NOT  SO CRITICAL CRITICAL REVIEWS

BLOCKBUSTER

RECYCLED, BUT NOT GARBAGE

BASED ON SEASON 1

SPOILER FREE!

BY GABRIEL JAGGERNAUTH (November 5, 2022)

 

 

Who would have imagined that Netflix would get one more jab at their competitor, Blockbuster, by making a TV show about a fictional version of the last Blockbuster brick and mortal store in America? Well, don't be fooled, because it was originally made for NBC by Superstore writer, Vanessa Ramos.  No wonder it has that workplace vibe. But how good or bad is it really?

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Blockbuster tells the fictional story of a fictional last Blockbuster store, not to be confused with the documentary about the last Blockbuster store in Bend, Oregon. The ensemble cast does a fine job running the series just like Timmy is doing a good job running the store. Oh, yeah, Randall Park also nails it as Timmy, even if my idea of Timmy based on how people described him in the show was a bit nuance. I never imagined Timmy being what he was, but at least it wasn't another Michael Scott (The Office) or Glenn Sturgis (Superstore), with Glenn being especially funny given that the Blockbuster creator also wrote for Superstore. The supporting cast also excels, even if some of the characters like Eliza and Connie are types that I've seen before (love interest and slightly older and out of touch with modern day, see episode 7). Honorable mention to J.B. Smooth as Percy, and the chemistry felt between him and Timmy, especially in episode 7, 'Intimate Angels' (apparently that episode is a good example for a lot of the characters). It also surprises me that a character like Hannah exists, being a somewhat ditzy but also very capable young girl looking into college. She might be an example of how character types can be modified to be more unique. 

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Blockbuster's stories, at times, may seem a bit generic, such as episode 7's take on friendships (especially going both ways), and the less obvious pilot's run at an event gone wrong going right, other episodes like episode 10, 'S**t Storm' feel pretty fun to enjoy, especially as a season finale. Look, The Office season 1 wasn't the best, and neither was Parks and Rec, but they eventually found a footing before becoming awesome shows, with former getting 9 seasons and the latter getting 7. I know some people didn't give it a chance in its first few episodes, but I'm willing to give it a second season so that they can find their footing. 

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I know it recycled ideas used before, but it's far from garbage. I'd at least give it a second look.