Red Oaks

The pilot was a rarity in that I actually cared about the characters and their storylines by the time it ended. And each episode keeps getting better. The pilot comes off a bit raunch-commy with boobs and f-bombs galore, but it simmers down after that, and the bit of mature content that remains serves the storylines. And I find myself, at odd times, getting choked up. The humor and silliness slows down and there are these wonderful moments of empathy and vulnerability-something most half-hour comedies can't pull off.

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.

Set in a country club in the 80's, Red Oaks is a story of the staff and members alike as they work their way through a summer of transition.

It's a feel-good show with likable characters and consistently engaging plot-lines that drag you in until your emotions are undoubtedly invested.

Notable mentions go to Oliver Cooper, who plays drug-dealing valet and lovable rogue 'Wheeler', and 'Nash', a tennis-pro and ace with the ladies, hilariously played by Ennis Esmer.

The cast was flawless with many names worthy of praise, however the stand-out is unquestionably Craig Roberts. Known widely for Richard Ayoade's Submarine, Roberts provides us with a neutral perspective of the chaos unfolding around him.

Ultimately, this is a show that Amazon can be thoroughly proud of, with overwhelmingly positive reviews and an equal number of cliff- hangers in the final episode of the season that I'm sure will leave many fans eagerly awaiting a season 2.

Strong first season and a definite must-watch. 8/10.

P.s - Craig Roberts bears an almost uncanny resemblance to Rob Schneider at times...or maybe it's just me.

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 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.