I really want to like this show. There are some really endearing and funny characters in it, but one particular character ruins the run - the lead Paul played by Paul Rabliauskas. There is nothing redeemable and likeable about his character. I could be laughing and enjoying the show but then his character comes on and I'm completely taken out of the scene and just angry and annoyed by it. You can have a comedy and incorporate character growth - Schitt's Creek is a great example of that. Those characters started of despicable but have a delightful development arc and you end up loving them by the end. However, this show lacks that. I continued to watch to give the show a chance in hopes for development, but overall, it remains two dimensional and ridged for characterisations. There was so much potential to write in more moments of vulnerability and personal growth that would have given the show more warmth and likability. It feels a bit like a live action South Park recreation with Hartman as the lead. Acting Good gets dangerously close to dehumanising the characters in search of a low quality laugh. I've watched up to the first half of season four and it looks like my favourite cast member Rosanne Supernault who plays Jo is not coming back. Her arc was what I enjoyed but without her to balance Paul, its getting disheartening. Avery Sutherland's Chickadee is mostly a step in the right direction but sometimes comes too close to the Paul ick realm. I am really pleased to see the show incorporates LGBTQ+ representation. I love supporting Indigenous and Canadian media, but it is becoming harder to do so with this show. Paul Rabliauskas may have helped create this show, but he is certainly tearing it down scene by scene.
I can only hope they make a change to the format. It isn't too late to give this show a beating heart.
