Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin

Bumper Allen (Adam Devine) is stuck. He still dreams of making it as a singer while working university security. Everybody else seems to have moved on with their lives. He gets a call from former competitor turned manager Pieter Krämer (Flula Borg). Bumper is big in Germany. Heidi (Sarah Hyland) is Pieter's assistant.

This is a TV spinoff from the movie franchise. Normally, this is a B-movie sequel to the mother franchise. Adam DeVine reprises his role as Bumper Allen and he's a pretty good lead. I like his goofiness and sincere doggedness. I like this ragtag group including Sarah Hyland. The first season has six episodes but it probably only had enough material for a good four episodes. The show got cut due to the strikes.

They took a fun franchise and chose the most unlikeable character for a spinoff -what could go wrong? There are a few redeeming qualities but there are not even any good a capella performances. Still, for some reason I kept watching -maybe because of nostalgia for the movies as well as liking Sarah Hyland. Shooting in Berlin is also great but it's weird having almost everything in English. Lera Abova is excellent as the DJ sister and it was nice seeing her smile come thru without totalling softening her as a character. Gisela as the villain is a bit ridiculous but still provides some interest.

Cons: It's on Peacock. Who the heck has Peacock?

Pros: This is probably the best one in the Franchise. The writing is strong there were a few times that I got some genuine laugh out loud moments, but the real strength comes from the characters. They do a good job of making them outlandish without making them cartoonish characitures. Bumper who is usually one of the most obnoxious characters comes off as really likable and someone you want to root for. He was so poorly written. When I heard there was a spinoff about two of the worst characters in Pitch Perfect I was like "oof there's no way these two could carry their own movie let alone a series." BUT I was plesantly surprised, and all it took was you know making them actual characters instead of cartoon antagonists. Kudos to the entire writting staff.

The acting is the main draw here. Devine and Hyland might be my favorite on stage couple. Their chemistry is always electric. Their raw comedic talent played off as well here as it did in Modern family. Jamil is fantastic. She can usually carry a show herself (She-Hulk) but she really shines when everyone else is up top her level. Peiter and Das Boot were fantastic her dry wit played well off his buffoonery. Watched the whole series in a sitting and highly recommend. Best new show so far and I hope it gets a second season.

It's not award worthy in terms of script, emotional depth, or, weirdly, musical content, but the series has a whole lot going for it in Sarah Hyland whose performance as the adorable Heidi is an absolute revelation. Add in the completely over the top vamping and the ultimate in sexy German accents from Jameel Jamil as Gisela, and a glorious cameo from veteran German actress Katharina Thalbach, and there's plenty to like about this "whatever happened to" series. It's just that as a Pitch Perfect fan I would have liked a whole lot more music, especially the a capella for which the films were noted.

I absolutely love Adam Devine and Sarah Hyland (both separately and together) so was extra excited to see them reunited in this series! Additionally I am so glad to see Bumper's story continue, as he was definitely one of the most interesting characters in the movies. I'm just now in the second episode but I love it already - the music, the storyline, and to have Flula Borg return as Pieter, but this time as an ally, is such a fun twist. It's infectious and makes me nostalgic for the movies, although I just might like this better... Especially if Bumper and Heidi end up together! Adam Devine doesn't get enough praise or recognition, he can go from silly comedy (a la Workaholics) to a musical romantic lead so effortlessly, and I am loving this show so far!