PLATONIC: SEASON TWO
Starring: Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, Luke Macfarlane, and Carla Gallo
Creators: Nicholas Stoller and Francesca Delbanco
QUENTIN
In its second season, Seth Rogen’s other Apple series, Platonic, solidifies itself as a passably easy hangout show even though it’s not doing anything terribly interesting. Let’s call it pleasant — nothing more, nothing less. Sure, it’s occasionally amusing, but never laugh-out-loud funny (one running joke is particularly lifeless). Plus, oddly, Will (Rogen) isn’t given much of an arc, leaving a show that probably would be stronger if it focused solely on the changing dynamic of Sylvia’s (Rose Byrne) marriage. Still, the chemistry between Rogen and Byrne is good enough that one rarely gets bored despite a weak and rushed storyline that goes on for too many episodes.
AMARÚ
I continuously forget how talented Rose Byrne is when it comes to awkward comedy (amongst other things), but going back to Platonic for Season Two quickly reminded me how she steals the show from awkward king Seth Rogen. Their back-and-forth is as funny and relatable as ever, but what made this season more memorable is the supporting casts’ increased usage (especially Luke Macfarlane), highlighting how the titular relationships’ volatile dynamic dramatically affects those around them. The comedy is a consistent simmer but, like Rogen, takes a small backseat to tension, ultimately finding an entertainingly addictive balance between laughs and stakes.
ROBERT
Much to my surprise, after a satisfying and coherent end to Season One of Platonic, Nicholas Stoller and his creative team chart a path in Season Two that does a real service for the characters, complete with shifts in dynamics and relationships that are compulsory to an evolving story. Seth Rogen’s schtick of playing a competent but bumbling buffoon who stumbles all over the screen brought me everlasting joy, and it pairs well with Rose Byrne’s absurdist energy. You can drink this brewed concoction with a toothy smile and order another round, hangover be damned.
NICK
Even though I liked Platonic: Season One, I wasn’t eagerly anticipating Season Two. It was a series carried by the chemistry between Rose Byrne (Sylvia) and Seth Rogen (Will), and the same can be said about this season. I maintain my interest in the characters, and it’s nice seeing Luke Macfarlane (Charlie) given a bigger role, but this just isn’t a series I can get immersed in; as my fellow writer Quentin would call it, it's the series equivalent of a "nice beach read." Two seasons in, I wish the comedy hit harder, but it does just enough to bring me back for a Season Three.
