A Job, A Wife, A Life - Review The everyman's struggle and contemplation come to life in these quirky fun web episodes from Monkeyface Productions. A job, a wife, a life looks at the average late 20 something year old man as he maneuvers his way through daily life. Blake portrayed by Bret Golov who also writes each episode, greets each new life challenge with a wry sense of humor. Now these are everyday obstacles, nothing earth shattering but it's these small hurdles that Blake stumbles upon and gets through in each episode, with just a little help. Bret does a good job at brining Bret to life in this believable character. Blake's wife Amy (Natasha Skerritt) offers support from these issues, but she's too busy buying shoes or caring for their "baby" canine to really focus on his needs. Amy is loving in her own special way. Natasha does a good job of being the not so doting wife and preoccupied partner to Bret's character. Always running off somewhere to do something that either is or isn't that important, all that matters is that she's always there in the end sometimes to soothe Blake's fears and other times just to add more to his anxiety.
Blake's anxiety has a life all its own, and its name is Marvin. Marvin cleverly played by Frank Licari, is the most obnoxious boss you can imagine. Always addressing poor Blake in Spanish, though clearly he doesn't speak it, Marvin is completely oblivious to his own overwhelming ignorance of his employee. Blake has been moved out of his office to the employee lounge which is basically the bathroom. Marvin embodies all the worst in a boss and does it with style. Watch episode allows Marvin another opportunity to unwittingly torture poor Blake. At the end of each day Blake can finally find solace with a beer and some conversation with his neighbor Riley. Riley is portrayed by Thomas Falborn who brings this easy going sage of life, who is swimming in millions thanks to inheritance. Though Riley has never had a real job, or a wife he seems to have an abundance of experience in life. Effortless and likable, Riley is always available to offer a drink and some advice to help Blake steer through rough seas. Overall I feel that the series has a good start and has a lot of possibilities moving forward with some more complications and twists. The characters all have a good points for further development. Especially Amy who appears to be more concerned about her dog and shopping than her husband. Marvin has just opened the door for a new opportunity for Blake and I would be interested to see how he makes it through. And Riley, well we are all wondering if he will ever invest in any of Blake's ideas so he can finally enjoy his life. Looking forward to season 2!
