Mockumentary is a hard thing to do right, and when I saw this was a show on 'Freevee' I was completely skeptical. But for whatever reason I gave it a shot and after the second episode I was engaged.
Trying to hide something as big as what amounts to a reality tv show is a task you'd be tempted to think is easier than it sounds. "It's so outrageous, no way anyone will think that's what's going on!" And the brilliance of it is, that's exactly how it's hidden. It's such a crazy idea that it doesn't even pass through your mind.
New schticks are hard to come by in entertainment, and what's tragic is when the concept lands but the delivery is shot. That is far from the case in Jury Duty.
The actors are remarkably talented at playing their roles consistently and believably. They might come off as a bit hammy, but when you consider how much was left off screen while still maintaining the illusion? I'd say even Mr. Marsden was impressed. His performance was the only one I thought was a big too overdone, but it's gotta be hard to be an actor playing a caricature of yourself. He's affable enough to let it slide.
Overall, very, very pleasantly surprised. I hope they renew this, as it has some serious staying power. New cases, new jurors, every season? Heck I might actually not try to wiggle out of jury duty next time, see if I get so lucky.
Trying to hide something as big as what amounts to a reality tv show is a task you'd be tempted to think is easier than it sounds. "It's so outrageous, no way anyone will think that's what's going on!" And the brilliance of it is, that's exactly how it's hidden. It's such a crazy idea that it doesn't even pass through your mind.
New schticks are hard to come by in entertainment, and what's tragic is when the concept lands but the delivery is shot. That is far from the case in Jury Duty.
The actors are remarkably talented at playing their roles consistently and believably. They might come off as a bit hammy, but when you consider how much was left off screen while still maintaining the illusion? I'd say even Mr. Marsden was impressed. His performance was the only one I thought was a big too overdone, but it's gotta be hard to be an actor playing a caricature of yourself. He's affable enough to let it slide.
Overall, very, very pleasantly surprised. I hope they renew this, as it has some serious staying power. New cases, new jurors, every season? Heck I might actually not try to wiggle out of jury duty next time, see if I get so lucky.
