Interior Chinatown

Within one episode I usually know whether I'm going to stick with a show. "Interior Chinatown" is different. After watching 2 episodes, the jury's still out. So, what is this show about? The themes (so far) appear to be: what happens when we become personally defeated, how to offer support to others, and discovering our life's purpose and potential. This highly stylized show is a blend of fantasy, satirical comics, and slick Hollywood sets. The combo will work for some viewers. For others, it will be a sensory overload. Does this show overreach to impress and seduce the viewer? You be the judge.

First, some positives: outstanding set design and lighting. The quirky, effective music sets the tone. Overall the cast is apt, but several characterizations fall flat, primarily due to the direction. My favorite characters are Jimmy O. Yang as Willis (the central role), his buddy Fatty (Ronny Chieng), and Jimmy's dad (Tzi Ma).

One major drawback for me: the writing is uneven. There are some genuinely funny moments, but certain scenes go overboard with the physical gags. One example is when Willis attempts to enter a building... it drags on for way too long.

A few minor elements are dissuading: the amount of stuff jammed into the darkened homes of several Chinese characters is ridiculous. So they look like hoarders, just because they live in an older, cramped building in a sketchy area of town? Give me a break! Next: the heavy cosmetics on the lead detective (played by Lisa Gilroy) is too perfectly applied, which overplays the stereotype of typically attractive females in detective shows.

I understand the original book was a reaction to the author's perception that East Asian characters on TV were flat and generic. That message translates to this show but is definitely not preachy or woke. In fact there's a lot of humour.

Although Willis Wu is the principal character, I think a lot of the entertainment values come from the supporting ensemble.

Green and Turner, the uber-stereotyped buddy cops who started to question whether crimes were solving themselves. Willis parents given depth as a later life crisis couple mourning the death of Willis older brother.

The tricks ( no spoiler) Willis uses to penetrate the precinct station were hilarious. Ditto the fun poked at police forensics as they appear on TV.

All round a good show.

A show that's actually unique and unpredictable. Glad one of my favorite critics said you have to trust the strange angles, beats and that many of the multiple questions will have payoff come in time. The first episode and a half are a bit of a struggle but with the whole season finished I'm glad they didn't feed us a lot of answers.

Funny, in a non-typical way but also in terms of real punchlines. Pretty well directed satire and some real good commentary on social issues, American contradictions and minorities being neglected as well as overtly mistreated. I don't feel like they forced the social commentary in there and it really is just a central part of the unorthodox flow. Really excited to see where they take it!

Any fans of non-formulaic stories, good acting, good comedy and strangeness should try. Just give it more than two episodes.

What if life is just a B-list cop show, and everyone is stuck playing ridiculous side characters?

Sure, it's weird. But it's the kind of weird that makes you go, "Am I laughing? Crying? Having an existential crisis?" Yes. The answer is yes. Interior Chinatown is like watching your favorite show while eating spicy noodles-you're amused, slightly overwhelmed, and maybe questioning your life choices.

If you like shows that are unapologetically weird, self-aware, and make you laugh while sneaking in existential punches to the gut, this is it. Just don't expect it to make sense in a traditional way-it's a kung fu fever dream.

I'm not saying you have to be super intelligent to follow and enjoy this offbeat spectacular production but what I do believe though for inquisitive people searching for twists that add up and not the run of the mill entertainment there's proble no chance you wouldn't enjoy "Interior Chinatown". This being about my 250th review I've only given a 9 or higher about 35 times throughout my decade of reviews on IMDB which to me says a lot in it's self. If your unaware of the Hollywood era in TV/ Movies we currently are closing out of it's the Multiple dimensions era but what's so fascinating about this show it truly succeeded blending reality and the alternative so uniquely by squarely showing our inner anxieties, life regrets and persinal failures or ambitions so clear without pause you have no choice but to get fully swept into such a funny far out intricately woven story that turns out to be one of the truest tales ever told.. Highmarks all around Acting, Directing, Set design and casting but a super chef's kiss to the teleplay screenwriters for this outstanding idea perfectly fleshed out. BRAVO.