Steve Carell is undoubtedly best recognised for his years as belligerent idiot and Scranton branch boss on The Office, a stratospheric comedic success that shifted television’s approach to comedy forever. Outside of this, and his achievement in Hollywood pictures such as Anchorman (2004) and Beautiful Boy (2018), Carell has attempted multiple deviations to recapture his legendary image, but never quite succeed in doing so. Stints on Apple TV+’s The Morning Show, as well as a recent lead role in HBO’s Mountainhead showcase glimmers of his acting capabilities and beloved charm, and come closest to his most successful work of recent years… until Rooster.
From the genius mind of modern comedy producer Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso), Rooster follows fumbling, but well-meaning, father and author Greg Russo (Steve Carell) who travels to Ludlow College in hopes of rekindling his relationship with his daughter, Katie (Charly Clive), who has fallen victim to an affair from husband Archie (Phil Dunster). Alongside a journey of heartfelt notions, challenges of betterness and unfortunate relatability, Russo encounters a peculiar plethora of unique characters certain to provide complications, awkwardness and inevitable laughs. Episode 1 immediately pushes audiences into this college campus, with Russo set to speak about his famous book series and answer questions from liberally motivated attendees, challenging the best-selling author to reexamine his approach and views on feminism.
Throughout the debut episode, laughs slowly push themselves towards the frontline, edging closer and becoming louder as the minutes roll on. Such build-up generates genuine intrigue that spawns excitement, especially as the supporting cast of Phil Dunster (Ted Lasso) and Charly Clive (The Lazarus Project) enter the scene with electric chemistry. Instantly making their circumstances relatable, sincere and emotional, but never at the cost of the wider goal – laughs! Albeit, this approach isn’t perfect. Many jokes land better than others, especially in the opening 10 minutes which play mildly sluggish. And at times, Steve Carell comes across too reminiscient to Michael Scott’s idiocy. Outside of these minor criticisms however, Rooster boasts a well-rounded cast with each performer complimenting their scene partner tremendously, allowing momentum to build as audiences ease into their armchairs.
Hopping from conversing the deep ponderings of life over drinks to dramatic unveiling of twists and relationship breakdowns flows surprisingly well, all thanks to a script that never attempts to lean too far into either drama or comedy, instead dancing on the fine line confidently. In just 30 minutes, viewers will find callbacks and references to indulge themselves within, replicating the charm of season long efforts in just the opening episode. Russo’s dynamic with daughter Katie is pivotal to this, balancing their academic and personality differences at an upbeat tempo akin to improv, with Russo recoiling at public affection and praise, much to the enjoyment of Katie who perfectly encapsulates the playful teasing elements of their father-daughter dynamic. Rooster ambitiously leans into this relationship and seems set to produce belly-roaring laughs from viewers over the course of the series.
Overall, episode 1 of Rooster delivers a great introduction to the series’ characters, quickly establishing personalities, relationships and pasts, all within a neat half-hour. Questions may rightfully be raised as to whether the series justifies a weekly release schedule in the era of binge-watching, especially within comedy, but this would be unfair to judge off a mere episode. Carell charters the series on a course to success, accompanied by a supporting cast that aid his mannerisms and line delivery, seperating Rooster from his previous comedic ventures post-Scranton. Only time will tell how long Rooster can cluck, but HBO’s latest streaming release from Ted Lasso and Shrinking creator Bill Lawrence gracefully leaps over its biggest hurdle; episode 1.
