The Four Seasons Is Probably Not Your Thing

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The Netflix comedy “The Four Seasons” primarily features actors who are around 50 years old, portraying characters also in their 50s. This show seems to be aimed at viewers of the same age group. It might be why the series is particularly strong in its portrayal of the complex emotions experienced during midlife, such as dealing with empty nests, potential health concerns, and a sense that opportunities for happiness may have passed.

The adaptation of Alan Alda’s 1981 movie, titled The Four Seasons, might have a narrow audience due to its focus on specific age groups, and some noticeable errors, particularly the disparity in energy between the main gay couple, portrayed by Colman Domingo and Marco Calvani. However, the team of co-creators Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield, along with several other writers from their former show 30 Rock, skillfully employ their knack for exploring generational problems to highlight the ridiculousness of middle-aged relationships and monogamy.

The comedy’s narrative weaves in the passage of time and personal development, mirroring real life through its exploration of three couples across four annual vacations. It may seem excessive to plan so many getaways, but here goes: In the spring, the married duos Kate (Fey) and Jack (Will Forte), along with Danny (Domingo) and Claude (Calvani), convene at their friends Nick (Steve Carell) and Anne’s (Kerry Kenney-Silver) lakeside retreat. The gathering is to mark the 25th anniversary of Nick and Anne, but the festivities aren’t as joyful as one might expect.

In private conversation, Nick confides in Danny and Jack that he intends to leave his marriage as it has turned monotonous and devoid of love. Jack offers a common perspective that long-term married partners can sometimes feel more like roommates. However, Nick emphasizes that their situation is more extreme: “We’re like colleagues at a nuclear power plant. We spend all night in the same room, watching different screens.” The dialogue in The Four Seasons rings so true to life that it may make you chuckle and then promptly book an appointment for marriage counseling.

The topics that the show often lands on with great accuracy are humor related to aging, either physical discomfort or the mental conflict of feeling youthful despite societal reminders that you’re no longer young. After Jack injured his hip while playing Ultimate Frisbee, he grumbled about the ordeal to his wife as she fetched him ice for his injury. “I can’t wait for the 30 for 30 they’ll surely make about this,” Kate retorted sarcastically, a tone that comes only after years of hearing similar complaints.

You’re warned, though it doesn’t qualify as a traditional spoiler because it’s present in a 44-year-old film, but here goes: In the storyline, Nick develops a relationship with a younger woman named Ginny (Erika Henningsen). However, Nick’s friend group seems to be an impregnable fortress for her. On the other hand, Nick’s friends are puzzled by this development. At one point, when Kate tells Jack that she believes Nick has transformed into a Zelig, he responds sarcastically, “Perhaps you should clarify what a Zelig is to Ginny, and how it’s from a Woody Allen movie that you appreciate?” This theme of cultural disconnect between generations recurs in the narrative, particularly when Nick tries to connect with Ginny’s friends. In one instance, he narrates a story involving Kenny Loggins, then devotes several minutes explaining who Kenny Loggins is to Ginny and her group of 30-something acquaintances (He constructed the highway to the danger zone, show some respect).

In “The Four Seasons,” the relationship between Nick and Ginny stands out as the most intriguing and thought-provoking element because it prompts disquieting reflections among the entire group about their own marriages, and the fine line that exists between pursuing one’s happiness and being self-centered. Characters in this series are often critical of each other and sometimes the broader society. For instance, when Nick queries Danny about whether Kate and Jack are behaving poorly during their getaway at an ecoresort, Danny affirms that indeed they are. “You know those two,” he explains. “Whining is their form of intimacy.

The TV series “The Four Seasons” may not aim for its characters to be entirely appealing or likable at all times. Instead, it focuses on portraying the way self-contained attitudes can develop within social circles, both positively and negatively, and how the boundary between comfort and stagnation can exist in long-term relationships. The show also acknowledges that many individuals in middle age tend to grow more fixed in their habits and resistant to change, which is unfortunate but a genuine aspect of life.

It’s disappointing that the TV series “The Four Seasons” doesn’t always maintain a more authentic and consistent flow of events. Some plot twists feel forced or unrealistic. Furthermore, Claude’s excessive affection for Danny is so noticeable that it prompted me, someone who isn’t even part of this show, to exclaim, “Easy there!” out loud at one point.

The finale, perhaps regrettably, deviates significantly from the series’ usual tone and introduces unexpected twists, one of which seems contrived to leave room for a hypothetical second season. However, there are enough scenes that will resonate with our intended Gen-X audience to keep them engaged and eager for the next episode.

If you’re under 30 years old, “The Four Seasons” may not resonate with you too much. That’s perfectly fine! Although this Netflix Original is marketed towards adults of any age, it was primarily designed for individuals who have been in long-term relationships that have spanned across multiple presidential terms. The series revolves around the idea of questioning if there’s more to life and learning to appreciate the complex relationships you already possess.

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2025-05-01 17:55