No Activity

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.

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.

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!

If I were to have seen this without seeing the original first, I would've enjoyed it. But the relationships between the characters in this version don't quite hit home like the original. Also, personally, I don't like Patrick Brammall playing an American, when I've seen him in the same role as an Australian. It just doesn't feel right. As a remake, it's solid. The comedy is on point. I saw a review that said something to the effect of "It's just banal chit chat." That is what this show is, the original and this remake. But I would honestly recommend watching the original over this. I think this version may succeed, but right now, it doesn't feel like it has the heart of the original. But this early on.... who knows what will happen.

Hilarious show if you like people just riffing. Tim meadows is gold. But season 4. Freaking claymation. Really?