No Activity

I loved both the Australian and American versions of this show, so I was really looking forward to its return. Knowing it would come back in animated form, I was curious to see how it would translate into a cartoon format, only to discover it simply doesn't.

All the silliness and spontaneity of improvisation is lost, along with the finer details provided by the actors' facial expressions. Virtually none of the aspects of the original "No Activity" series that made it funny and unique survived the change. Not to be unkind, but watching this felt more like being forced to sit through a bad table read of a script, very low energy and flat, than a finished product.

While it is a mater of personal tastes, I also did not care for the animation itself. The style is reminiscent of many commercials and comes across as very wooden. There is nothing charming or special about it, so in that sense the departure from live action brings nothing positive to the table, only detracting without enhancing.

In the end, I found watching this latest iteration of "No Activity" to be a little heartbreaking. While the show's makers may have had many valid and well intentioned reasons for transitioning to an animated fourth season, it failed to deliver much in the way of comedy or engaging characters.

I loved the Aussie version, and after watching the first episode of this US version, love it even more. It's hilarious.

It's a comedy about nothing happening.

But perhaps even funnier is reading the reviews of people complaining that nothing happens...

At first I thought they were intentional ie knowingly playing along with the show - but now I'm starting to think they've actually totally missed the point...

A team of cops, FBI agents, criminals and bit characters fill the time while waiting for a raid in each season.

In my opinion, the first 3 seasons were completely flawless. It is my type of humor, it was shot well, and the writing is high quality. The characters are built well, and the story beats are very funny. Overall, I would have loved a long0running series, and will DEFINITELY check out the Japanese one, if it's subtitled.

I enjoyed the show very much, but understand that it went south for the animated season. It's too bad, because so much of the show depended on the subtle facial expressions and looks characters gave to each other.

I am heartbroken that this is no longer being made as a live-action series. The Aussie one was also very funny, for those of you who want more of this.

Firstly, a little disclaimer: I haven't seen the Australian original, so I can't compare or comment, but clearly an American remake was the creators' intention given the involvement of Patrick and Trent.

As for the negative comments all around me, look - it is the POINT of the show. The vast majority of the scenes are purely dialogue and character-driven, and every couple of episodes something will actually happen, or two of the characters will meet - but you shouldn't be waiting or expecting during the other scenes for something to happen, it's just a little reward that works all the better BECAUSE of those scenes. It all worked well for me as the last thing I watched before I slept, as you can just listen for the most part, or have it on in the background while doing something else. Keep this in mind, if you want constant action or plot development then watch something else.

I was endeared to the show mainly because of the cast; the character pairings all work and have their moments, with the characters developing or expanding on previous conversations throughout. Season 2 takes great measures to revitalize the situations, especially with Jason Mantzoukas' character, who might have failed without the presence of Jesse Plemons, but actually prospers in an entertaining season-long storyline with Cristin Milioti.

No Activity is perfectly named. Very little actually happens. It's really all about the conversations ... and that's all it needs. The conversations are hilarious!