Tina Fey’s ‘The Four Seasons’: A New Chapter in Her Creative Journey
Tina Fey, a distinctive voice in television, has consistently showcased her unique comedic style across various successful series. While she may not have been the showrunner for shows like Mr. Mayor, Great News, Girls5Eva, and the revival of Saved by the Bell, they share a recognizable aesthetic—absurd yet structured comedies marked by a rapid-fire delivery of jokes and a whimsical musical score by Jeff Richmond, Fey’s longtime collaborator.
A New Endeavor: ‘The Four Seasons’
Fey’s latest project, the Netflix miniseries The Four Seasons, represents an intriguing shift in her storytelling approach. Co-created with 30 Rock alumna Tracey Wigfield and Lang Fisher, who previously worked on the acclaimed series Never Have I Ever, the show brings back familiar faces while introducing new talent like Colman Domingo and Marco Calvani. In an unexpected twist, Fey takes on the lead role of a middle-aged woman navigating life’s complexities, showcasing her evolution as both a writer and performer.
From Originality to Adaptation
The Four Seasons breaks from Fey’s tradition of original content, adapting the Vivaldi-inspired premise from Alan Alda’s 1981 film, which he also contributes to with a cameo and producer credit. Unlike her previous reboots, this adaptation weaves character-driven narratives around serious themes of marriage and relationships, marking a tonal shift toward a more dramatic exploration of adulthood.
A Closer Look at the Narrative
The miniseries narrates the experiences of three couples through a year of group trips, structured into seasonal segments. In the story, Nick (played by Steve Carell) decides to leave Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver) right before their milestone anniversary, which sends shockwaves through their friend group. Other couples, like Jack (Will Forte) and Kate (Fey), grapple with their own relationships while navigating the emotional fallout of Nick’s decision.
The episodic structure, operating in parallel with the seasons, offers intriguing shifts in dynamics, similar to the interactions seen in The White Lotus. Each getaway magnifies the couples’ struggles, creating a pressure-cooker atmosphere ripe for character development.
Sound and Visual Identity
The auditory landscape of The Four Seasons relies heavily on Vivaldi’s classical pieces, juxtaposed with moments of silence that accentuate the humor inherent in Fey’s previous works. Visually, the series maintains a sitcom-like aesthetic while introducing varying directorial styles from comedy veterans across the episodes. However, certain sight gags, like a pedal-powered bar or awkward theater performances, leave viewers questioning the intended realism.
Complex Themes and Character Dynamics
The crux of the conflict centers around Nick’s actions, prompting discussions about commitment, courage, and the implications of separation within social circles. The narrative dives into nuanced themes surrounding fidelity, particularly reflected in the open marriage of Danny (Domingo) and Claude (Calvani), showcasing diversity in relationship structures—a notable evolution from the original film.
The chemistry between Kate and Danny provides a heartfelt contrast to the other more tumultuous relationships. Their shared cynicism forms a strong bond, though the pacing sometimes undermines the subtleties of their struggles.
Challenges of Tone and Depth
As the series attempts to blend comedic elements with deeper emotional introspection, it occasionally falters under its own weight, struggling to balance the demands of serious character exploration with its comedic roots. While the series aims to offer insightful portrayals of adult relationships, it is still finding its footing in this transitional phase.
Conclusion
The Four Seasons invites viewers to engage with its characters through a fresh lens, albeit with some teething issues as it navigates new thematic waters. All eight episodes are now available for streaming on Netflix, inviting audiences to explore this latest chapter in Tina Fey’s impressive canon of work.