“Rooster” is a show that accurately depicts the development of a messy character in a way that feels completely human, showing that although he is not perfect, at his core, he cares deeply. Starring Steve Carell as Greg, HBO’s newest show hooks the audience’s attention by presenting a whirlwind of emotions right off the bat.
Greg is referred to as “Rooster,” because it is the name of the protagonist in his best-selling novel series, and his complexity becomes clear from the very start.
Greg, a father and divorcee, visits his daughter Katie, a professor who is processing her husband’s recent infidelity. From the first few minutes, the show pulled me into their emotionally charged relationship, and I was drawn into Greg’s complex world and the tensions that define it. The relationship between Katie and Greg is a wholesome-yet-imperfect balance in which each pushes the other to get out of their comfort zone, and vice versa. The show also serves moments of comedy when one pushes the other a little too far, culminating in moments like a house burning down and appearing in nothing but undies on live television.
Carell’s performance is a major force behind this dramatic difference. Carell is known for his comedic works, like Michael Scott in “The Office” or the titular “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” Although his comedic timing is as alive as ever, what stood out was his ability to lean into a more restrained and vulnerable character, unafraid to admit his battles with loneliness and new experiences.
This balance between humor, occasional charm and underlying pain makes Greg feel relatable. It can be rare for the audience to physically feel for a character’s emotions and situations, but I found myself staring at the screen, smiling in moments of optimism and tapping my knee, waiting for the moments of hardship to falter.
Part of what makes Greg such a compelling character is how his sense of being lost is revealed through his interactions with his college students. The struggle to find where he fits in helps balance out the moments of absurd comedy in a way that is wholly satisfying.
What’s interesting is that the show doesn’t over-explain any of it. The audience is left to interpret the underlying issues through slight absurdity. It is amazing how a show can both make me feel so deeply for a character and understand his complex emotions, yet also make me laugh hard enough to rewind and watch moments again.
Although certain jokes and moments felt a little on the nose and didn’t fully land, they don’t take away from the show’s overall impact. Sometimes, they even make the characters feel more natural.
“Rooster” is a highly bingeable show; the episodes are just long enough, and the path of the storyline is clear to follow. The target audience could range from young adults and beyond, holding relevance and pull for multiple generations. I look forward to seeing the rest of the season unfold as Greg and the other characters learn more about themselves.
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