existence within our modern world. She would absolutely make the best Elizabeth Bennet.

Mo the Rock Johnson (played by the delightfully funny Robby Hoffman) eats up every scene they are in, but in a way that lets everyone involved feast. They’re that little dash of spice that you can add to anything and it just instantly improves. The beautiful and funny genius Hannah Einbinder introduced me to you via “Hacks” and I’m hoping to see you pop up everywhere and in everything in the near future. The best friend/roommate relationship with Lauren Tsai’s Sunny is incredibly touching and hopeful and fun and I hope we get lots more!

Sunny (played by the endearing and lowkey super funny Lauren Tsai from “Legion” & “Moxie”) has to be the hardest role to play in this series, especially since she is introduced as the dreaded other woman, but Tsai absolutely nails it. Sunny is played extremely subtle, but super sweet. Her interactions with Archie are often unspoken and their love and understanding really seems to run deeper than a simple affair. The little toast with the coffees they do without thinking. The way she stares at him when he speaks or does something genuinely kind. The reaction they shared during the ultrasound. It is as if Archie consciously or unconsciously rises to the occasion when with Sunny and flounders into a man-child when with Katie. The way Sunny still approaches everything head-on and refuses to let this situation/circumstance slow her down is really inspiring and cool to see. She’s this hyper competent person that wore her heart on her sleeves for the first time and I’m really hoping it works out for her.  I am glad Sunny has such wonderful people in her corner with her new mentor Walter, loving father Fred (played by the super lovable Jim O’Heir from “Parks and Recreation”), her rock Mo, and surprisingly, maybe even Katie herself.

Dean Riggs (played by the legendary Alan Ruck from “Succession” & “Spin City”) is such a great foil to Walter. He is a man who refuses to evolve and grow, but rather stay stagnant, ignorant, and revel in his own personal satisfaction. He is petty and bitter and got his, so does not mind pulling the ladder up for everyone else. He is part of a generation that wishes to inflict nothing but pain and misery to the generations that come after. He is of the ilk that believes since they have had things hard in life growing up that so should everyone else. They’ve convinced themselves that they turned out okay, but it is a delusion I hope they can one day be rid of, so they too can grow and attempt to be better. Many die without ever trying to rectify their ignorance, and Riggs may very well join a long list of hateful losers alone and unloved worm food. (Not Alan Ruck though, that guy rules.)

Elizabeth the big Ex and Katie’s mom (played by the ageless beauty and grace that is Connie Britton from so many things, notably, “Friday Night Lights” & “Nashville”) will be a fun villain/light hearted antagonist for the upcoming season two. The walking heart breaker still has plans for our precious Ludlow College and I do think she might still have some lingering feelings for old Rooster. I hope he can stay strong and keep her away. (Think of the endgame! It is going to be your lucky day, grandpa!) Elizabeth will likely always have a place in Rooster’s heart, but I am glad he is finally able to move onward and mend his spirit. I really do hope they can become good friends again someday.

Rooster, Russo, Greg, Grg, or whatever you want to call him (played by the handsome comedic genius that is Steve Carell from “Dan in Real Life” & “Little Miss Sunshine”) brings an authenticity to the character that you cannot help but root for and I think it stems from the earnestness in which Carell portrays any character that he embodies. You can see it in his eyes and feel it in his voice. He is Rooster. He is Gru. He is Michael Scott. None of them would loom as largely in our hearts if not for Steve Carell. Thank you for taking the time to make us laugh —we could all use some more laughs.

(I miss using em dashes. Don’t let them take that from us too!)

Walter, President of Ludlow College (played by the indomitable scene stealer John C McGinley from heaps, notably, “Scrubs” & “Point Break”) is representative of that old myth of the great American Man who believed in truth and justice and fighting for what is right. He can be described as a bit, “Old-School” and after seeing the mirror of his past self when looking at Dean Riggs, instead of doubling down and becoming a worse person, he decides to grow with the times even if he has to force himself. His colloquial aphorisms and great man quotes from a myth of a man like Teddy Roosevelt endears him to the audience as we see him try to emulate this mythic presence, not by already being great, but by acknowledging that to truly get there is to always embrace the fact that you are never done growing up. He and Steve Carrell have this beautiful chemistry of two men, in the later years of their life, learning that there is so much life left to live and so much yet to understand and experience. John C McGinley is a genuine article and absolutely knocking it out of the park with this role. Walt’s bravado and practicing of his radical authenticity —as well as— taking Sunny & Dylan under his wings as mentor may well be the thing that takes him from a doddering lost and bitter boomer in to the making of that sort of great mythic man made manifest. The sort of man that will plant trees in whose shade he will never stand in, for he will leave the sort of legacy worth remembrance.

Anyway, better keep things nice and short, so I will end it by saying that I hope everyone working on this show continues to thrive and create and keep getting more opportunities to express themselves. I will definitely be watching.

If you got this far with me, thank you heaps and I hope you’ve a wonderful rest of your day. My boys, Sam. Cliff. Norm. They were tired of hearing me talk about this show and told me to post my thoughts on it somewhere, so unfortunately, I am haunting you all with my specter.