Flaked

I started watching this a year or two ago and found it boring. My friend recommended it to me recently when we were talking about Blades of Glory (Will Arnett was a supporting cast member with his then-wife Amy Poehler). I gave it another try. I love this show. Like others have said, it is understated. You get to like the characters, especially Chip, in spite of his gross imperfections. Kudos to Will Arnett. He is a great actor. He is also a talented writer.

Unlike the other comments here, I totally identify with the younger women who gravitate to Chip. He is handsome and sexy, not to mention his voice. Remember these are women with tons of baggage and probably a daddy complex.

I've been a fan of Will Arnett for years. But this is the first time we're seeing the true range of his acting. Chip is dark and complex in a way that is not appealing except for the fact that Will Arnett somehow manages to make a very unlikable person desirable. There are moments when watching Will Arnett as Chip that makes you completely forget that you're looking at what is usually a very funny man.

Given that this was a first time writing an entire show from start to finish for Arnett, I went in with lowered expectations. While the show struggles with knowing what it wants to be in spots, the characters are deep, the inter-relationships toxic and intriguing to watch.

While the plot sometimes got lost in character in fighting, I'm interested to see what will happen with a second season. This wasn't a perfect attempt but there's a great deal of heart here and that's worth it. I want more.

The plot line of the show is unique and dark, yet humorous. Disguised as a typical comedy drama, this show is quite an emotional roller-coaster with a sensational soundtrack to compliment. It does have a "hipster" vibe to it, but that's just the culture of California and specifically the character of Venice. To complain about that is just silly.

Will Arnett's character is compelling, dark and constantly evolving. You think you have him figured out and it changes multiple times throughout each episode. The character of London by Ruth Kearney is equally complex. Arnett's immature, brotherly relationship with David Sullivan is palpable as is their combined relationship with Cooler, the village idiot so to speak. George Basil is great and is hard not to enjoy. Aside from minor flaws, it is great character writing across the board.

The soundtrack as I previously mentioned is brilliant. The filming of the show is gorgeous and the soundtrack syncs with the scenic views, tone of the scene and the overall emotions of the show. Looking forward to the original scores being released whenever an official soundtrack is available.

Overall I think 8 episodes certainly wasn't enough, definitely felt like the show ended right as it got going. That said, even though it took a few episodes to get the ball rolling it ended on a high note. Will Arnett has done fantastic with what was given and I look forward to seeing what he can do with more episodes and a bigger budget. A solid 8 out of 10. Great debut.

I saw this on Netflix, I decided to give it a chance. So I watched the first episode and I was shocked at how good it really is. This is not slapstick humor nor is it over the top. The lead role is Chip, he is a 40 something guy who runs a stool shop in downtown Venice. He is a troubled individual who simply survives life. He is a recovering alcoholic with a tragic past and yet he chooses to endure even if his existence is not entirely humorous. There is a great deal of emotion with the characters, including his roommate Dennis and his love interest London.

While the shows situations don't always fit into place, it is like watching those people you know in real life as an adult but don't associate with because they don't fit into your lifestyle. This is truly like walking a mile in the shoes of a mans life that is worth watching.

9/10

Arnett and Chappell have created a considerable dramedy series. The duo also pen the series first season. Great direction, writing, cinematography, setting, soundtrack and acting. All of the artists involved deliver significant performances. Arnett stands out with his innate ability to deliver comedic dialogue in sometimes serious, sarcastic and subtle ways. There are several guest stars in the series which contribute to the humor. The plot is set in Venice Beach, CA and revolves around Chip. Chip is a man in recovery from an incident that occurred ten years earlier. Through his recovery he lives a stock lifestyle and has surrounded himself with his best friend Dennis, a stoner friend Cooler, his former sponsor who is a cop George and his sometimes love interest Kara. He is also still married to his very successful wife Tilly. Suddenly Chip's routine life is turned upside down upon the arrival of a girl named London. Everyone around Chip views him as a self serving individual who can never quite tell the truth, but at the same time often seek life choices advisement from him. They seem to tolerate him because of his likability and love for his community. Initially it is Dennis that pines over London, but as usual Chip's self serving habit leans his eyes towards her and he always gets his way. Everyone in Venice Beach knows what each other is up to much like a small town. Chip's web of little white lies always catch up with him and little does he know, but London didn't just arrive in Venice Beach by coincidence. While Chip is living his everyday existence his sobriety is constantly being tested by topics such as his wife, the gentrification of Venice Beach and many more events in life. The plot is emotional, clever, witty, crisp and insightful. Both seasons have delivered the goods. This is an indelible series and one of the better in it's genre