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The Tufts Daily
Where you read it first | Thursday, March 28, 2024

'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' shines with bright, wacky humor

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"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" makes for a bubbly spring break binge as lead Ellie Kemper combines energetic naiveté and impeccable comedic timing.

“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (2015), co-created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, is the newest Netflix original series; its first season is now available for streaming. All 13 episodes of the show were released on Friday, March 6 to better facilitate binge-watching. The show stars Ellie Kemper as the titular Kimmy Schmidt, a 29-year-old woman who moves to New York after being rescued from a bunker where she and three other women were held by a doomsday cult leader for 15 years. While the premise of the show could be considered morbid, Fey and Carlock use this backstory as a wacky launching pad for one of the freshest, funniest comedies on television (or not on television, rather).

Kimmy is unfailingly perky and optimistic, still very much holding onto the mentality of a 15-year-old from 2000; she wears bright clothes, thinks Skechers light up sneakers are fashionable and uses the choicest of ‘90s sassy comebacks. Kemper, perhaps best known for playing side characters Erin in “The Office” (2005-2013) and Becca in “Bridesmaids” (2011), is a hilarious and charming leading lady. She plays Kimmy with doe-eyed naiveté and perfect comedic timing. Kemper doesn’t make Kimmy pitiable or overly bizarre; she’s just a fun, bubbly woman who happened to be in a death cult for several years. Kimmy is unbreakable, and the actress who plays her is impossible to ignore.

Kimmy is aided and abetted in her quest for success and normalcy by a fabulous cast of characters. Her roommate, Titus (Tituss Burgess), is an aspiring actor who is paying the rent by being a werewolf waiter in a horror-themed restaurant.Tina Fey’s writing is known for its zany wit paired with real-world observations, and this style of storytelling is especially apparent in Titus’ storylines. As a black, gay man, Titus experiences social injustices and responds to them in hilarious ways. In one episode, Titus notices that while wearing his werewolf costume outside of his job, people (and police) are kinder and more considerate to him than when he was just a black man. It’s this kind of commentary that manages to raise awareness while keeping the audience laughing hysterically.

The show also stars Carol Kane as Lillian, Titus and Kimmy’s dotty landlady, and Jane Krakowski as Kimmy’s petulant, rich boss Jacqueline Voorhees. Kimmy, who is a combination of nanny and personal assistant for Jacqueline, embarks on various adventures in the elite New York world with her boss, such as visits to the plastic surgeon and disastrously unsuccessful socialite parties. Krakowski is hilarious as Jacqueline, transforming a character that could have easily been a trophy wife stereotype into someone genuinely relatable. There are also some fabulous cameos throughout the 13 episodes, from Martin Short as a plastic surgeon to Dean Norris of “Breaking Bad” (2008-2013) as an acting coach.

As in Fey’s other show, “30 Rock” (2006-2013), New York City is a character in itself, and many of the jokes are related to the experience of living there. Whether the setting is Jacqueline’s huge apartment, Kimmy and Titus’ realistically tiny apartment, Central Park or Times Square, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” is very grounded in the reality of city life. There are definitely nods to the culture and geography of New York that natives will be able to appreciate. However, the show is relatable and accessible for anyone who has ever striven to be better than their past, regardless of the location.

“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” is a warm, wacky show that will leave audiences cheering for the winning protagonist and her friends. With its creative conceit, fabulous writing and hilarious acting, the series is definitely worth binge-watching over a weekend -- or a single day -- during Spring Break.

Summary
4.5 Stars