“Yo, you’re like 12.” – Ben to skate kid asking for a smoke
How to Make It In America is still an uneven series that’s finding its footing, but the previous episode’s dazzler proved the potential is there, and will likely keep me watching long after I’ve completely shut down on other freshman series (Parenthood and Undercover Boss immediately come to mind).
Even though there was a return to themes that didn’t move me in the past, particularly Ben (Bryan Greenberg) and Cam’s (Victor Rusak) quest to make it in the clothing design biz, the chemistry is getting to the point where I’m interested enough in the characters to keep watching. The big “hole” chemistry-wise continues to be Rene (Luis Guzman), his family, Rasta Monster, and his money. It doesn’t fit into the rest of the storylines at all, and as far as I’m concerned we should be following Kappo (Eddie Kaye Thomas) and his adventures when he’s away from the gang instead.
We see more of Rachel’s (Lake Bell) relationship with Darren (Jason Pendergraft) this week, and we’re getting a sense for how the show will operate in a Rachel-Ben post-breakup world. I’m fine with that dynamic (for now), but again the Rene dimension feels out of step for the younger/hip-er hustlers we’re getting to know.
More thoughts on “Big In Japan”:
- You know when any drug “above” the pot level comes out on a TV show (and this goes triple for Southland), it ain’t gonna turn out well. In this case ecstasy leads to Darren feeling “freer” than perhaps Rachel would like.
- “Yo, you’re like 12.” – Ben to skate kid asking for a smoke. Skate kid tells Ben where to take that attitude in no uncertain and colorful terms.
- Very good music backing the show this week, which helps the flow and NYC vibe take shape.
From Around the Web: How to Make It in America, “Big In Japan”
- Gawker: Rachel and her boyfriend Darren the kind of rich, attractive asshole I hope to marry someday are having a little bit of trouble because she keeps bringing around her ex-boyfriend Ben the kind of poor, attractive hipster I hope will break my heart before I marry a rich, attractive asshole.
Some stats and info about How to make it in America, “Big in Japan”
TV SHOW – How to Make It in America
SEASON/EPISODE – Season 1, Episode 5
AIRED ON – March 14th, 2010
NETWORK/STREAMING SERVICE – HBO/Max
GENRE – Comedy, Relationship Shows
CREATED BY – Ian Edelman
CAST – Bryan Greenberg, Victor Rasuk, Lake Bell, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Kid Cudi, Luis Guzman
This review originally appeared on TV Geek Army.