Based on the merits of its premiere episode, I'm cautiously predicting "Mrs. Fletcher" to be a potential winner.
The critics who've viewed the entire limited HBO series (based on the eponymous novel by Tom Perrotta) seem to be giving it restrained praise, so we'll see.
My brief take is thus:
It has a tight half-hour format, fresh premise (dual stories of a sexually curious, middle-aged empty-nester mom and boorish, un-woke college freshman son simultaneously "coming of age"), realistic dialogue and nicely drawn secondary characters.
And it showcases the ever-wonderful Kathryn Hahn. God, I love that woman! I could watch her do her taxes.
My only wish is that "Mrs. Fletcher" will live within the confines of its limited series format and won't overreach for more episodes- even if it rates well with viewers.
Because sometimes less is...perfect.
This series will hopefully ripen in its subsequent episodes and leave us with completed sense of satisfaction after its brief stint.
But this is Tom Perrotta territory, so we might end up with vague and uncertain conclusions...
But as long as this short-run series stays lean and avoids the bloat of tacked-on future seasons, I'm wagering it will be worth the watch.
