With the rise of the #MeToo movement, the entertainment industry has been forced to take a long, hard look at the way it portrays gender dynamics and sexual harassment. In the midst of this new wave of awareness and accountability, two new TV comedies, Netflix’s ‘Vladimir’ and HBO’s ‘Rooster’, have emerged with a fresh perspective. However, while these shows may attempt to tackle the post-post-#MeToo era with humor, they still fall short in fully addressing the complexities of these social issues.
First, let’s take a closer look at ‘Vladimir’. Created by Natasha Novak, the show follows the adventures of a Russian immigrant trying to make it big in Hollywood. With a colorful cast of characters and wacky situations, ‘Vladimir’ presents a humorous take on the struggles of being an outsider in a cutthroat industry.
On the surface, ‘Vladimir’ seems like the perfect show to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. However, despite its attempts at tackling timely issues such as diversity and sexism in Hollywood, the show often falls into the trap of tired stereotypes and outdated jokes. The character of Vladimir himself, while endearing, reinforces the stereotype of the exotic foreigner with a thick accent and quirky manners. This lack of depth in character development takes away from the potential impact of the show’s message.
Similarly, ‘Rooster’, created by Scott Patterson, is set in the world of a male-dominated Wall Street firm and follows the antics of a group of ambitious young men. The show aims to satirize the toxic culture of masculinity and bravado in the corporate world, but ultimately fails to truly address the underlying issues. While the show may provide some humorous moments, it often relies on lazy writing and cheap jokes, diminishing the weight of the subject matter it tries to tackle.
Both ‘Vladimir’ and ‘Rooster’ seem to take a lighthearted approach to the post-post-#MeToo moment, but this may not be what audiences are looking for. In the wake of the movement, people are searching for shows that provide thoughtful and nuanced discussions about gender dynamics and workplace harassment. While comedy can be a powerful tool in addressing such issues, it must be used with caution and sensitivity.
Furthermore, both shows suffer from a lack of diversity. Despite being set in diverse locations, ‘Vladimir’ and ‘Rooster’ feature mostly white, male characters. While this may reflect the reality of certain industries, it also perpetuates the lack of representation and equal opportunities for marginalized groups in these fields. In a time when diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of conversations, these shows miss the opportunity to truly make a statement and be part of the change.
In contrast, shows like ‘The Great’ and ‘Mrs. America’, which explore themes of power, gender, and equality, provide a more compelling and relevant take on the post-post-#MeToo era. These shows not only tackle these issues head-on but also give voice to marginalized groups and present a diverse range of characters. This is where ‘Vladimir’ and ‘Rooster’ fall short.
In the end, while it is important to approach such sensitive topics with a light touch, it is equally crucial to fully engage with these issues and present them in a meaningful way. ‘Vladimir’ and ‘Rooster’, while entertaining, ultimately feel a bit dated and miss the opportunity to make a real impact. In this post-post-#MeToo moment, we need shows that not only make us laugh but also make us think and reflect on our societal norms and values.
