A Preview of ‘Kevin Can F**k Himself’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

There was a time, when storytellers wrote their novel or movie, or assembled their television show and put it out there for the world to see, and outside of the general reviews and write ups in the papers and magazines there really wasn't any addition commentary about their work. And there were most certainly zero discussions out there about what the characters thought or felt, nor were there any questions about what their lives might look like. Nor  was there any sharing from the audience as to how they felt during a particular moment. Because back then, print media was the only way to explore a story and well, once the internet and its commentary arrived, it changed the landscape of storytelling forever.
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Simply because it inspired writers everywhere, to ponder upon what the fans ponder upon and that has led to the creation of some supremely unique stories over the past couple of decades. The kind that genuinely explore what formed the characters into the person they are when we meet them on the page or on the screen or what their world looks like outside of the drama and action. Yet while that is fascinating to see play out in its own right, this being new territory and all, has more or less kept a great deal of these stories in fluffier territory, such as animated features or comedies, where the fourth wall violation isn't so jarring. But tonight, a brand-new series on AMC is going to take this expansion of fictional words to a whole new level, by looking at the darker side of sitcoms.

A feat that Kevin Can F**k Himself accomplishes by taking us into the world of an unnamed sitcom where a woman named Allison McRoberts has to deal with the wild and uncomfortable shenanigans of her husband, Kevin, in a manner that we’ve never seen in a sitcom before. Because once the laugh track ends or Allison is left alone and to her own devices, the audience can see her immediate emotional reaction to Kevin’s goofy schemes and the outright misogyny he sends her way. Which is about as brilliant of an exploration and concept as one can ask for when it comes to this particular genre of storytelling. For sitcoms are two-dimensional by nature and it is nice to see another side of this world that no one has ever given any thought to before.

But while that incredibly original aspect of storytelling could carry this series on its own, there is so much more wonder to be found within the framework of this concept. Simply because, this twist invokes quite the storytelling surprise. Because not only are we able to see Allison’s initial reaction to her husband’s shenanigans, but we are privy to her innermost thoughts and frustrations surrounding those actions. Which means there is some incredible depth to this story, the kind that really gives the viewer pause since it offers up some stunning commentary on our modern world and how we treat and view women. Making this series quite poignant and powerful to say the least and that immediately draws you into this tale so you can see where this depth is going to take us.

However, you’ll likely notice that we are keeping things a touch vague in regard to how the series pulls that off and there is good reason for that. Simply because, you need to see it play out in real time and experience its gravity and power and outright brilliance. Because no show is offering up the unique commentary that this one is about to, and we would be foolish to also not point out that the only reason all of this works, is because of the show’s star. For Annie Murphy is simply electric as Allison and sells this unique character with a level of gravitas and honesty that makes her open and accessible to the audience. To the point where you are rooting for her to find the peace she craves, and well, it is definitely safe to say that this reviewer is hooked on this new series and hopefully you will be too. Because this series really is something special and different and it will be incredibly fascinating to see where this refreshing story is going to take us in the weeks to come.

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