No one loves you like mother.
Viewers get sight of this in the new FX comedy “Better Things,” which premiered Sept. 8 on the FX network.
The channel has been known for their unique original programs, such as “Louie” and “Fargo,” and this new program stands as another original masterpiece in the making.
The cast is different from that of the typical sitcom, which is no surprise for FX to try. The main cast is all female, as it follows Sam, portrayed by Pamela Adlon (“Trip Tank”), and her journey to raise her three daughters while working as an actress. The show was created by Adlon and the comedy icon Louis C.K.
After getting a glimpse of how well the two work together on “Louie” it is great to see viewers get another glimpse at what they can create.
Another problem with the typical sitcom is finding the right way to introduce its cast to the viewers. Some sitcoms force them all at once, while other focus heavily on some and other characters fall to the wayside.
“Better Things” introduces us to the supporting cast almost flawlessly. Thirty seconds on screen is all it takes to give viewers a proper glimpse of who the daughters are to their mother.
Olivia Edward (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) is the first to appear as Duke, the youngest daughter, who is spoiled by her mother because she knows how to get what she wants. The youngest child can easily be overdone in shows, as just a cute human being that makes the other characters say “Aww,” or as the spoiled child in need of everyone’s attention all the time. Edward does a good job of making the most of her character and presenting her in a way that is not too much or too unbelievable.
Next, there’s Hannah Alligood (“Miracles from Heaven”) as the middle child Frankie. Of the three children receives the least amount of screen time. She falls more into the traditional role of the sitcom middle child, which is, “uh, I don’t get enough attention so I am gonna make myself look different and focus on other people from different nations who are struggling and find ways to make myself show their struggle….and I am also a talented artist.”
However, viewers also witness a rant about how she would be making a statement by cutting off her clitoris for her 13 birthday because it’s what happens to girls in Africa. So it’s clear that yes, Frankie is like the typical character but may push the bar further than any other wannabe protestor or activist.
Finally, there is Max, portrayed by Mikey Madison (“Bound for Greatness”). She is the eldest daughter and although she plays into some traditions, she pulls out as an interesting character for Adlon. Yes, she hates life, and yes she is always talking with her friends (classic teenage sitcom daughter), but she also asks her mom for weed, makes fun of how she acts and smokes after her mother tells her that she should have kept it a secret. It is a combination of the typical sitcom daughter with a modern day daughter and it fits perfectly with the tone the pilot sets for the series.
“Better Things” is not the traditional sitcom. The new take on archetypes and the dynamic of a real family is shown in the pilot. Hopefully for viewers, writers will continue to stay true for the series. Watch for the jokes, stay for the realism.
