The Premise series review: A perfect start to a hilarious ride with fine performances and outstanding writing

4/5

Story:

B. J. Novak’s The Premise’s first episode titled Social Justice Sex Tape talks about racism that includes a falsely accused black man and a white man rescuing him with a piece of evidence, which is embarrassing but the only chance to save an innocent. It stars Ben Platt, Jermaine Fowler, Tracee Ellis Ross and Ayo Edebiri.

The Premise will feature a new episode with a new story every Wednesday on Disney+ Hotstar.

Review:

Novak’s experimental satirical comedy is one-of-its-kind. In the beginning, the creator can be seen appearing on screen himself to give the disclaimer before the episode begins. The first episode titled Social Justice Sex Tape is as it sounds. Novak has tried to raise the issue of racism with utmost simplicity but takes a dramatic turn when it involves a sex tape.

The first episode of this experimental show sees an already defeated black man, Darren Williams (Jermaine), who has accepted his fate after being falsely convicted by two white police officers. While Ethan Streiber (Ben) comes to the rescue of this black man, whom he doesn’t know personally. Ethan was fortunate-turned-unfortunate enough to capture the incident that took place outside his house while filming his sex tape. Meanwhile, the exclusive tape saves Darren from a false accusation but does not help Ethan get his due as his saviour.

The first episode of The Premise will take you on a hilarious ride while also conveying a serious social message. In one of the scenes, Ben’s Ethan was told by Darren’s lawyers to narrate what happened from the beginning, and Ethan begins to tell his life story, which was without a doubt a very subtle hilarious scene. Novak’s writing doesn’t let any of the characters struggle to make their performances a laughing stock, but it comes naturally because of their fine acting and the perfectly curated dialogues.

To showcase something meaningful in a 30-minute long episode, most of the creators sometimes miss the opportunity to keep their point as subtly as they should, while Novak, on the other hand, has nailed it.

Verdict:

B. J. Novak’s writing has been perfectly executed with the fine performances by all the actors in the first episode. Social Justice Sex Tape is a perfect starter in this hilarious satirical course, The Premise, which oughts to be watched and appreciated.