At a time when American television series are trying all tricks in the book to stand out from the rest — think non-linear screenplay, unlikely protagonists and niche subjects — a situational comedy show titled New Girl , describing itself as “Simply Adorkable” launched bravely last year.
Now, New Girl, is anything but new or dorky. Here’s the basic plot: Jess, who is struggling to get through a break-up, moves in with three guys she meets online. Nick, Schmidt and Winston are all as different as can be, but help Jess overcome her low phase and the foursome becomes a support system for each other.
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The show takes a look at modern relationships with familiar humour; its zest brings out life’s many awkward moments in an honest yet light hearted manner.
Nothing ground-breaking surely. We’ve all seen friends living together and going through life’s struggles with each other’s support.
Yet, the show works. Maybe, it is because it doesn’t try too hard to be different, or perhaps, it is just honest.
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The show appeals to a very basic need among youngsters to know that the embarrassing moments they’ve been through, also happen to others. The promo of the show says it all, “A girl who is stuck in the adult world but clearly doesn’t know how to fit into it!”
The character Jess is sort of an ode to all those girls called clumsy, awkward or weird. Who better to take on this role than Zooey Deschanel of 500 Days of Summer fame. That she is unapologetic about her awkwardness, even on occasions when the audience is left feeling sorry for her, almost makes one proud of that little bit of weirdness in everyone.
Nick, a law school dropout who works as a bartender, is obsessed with his ex-girlfriend. It goes without saying that he and Jess share an instant rapport. There are no surprises in the characters of Schmidt and Winston either, the former being simply an annoying roommate and the latter a former basketball player who works as a part-time nanny and is comparatively the saner one.
No demands
The series doesn’t demand your constant attention. This isn’t one of those shows that require us to wait with bated breath for the next episode so that the drama can unfold. It is a show to watch contentedly while one lies on the couch with a tub of ice-cream, at the end of a long and perhaps embarrassing day.
The show started airing in India on Star World on July 4. Whether it builds a viewership in the weeks to come would have to be seen. Till then, kick back and enjoy it. And don’t forget the ice-cream.