Togetherness

It's sad that so many people can't appreciate this show. We're apparently miles apart...in sensibility. To my mind there is a unique, original kind of imagination behind it. I see it pointing the way toward a new maturity in pop filmmaking. In fact it brings the best of indie film sensibility to the small screen. It's significant that Nicole Holofcener directed one of the episodes, because her 2001 film "Lovely and Amazing" can be seen as a progenitor of the Duplass brother's capacities and interests here. I also don't think I have ever seen filmmaking that had me laughing so gratefully at such odd moments. The show's comic sensibility is very restrained and subtle. The brothers see a direction thru yearning and frustration that avoids despair and violence at all costs. It's obvious that parenthood has played a major role in getting them to this point. The portraits of the infant, for instance, are stunning.

This show has exceeded my expectations on every level. It has some hilariously funny moments, but is much, much more than a comedy.

Covering friendships, working relationships and romantic ones, as well as those magical relationships without a label, this show is not afraid to be dark, and delve into the (sometimes) depressing realities of marriage/any long-term relationship.

I found it pulling at my heartstrings more and more each episode, as my understanding of the characters grew organically. None of the situations felt forced or particularly unrealistic, and always relatable.

I can only surmise that any negative reviewers don't have much relationship experience, because to me, there is so much to recognise in these characters and their bonds.

The writing is superb. The acting is even better, all the main characters blew me away. Mark Duplass, with an amazing portrayal of a man struggling with the fallacy of being normal, Melanie Lynskey, as the wife and mother who wants more, and especially manchild Steve Zissis, playing a complex funny man.

Cannot recommend it enough! Would usually leave room in a review for the downsides, but I can't really think of any.. please watch it! (I really want more seasons!!)

Too bad that this was canceled. It was really just getting it's legs in season 2. Always with the Duplass brothers a bit of a slow burn....took a season to get into the characters, but I had high hopes for future seasons. Really hoping Netflix or Amazon will pick it up like they've done for other shows to give it another chance. Not sure it was ever meant for HBO....maybe Showtime even would have been a better fit. Great cast and fun, creative stories each episode. I don't even have kids but didn't mind that much of the show was centered around parenting because the characters were strong and ring true to their age group and genre. I hope that the energy is resurrected in another Duplass project or that someone else picks it up.

HBO has scored another winner with this new series from brothers Mark and Jay Duplass it's called "Togetherness" and it's about the life and relationships of two couples one married one not all living under the same roof. It's a funny comedy drama that shows how people differ in life and true life is up and down with struggle and uncertain. Set in Los Angeles married couple Brett(Mark Duplass) and Michelle(Melanie Lynskey) have two small children and their marriage is rocky especially in the bedroom as Michelle is insecure and a little different and it's tough for Brett to come home after his hard work on movie sound stages and make hot passion! Now enter Brett's best friend from school Alex(Steve Zissis)a guy who's near 40 and he's watched his acting dreams fade away to nearly no jobs at all after getting out of shape as now only off beat advertisement companies call for his service! Now enter the sugar and spice of the series and that's Michelle's younger sister Tina(the always hot and sexy Amanda Peet)who follows big sister out to L.A. and this blunt free spirited colored bra wearing woman still can not find the right guy for some reason! Will Alex be her man? Overall wonderful series that's funny showing that life, sex, love, and family is all a challenge and a struggle that's worth it and it shows how each person is so different still different people have to interact with one another to find love. "Togetherness" is one series that should keep all together in a fun happy way!

..this is a really good series. It's truly hoped that HBO will make the right decision and go for season three. The four leads are outstanding, but in fact the entire cast is incredible. The little girl is a real star.. and AP is just captivating. There are numerous scenes in just these first two seasons which show how truly great an actor this woman really is. Sure it winds up a bit too predictable at the end of season two. But they can change that around as easily as they choose in upcoming episodes. All facets of the production are top notch, these guys have the formula down. There's a very good Vanity Fair article about them. They're a real force, and if they don't burn out, we should be seeing much great stuff continue on from them.. so look forward to it.

... after 5 years went back and watched all episodes again... it weakens marginally in second season... yet still remains one of the best of the genre.. programming today must be centered around winning-awards & big-viewership... sadly.. great-little-series with limited-viewers will always get tossed after 1-2 seasons... and yes forties Amanda Peet is awesome .