Spring is the season that typically signifies a sense of a new beginning and growth, and the new TV comedy "Splitting Up Together" sort of delivers on the idea of a new beginning, but not so much on the growth aspect. The series stars "The Office" darling Jenna Fischer and the brother from the famous Hudson family, Oliver Hudson. Their characters, Lena and Martin, have been married for twelve years, but have lost their spark and have decided to divorce. To the surprise of absolutely no one in their inner circle, the couple decides to attempt living together and trying their hand at co-parenting, and zany hijinks are bound to ensue.
'Splitting Up Together' actually puts a tired idea back together
Upon hearing the news of Jenna Fischer's return to television, I was absolutely ready to watch the show until I saw the previews. It's incredibly easy to quickly dismiss the idea of "Splitting Up Together" as a "tried and true" sitcom plot; you can probably name a TV show or film with the idea of two divorced parents trying to stay together for the kids, and they make minimal to absolutely no effort to go on with divorce proceedings. The first episode addresses all of these predictable troupes: the couple's friends are surprised at their idea to keep living together, Lena indulges with her sister in gossip centered around Martin, and the couple attempts to create individual weeks where they are responsible for parenting duties, and their precocious children aren't really on board with these changes, but attempt to roll with them anyway.
The kids even attempt to help push their parents back together in various situations at every possible opportunity!
The latest episode, the series' fourth, seems to be where the show will break free of all of the plot predictability and where the writers might gift the characters with unique personality attributes. In the previous two episodes, Lena convinces herself her ex has a new girlfriend, so she propels herself into the dating world, and learns to navigate the modern dating scene with a handsome guy called Wes, who, of course, has subtle similarities to Martin.
In an appealing strong point to the show, text messages appear on screen while Lena and Wes are on a date at a "screen free" restaurant, alerting the viewer to the hijinks ensuing at home while Martin takes care of their son, who, naturally, prefers the way his mother takes care of him. Despite a fairly predictable storyline, Lena and Martin are believable in their struggle with coming to any sort of mutual resolution to an issue, despite still lingering chemistry.
Show has lots of promise due to seasoned crew
I was excited to discover the series' executive producer is none other than Ellen DeGeneres, who is a longtime friend of Fischer. The director for the fourth episode is Helen Hunt, which brings me to believe 'Splitting Up Together' will eventually find its unique way among the sitcoms of 2018. The cast also has incredible chemistry, which made me want to stick with the episode and keep watching the show. "Californication"'s Diane Farr delivers a stand out performance as Lena's sister Maya, who seems to have the most well developed subplots within the show so far.
After watching the first three episodes of "Splitting Up Together", I can say I absolutely did not want to enjoy the show due to the predictable plot lines, but the actors are doing a great job making you believe in Lena and Martin's (hopeful) reunion, and the show does a great job at keeping an ere of optimism in the middle of a divorce plot, but that's really the beauty of the sitcom.
"Splitting Up Together" keeps family difficulties light and bright, but at the same time, it's easy to actively enjoy it. For fans holding their breath for a reboot of "The Office", "Splitting Up Together" is a welcoming substitute.