In an engaging episode of the **new Netflix comedy** The Four Seasons, Tina Fey’s character, Kate, draws a clever comparison to the obscure Woody Allen classic, Zelig, from 1983. Her husband Jack, portrayed by the ever-hilarious Will Forte, quips back, “Oh, that’s a really fresh reference!” This moment encapsulates the delicate blend of nostalgia and current-day humor that the show both embraces and struggles with.
Reviving a Relic: The Concept of The Four Seasons
The Four Seasons serves as a **remake** of the 1981 film directed by the beloved Alan Alda, known for his role in the iconic sitcom M*A*S*H. The series follows three couples—Jack and Kate, **Nick** (played by Steve Carell) and Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver), and Danny (Colman Domingo) and Claude (Marco Calvani)—as they embark on **four memorable vacations** throughout the year. While Alda’s film made a splash with over $50 million at the box office (which would be nearly $180 million in today’s dollars), it lacks the staying power of other classics from that era, particularly catering to a middle-aged audience that has seemingly faded from the cultural spotlight.
Released in an age less inundated with **family-friendly films**, Alda’s film was often a default choice for parents taking their kids along for the ride. In fact, I first encountered it at the tender age of seven, and aside from the film’s adult themes, all I remember is that it wasn’t made for me. Fey, slightly older than I am, likely found either the film or Alda’s guest appearances on 30 Rock memorable enough to inspire her reboot. A testament to the strikingly different landscape of **television remakes**, perhaps, Fey’s adaptation aims to carve out its niche amidst an era dominated by reboots of classic films.
From Film to Television: A Seamless Transition
Given that reviews of Alda’s original film often branded it as a **series of television episodes stitched together**, pivoting to a **TV format** seems almost intuitive. The show frames its story comfortably across episodes, dedicating two to each season, thereby providing ample exploration of the couples’ spectrums throughout their traveling escapades.
Despite the impressive ensemble of writers, including Fey, Fisher (known for Never Have I Ever), and Wigfield (creator of Great News and Peacock’s Saved by the Bell sequel), The Four Seasons never entirely convinces us that its tale is one worth retelling today. There are moments of genuine humor and surprising poignancy, yet the show feels somewhat **surface-level**—less a coherent narrative and more a pretense for a gathering of talented individuals to enjoy picturesque settings together. It resembles a watered-down version of the Grown-Ups series, just without the juvenile humor.
Spring Into Action: The Story Unfolds
Our adventure kicks off in spring, convening at Nick and Anne’s stunning lakeside retreat. Tensions arise as Jack and Kate’s once-vibrant marriage teeters into monotony, while Claude expresses worry over Danny’s indifference towards age-related health concerns. The primary cataclysm, however, is Nick’s shocking admission: he wants to divorce Anne, comparing their relationship to that of “co-workers at a nuclear facility.” His metaphor hits home, launching a whirlwind of emotions and conflict among the couples.
Jon Pack/Netflix
Summer Fun Turns Complicated
As the storyline transitions to summer, the couples grapple with Nick’s much younger girlfriend Ginny (Erika Henningsen), amid their stay at an environmentally conscious resort. Navigating the dynamics of aging relationships leads the group into amusing scenarios, proving that vacations can sometimes unravel the closest of friendships. The Four Seasons peppered with visceral comedy, meanders through these seasons, culminating in a notably awkward **autumn parents’ visit** to their daughters in college, before rounding off the year with a fractious winter getaway.
The Final Thoughts
Although there are flashes of witty comedy and authentic dramatic moments, The Four Seasons often leans on the camaraderie among its cast, delivering a pleasant watch but rarely achieving anything more profound. As Nick’s daughter Lila aptly puts it, he’s having a “pretty basic midlife crisis.” This descriptor resonates with the show’s essence; while viewers may enjoy the actors’ performances and shared chemistry, one can’t help but wonder why such a star-studded group opted for this project in the first place.
A Relevant Question for Today
If The Four Seasons garners popularity, it will spark curiosity about the **potential for more remakes**. Alda, after all, directed several other films including Sweet Liberty, set against the backdrop of Hollywood—it’s a tantalizing idea for Fey to explore in her next project.
**All eight episodes of The Four Seasons are available for streaming now on Netflix.** Dive in! You might be charmed by the cozy vibes and familiar faces.
