Catastrophe

It took me a while to finally watch Amazon’s series Catastrophe. It was always something that was on the back burner but never pushed myself to watch it. Now, within one week I have completed 3 seasons of the show, (although its not too difficult with six 30 minute episodes, basically 3 long movies). The EXCELLENT Catastrophe.

I got excited when I first heard that Rob Delaney was going to be the star of a new show, because I truly enjoyed his Twitter antics, but I was also unsure if it would work out, seeing as he was mainly famous because of…. well, Twitter. I’m here to say that not only is the show excellent, Rob Delaney is also excellent, with an actual range.

Sharon Horgan stars alongside Rob, both as the creators of the show and the ONLY writers. You don’t see just two writers for a show too often, but it also shows a personal touch. Anyway, Rob stars as a Marketing professional, who when on a business trip to London, has a week long fling with Sharon, and several weeks later a catastrophe (LOL) occurs as Sharon calls Rob back in America to tell him she’s pregnant. While both are in the 40s, they decide to just go for it and Rob moves to London to start a life with Sharon.

The story is fairly simple and that’s okay. Each season is only six episodes with 30-minute episodes, basically making each season a long movie. And when you only have about 3 hours for an entire season, the story shouldn’t get too convoluted. The show mainly focuses on Rob and Sharon’s growing relationship along with a few of their friends and family involved at points.

The most important part of the show is that the two of them feel real. It’s a hard to describe, but this show is a slice of life narrative with actual gut busting dialogue. They feel like a real couple that actually cares for each other and loves one another. I can’t remember the last time I saw chemistry like this and that’s one of the reasons this show is so fucking funny. The dialogue is so witty, so vulgar, and so fast-paced. It is very difficult not to gush about this show, its just so damn fun.

Sharon and Rob are both outstanding and hilarious and easily carry this show in their own rights, but the side characters are also hysterical and in-depth. Chris, Fergal, Dave and Fran’s stories aren’t too deep and they’re only touched upon every once in a while, but they feel real and rounded. Especially Chris, who seemed like an odd character in the beginning, but has grown into a damaged, but true friend to Rob that genuinely cares for him like real people do.

I guess the most important thing is that near the end of the third season, the show took a radical left turn that had me nearly in tears. Rob showed true depth in a dark and emotional scene, that ends the show in the worst possible way. I like when a show surprises me, but I love when a show shocks me to my core, and the end of this season did it in a real, genuine and beautiful way. I guess I am just going to have to hold my breath until next season.