Red Oaks

The pilot was good but not great. It was a light-hearted reminder of the 80s coming of age movie comedies that I grew up with. I wasn't really compelled to watch the next episode but ultimately I did anyways just out of curiosity. As the episodes rolled by I enjoyed them more and more. Yes some of the characters are formulaic but the entire show works. I started actually caring what happens to them in future years. After finishing the 10th episode I actually am anxiously awaiting next season. There are quite a few ways the show could go and I can't wait to find out. Yes I have seen better shows but for this genre I think it was well above average and certainly worth watching.

I think what most people don't really get from this show is that fact regarding the thought process of the 80's kid. They wanted more than the war generation. They not only wanted dreams but wanted to go after them while their parents just sighed.

David represents the common problem kids had back then, big dreams with no wisdom or support from the disillusioned parent. The parent in effect wishes to pass on the disillusionment and almost demands that their child accept it as their dreams are simply foolish in their undertaking.

Having a dream is one thing, having an understanding of how to get there is another. David simply had no understanding of how the world worked because his parents had no idea. This is why the writers were using his boss for those moments of wisdom. Ultimately it was those scenes is what the show was really about. Understanding how you get to where you want to go, and not just be some sap like all these characters represented, destined for disillusionment.

Great acting, characters were played out well enough to understand and feel for them, but it did lack a sense of progression. Even if you have characters who suffer a static life, the story needs progression, and I think the writers ran out of gas.

David is Ferris Bueller with a job. He definitely defies society at the same time embracing it. His awareness of himself was his weakness, allowing himself and people to walk all over him.

Would have loved to see more.

The characters in Red Oaks are incredibly endearing. The storyline is so comforting and simple and well done. disappointed it ended so soon!

I started this with no expectations, actually all other Amazon Prime Video series did not get into me that much... OK, we are in the '80, so if you are born exactly in 1980 like me you are going to have a lot of revival moments, this is not sweating '80 like some other piece of TV streaming show (cough... stranger, cough... things, cough...), but there is a lot of quotes and reference everywhere. Then the whole plot is pivoting around niceness, and this is heart- warming, too many series are around just bad and evil characters, here you will find comfort after a hard work day. But the most important thing is: Time Travel. When I watch this show, time goes faster than ever! It is unbelievable how an episode slides smoothly to the end, while you think you are actually in the middle of it. This is actually the most sophisticated magic entertainment can do, and it must mean something if this happens.

Recently discussed this show in a bar with a friend I'd recommended it too, who said he and his wife really enjoyed it and that watching it felt like receiving a warm friendly hug off the TV. With some alcohol in my system I felt I knew what he was driving at.

It's a shame Amazon doesn't appear to promote it as much as it could. It probably struggles to define what to sell it on. The first episode leads you to think rehash of Caddyshack but its not that or a gross-out comedy. Then you might think its a laugh at the 'crazy 80s' show like the Goldbergs, its not that either. My own view is its a very well-observed, well-acted, humorous (occasionally lol) coming of age tale that happens to be set in the 1980s, but I guess difficult to fit all that on promotional material.

The writing is excellent at balancing comedy, character development and the occasional emotional, heart-felt moments. The cherry on top is the soundtrack and rediscovering forgotten gems of 80s music - Talk Talk anyone? OK if you're cynical you might say the characters are cliché and could be distilled down to; the every-man, the stoner genius, the spoilt girl, nice but dim girl, the eccentric foreigner, the hard-nosed business man etc etc. But clichés persist as they tend to exist and when then they're this well portrayed all can be forgiven.

Anyway, I think demographics can help decide whether you'll agree with me or not 1) if you're late 30s or older i.e. you can recall a childhood without mobile phones 2)you're the kinda person who once in a blue moon reflects on your early relationships, your university or first job choices - did you really make the right choices? and 3) you just like well-written comedy and enjoy spending some time getting to know and give a damn about likable characters then give this show a go.

Like any good hug, you'll want it to go on, so all fingers crossed for a 3rd series.