What/If

Normally, subplots weave in and out of a tapestry, coming all together to form ONE big picture in the end. In this case, the subplots are so far removed from the main story, that it feels like you're constantly changing the channel and watching three (sometimes four) distinct tv shows. They barely--and I mean BARELY--connect by the thinnest thread, resulting in a very annoying experience. Especially when two of those three separate 'tv shows' you have zero interest in. By episode 3 I started fast-forwarding through the 'brother' show, and by episode 5, the 'friend' show. The main plot was often plain stupid. It tried to be 'Damages' with Glenn Close, but miserably failed. Zelwegger's role tried to be Stella Gibson from 'The Fall' but also failed. There was a nugget of premise that kept me watching through to the end, but I don't recommend wasting your time on it. They definitely missed the mark on this one.

I wanted to like this but unfortunately I've wasted nearly 10 hours of my life. As someone else wrote, you feel like you're watching three different shows and none of them were worth watching. This show should have focused on the biotech story rather than branching off into tangents thinly held together by minor actors.

Think of all the amazing things you could do with 10 hours, and then do those things instead.

It's one of those so-bad it's... enjoyable shows. The way it's shot, the dialogue... it's all so cringeworthy. Some characters are followed for no reason at all, and they all feel shallow and unreal. Still, if you watch this as a parody of bad soap-opera like television, it could be a load of fun.

The only good thing about this is seeing Renee Zellweger in a role that is so unlike her and she pulls it off well. Until somewhere into the 4th or 5th episode they turn her into a caricature. Then it all goes downhill. The subplots had zero to add to the story. Coul've turned out better. Unfortunately it didn't. Worth watching while doing the laundry 'cause you have the TV on anyway. Not something to sit and watch and give it your full-on time and attention.

When Zellweger's not on screen, What/If is a mostly empty, broad strokes neo-noir soap, frothy and forgettable. When she appears, it's still all of those things-- but dear lord, please pass the popcorn.