The premise is really good: two people meet by chance in London. One is a New Yorker on a visit; the other is a Londoner. They are both young, single, and relatively educated, but polar opposites in terms of outlook on life. There is an initial spark at the first meeting and Michael (the Londoner) takes a chance to pursue it.
**Spoilers**
Edie and Michael have to work through the long distance relationship thing and whether it is worth doing something so costly. He is a banker with a heart of gold, and she is an idealistic young woman who teaches adult literacy and works as shop clerk. Her friends are grungy musician types (except for one) and she is estranged from family. Michael has working class roots and helps his dysfunctional family. His friends are mostly professional types. The challenges are believable; however, the character of Edie is portrayed as incredibly immature, selfish, and hostile most of the time. She has baggage--fine--but no less than Michael, who seems to be the adult in the relationship. There are some sweet moments, but the relationship is ultimately unconvincing and frustrating, mostly because Edie (and occasionally Michael) does not want to make sacrifices to be together--or even make an effort to understand another human being. Side note: Michael's London friends are portrayed as genuinely nice people while Edie's friends are judgmental and unstable. Perhaps the writers' commentary on British and American cultures?
Stephen Moyer makes a real effort portraying Michael as an earnest and vulnerable person wanting a relationship. Rashida Jones overplays the American brashness, I think, or perhaps she is just miscast. The dialogue is okay, but missing that British comedy snark and sparkle. (How many times must Edie call Michael "pathetic"?!) The series could have had SO much more humor and soul. I hope someone takes this basic story line and rewrites it into a satisfying series or film.
**Ending Spoiler** Michael proposes. Edie says she doesn't believe in the institution of marriage. They argue and return to their respective cities. Afterward, they each call each other once and leave voicemails but ultimately do not connect, leaving things open ended. Also, this was 2004! I don't care if Edie says she hates email. People email as a basic form of communication!
**Spoilers**
Edie and Michael have to work through the long distance relationship thing and whether it is worth doing something so costly. He is a banker with a heart of gold, and she is an idealistic young woman who teaches adult literacy and works as shop clerk. Her friends are grungy musician types (except for one) and she is estranged from family. Michael has working class roots and helps his dysfunctional family. His friends are mostly professional types. The challenges are believable; however, the character of Edie is portrayed as incredibly immature, selfish, and hostile most of the time. She has baggage--fine--but no less than Michael, who seems to be the adult in the relationship. There are some sweet moments, but the relationship is ultimately unconvincing and frustrating, mostly because Edie (and occasionally Michael) does not want to make sacrifices to be together--or even make an effort to understand another human being. Side note: Michael's London friends are portrayed as genuinely nice people while Edie's friends are judgmental and unstable. Perhaps the writers' commentary on British and American cultures?
Stephen Moyer makes a real effort portraying Michael as an earnest and vulnerable person wanting a relationship. Rashida Jones overplays the American brashness, I think, or perhaps she is just miscast. The dialogue is okay, but missing that British comedy snark and sparkle. (How many times must Edie call Michael "pathetic"?!) The series could have had SO much more humor and soul. I hope someone takes this basic story line and rewrites it into a satisfying series or film.
**Ending Spoiler** Michael proposes. Edie says she doesn't believe in the institution of marriage. They argue and return to their respective cities. Afterward, they each call each other once and leave voicemails but ultimately do not connect, leaving things open ended. Also, this was 2004! I don't care if Edie says she hates email. People email as a basic form of communication!