Grade: 4.0/5.0
You will seldom find a fictional world as bizarre as that of “Tuca & Bertie,” but equally rare are characters as genuine, relatable and nuanced as the show’s lovable titular duo. Set in a logic-defying world full of anthropomorphic birds, plants and mishmash of other animals, “Tuca & Bertie” is the brainchild of Lisa Hanawalt, production designer and producer of “Bojack Horseman.” It exceeds “Bojack” in visual absurdity while retaining heartfelt storylines and adding a refreshing woman-centered perspective. Now three episodes into its second season, “Tuca & Bertie” has its four-toed bird feet planted firmly in the ground of a successful network change.
Born as a Netflix original in May 2019 but canceled less than three months after the release of its first season, “Tuca & Bertie” has found a home after being picked up by Adult Swim nearly a year later. While the show seemed to still be finding its footing in season one, Adult Swim swiftly pieces the second season together with ease, the plot continues realistically and the characters remain true to their original selves. Everything feels just a little more cohesive and sophisticated.
“Tuca & Bertie” follows the adventures of best friends Tuca (Tiffany Haddish), a confident, charismatic, go-with-the-flow toucan, and Bertie (Ali Wong), an anxious but ambitious song thrush who balances a day job at Conde Nest — one of many bird puns — with a baking side gig. Not to be forgotten is Bertie’s long-term boyfriend, Speckle (Steven Yeun), an overly positive, endearingly corny architect, whose relationship with Bertie challenges the gal pals’ dynamic in unanticipated ways.
Despite existing in a world that requires you to suspend your disbelief at every turn, “Tuca & Bertie” is at its core a story about two 30-year-old women and their friendship as they navigate life. The show tackles themes of aging, anxiety, sexual harassment, unresolved trauma and more facets of the human and female experiences accurately and respectfully. Already in season two, three of such topics have taken the necessary spotlight: womanhood, mental health and codependency.
One big part of what makes “Tuca & Bertie” such an effective show is its identity as a show made by a woman, about women and largely for women. Season two, episode two, titled “Planteau,” sees the friends’ experience over a weekend of bachelorette partying with a group of other women. Bertie creates an imaginary male version of herself in episode three, “Kyle,” as she subconsciously believes that behaving such as and appearing as a “bro” is what will give her the fire and appeal necessary to keep her small baking business afloat. “Tuca & Bertie” is remarkable at observing and celebrating the nuances of female experiences as well as calling attention to challenges women face in day-to-day life, encouraging viewers to challenge the patriarchy in turn.
The show’s portrayal of mental health, specifically in Bertie’s pursuit of a compatible therapist in episode one, “Bird Mechanics,” as well as efforts to manage anxiety throughout the season, helps to destigmatize therapy while keeping in mind the real fears and common misconceptions for therapy patients. One metaphor for anxiety-induced self-loathing, in which Bertie compares herself to a haunted house — “I look charming on the outside, but the more I let other people in, the more they’ll see what I’m really like. And it’ll be too much” — is particularly powerful.
Codependency is another challenge the friends face that has been developing since season one and it is perhaps the most upsetting; as their relationships and aspirations change, Tuca and Bertie encounter more instances where their needs and friendship conflict, when one bird seems to prevent the other from living her fullest life. While this codependency is just being realized, it will be equally exciting and heart-wrenching to see where it goes next.
“Tuca & Bertie” is hilarious, devastating, a treat for the senses and above all, necessary. Season two has started with a bang, and no matter how out of your comfort zone it may be, the show is well worth a watch.
Contact Joy Diamond at [email protected].
"lively" - Google News
July 02, 2021 at 03:38AM
https://ift.tt/2UfqlQs
Authenticity thrives in lively, psychedelic world of 'Tuca & Bertie' season 2 - Daily Californian
"lively" - Google News
https://ift.tt/35lls9S
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Authenticity thrives in lively, psychedelic world of 'Tuca & Bertie' season 2 - Daily Californian"
Post a Comment