Since Vince Gilligan revolutionized television with his groundbreaking series Breaking Bad, a wave of creators has explored the theme of middle-aged parents navigating the murky waters of crime. Notable examples include Jason Bateman’s gripping drama Ozark and NBC’s Good Girls. Now, actor Jon Hamm aims to carve out his own niche in this subgenre with the new series Your Friends & Neighbors. While the show occasionally falls prey to a sense of familiarity, it remains largely entertaining and engaging for viewers.
Developed by Jonathan Tropper, known for his work on Banshee and Warrior, Hamm stars as Andrew “Coop”Cooper, a hedge fund manager navigating life after a divorce. Following the termination of his job and the sudden loss of his comfortable lifestyle, Coop is thrust into desperation. In a bid to preserve the high standard of living he and his family are accustomed to, he engages in a life of crime, breaking into neighbors’ homes and selling stolen jewelry in a quest for financial stability. However, as his ambitions grow, he finds himself increasingly cornered by the consequences of his actions.
Plot Dynamics: Familiar Yet Fresh
Improved Structure in the Second Half
Tropper, who has previously favored high-stakes action narratives, switches gears with Your Friends & Neighbors into a more understated storyline. The series takes on an engaging format as it is largely narrated by Hamm’s character, introducing a blend of levity and satire that critiques upper-class dynamics. This narrative style is a clever nod to Hamm’s history as the voice of high-end commercials, particularly for Mercedes-Benz.
Midway through the first season, Tropper and his writing team succeed in heightening the tension, allowing audiences to feel the mounting stakes for Coop. However, the transition into this new narrative space is not without its hurdles. The pacing in the pilot episode, for instance, is slow as it invests significant time in establishing Coop and his intricate relationships, ultimately leading to a feeling of impatience before he embarks on his first criminal act. For those binging the initial episodes, this leisurely pacing can be disconcerting, as it can detract from the overall flow of the story.
Despite this, the build-up of tension in the latter episodes captivates viewers, making it hard to look away. The prospect of a different storytelling approach—where Coop becomes a complete villain rather than a sympathetic antihero—has the potential for an interesting departure from the well-trodden path established by Breaking Bad. The escalating stakes keep the audience engaged as the season progresses.
Character Development: Areas for Improvement
Lack of Character Evolution
As the season unfolds, one notable flaw becomes evident: the relative stagnation of character development across the cast. While Coop grapples with his dual desires to embrace his newfound criminal life and uphold his family role, the relationships with the women in his life seem underdeveloped. Tropper avoids depicting these female characters merely as props in Coop’s narrative, but it raises questions about their growth and influence on Coop’s journey.
In particular, Olivia Munn’s character, Sam Levitt, who is navigating her divorce from an unfaithful husband while engaging in a secret romance with Coop, embodies this issue. Though their chemistry is palpable, their relationship lacks depth, often leaving Sam expressing her needs only to encounter emotional barriers from Coop. This lack of emotional evolution becomes particularly frustrating, especially when her moments of vulnerability are overshadowed by contradictions in her choices.
Strong Cast Dynamics
Hamm Balances Humor and Drama
Despite some writing inconsistencies, Your Friends & Neighbors shines due to its impressive cast. Hamm effectively anchors the show, ensuring that viewers remain invested in Coop’s fate. His chemistry with supporting characters, notably Hoon Lee as Barney, his confidant and business partner, and Lena Hall, who portrays his troubled sister, adds depth to the narrative. While Hamm occasionally finds himself in the shadows of his talented co-stars, this dynamic leaves ample opportunity for character growth leading into the already anticipated second season.
The first two episodes of Your Friends & Neighbors are available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting April 11, with new episodes airing every Friday.