Friends From College Season 2: A Deep Dive into Love, Lies, and Adulthood

The Netflix original series Friends From College faced harsh criticism after its first season. The characters were seen as privileged, unlikeable, immature, and self-absorbed, with a penchant for lying, cheating, and manipulating. However, some viewers found the show appealing precisely because of its portrayal of flawed individuals grappling with complex relationships and the messy realities of adulthood. Season 2 attempts to address the criticisms leveled against the first, but does it succeed?

Acknowledging the Flaws

Even the director, Nicholas Stoller, acknowledges the characters' flaws, suggesting they are no worse than those in acclaimed dramas. Perhaps the discomfort arises from the characters mirroring the less palatable aspects of ourselves - our insecurities, our desires for freedom, and our tendencies to make questionable choices in the pursuit of love and excitement. The show taps into the universal struggle to balance the desire for deep connection with the yearning for limitless possibilities.

Navigating the Aftermath

Season 2 picks up a year after the explosive events of season 1, with the core group of friends reuniting for Max and Felix's wedding. The characters are grappling with the fallout from Sam's 40th birthday and the web of affairs that defined the previous season. Ethan and Lisa are navigating a divorce, while Sam is in couples therapy with her husband, Jon. Nick is attempting to change his ways and dates Meryl, who is more age-appropriate, while Marianne remains confused by the group's estrangement. The arrival of Lisa's new boyfriend, Charlie, further complicates matters and heightens the tension.

Exploring Midlife Crises

While the promise to avoid adultery is quickly broken, the storylines in season 2 are more developed, with many characters grappling with feelings of being lost and experiencing midlife crises. This allows the actors to explore their characters beyond the initial archetypes, delving into their struggles to grow up and find their place in the world.

Individual Performances and Character Development

Cobie Smulders delivers a compelling performance as Lisa, portraying her character's multiple crises with heart-wrenching emotion. The season allows characters like Ethan, Max, and Nick to move beyond their initial portrayals as "Fun Ethan," "pushover Max," and "playboy Nick," as they confront their need to mature.

Read also: Evolving Friendship Dynamics

Tonal Inconsistencies

Despite improvements in character development and storylines, Friends From College continues to struggle with tonal consistency. The show oscillates between subtle, high-brow humor and vulgar gag jokes, and abruptly shifts from sentimental moments to curveball plot twists. These transitions make it difficult for viewers to fully connect with the characters and their situations, hindering the show's overall binge-worthiness.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Visually, the show is well-crafted, with Nicholas Stoller employing well-framed shots and thoughtful set designs. However, the aesthetic appeal is not enough to compensate for the show's tonal inconsistencies and average storyline.

The Affair: A Source of Contention

The affair between Ethan and Sam was a major point of criticism in the first season, and while the show attempts to move beyond it, the consequences continue to reverberate throughout season 2. Some viewers struggle to understand why the characters remain friends despite the constant drama and betrayals that plague their relationships.

Love is a Battlefield

Friends From College embraces the messy, unpredictable nature of love, acknowledging that everyone is capable of acting against their own code of ethics when it comes to relationships. The show suggests that love and sex can drive people to extremes, and it doesn't shy away from portraying the ugly side of human connection.

Cast Chemistry

The cast, featuring talents like Cobie Smulders, Keegan-Michael Key, Fred Savage, Annie Parisse, Jae Suh Park, and Nat Faxon, possesses undeniable chemistry. The actors' comedic timing is impeccable, particularly Nat Faxon and Fred Savage. The show captures the dynamics of college friend groups, albeit with heightened drama for television purposes.

Read also: Newtown Friends School Overview

A Missed Opportunity?

Despite its talented cast and relatable themes, Friends From College ultimately falls short of its potential. The show's inability to find a consistent tone and its reliance on unlikeable characters make it difficult to fully invest in their stories. While season 2 shows some improvement over its predecessor, it remains a somewhat bland dramedy that struggles to find its identity.

Cancellation and Unanswered Questions

Netflix's decision to cancel Friends From College after two seasons left many viewers disappointed and with unanswered questions. The fate of Lisa and Ethan's relationship, the future of their baby, and the resolution of Felix and Max's story all remain unresolved.

Audience vs. Critics

While critics were largely unimpressed with Friends From College, some viewers found the show to be a relatable and entertaining portrayal of adult friendships and relationships. Some argue that Netflix should prioritize audience reviews over critical reception when making decisions about renewals.

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