Written by John Edward Betancourt
One particular decision that some people make, that continues to surprise us in an era where we have seen it all… is when someone decides to tell a gigantic lie that will somehow benefit them financially. And this continues to shock us for several reasons. One of which, is the sheer fact that this never works. Because eventually, the truth finds its way to the surface and the lie comes crumbling down and it just seems to be a terrible idea for someone to take part in a decision that always fails. Not to mention, it shocks us… because it just doesn’t make any damn sense. Like, what on earth would possess someone to want to lie like that and create such chaos in doing so, and that really is what carries the most weight when it comes to our surprise regarding such matters.
Plus, it doesn’t help that the people that do this, rightfully fade from existence after being caught and never give us insight into the why. But there are some ways we can learn and load up on knowledge on such matters, and that’s through storytelling. For stories can always ponder upon the simplest answers to our problems and our concerns, and well, it just so happens that a brand-new comedy series on Peacock, explores why someone would make that kind of decision and that makes Mr. Throwback, quite the unique and oddly poignant tale. Since we are living in an era of lies, where people double down upon them with a conviction we don’t understand and well, this series does indeed give us some fine understanding as to why. A feat that the show accomplishes by way of one grandiose and magnificent plot. Wherein we meet a man named Danny who is definitely down on his luck. For his sports memorabilia business is in trouble, because he’s made some poor and reckless financial choices. So, he decides, that the time has come to do something bold to shore up his finances and build a little nest egg for tomorrow, by way of saying hello to an old friend from the sixth grade, NBA Legend Stephen Curry. All in the hopes of getting his hands on some NBA gear to sell. But alas, that plan goes poorly and forces Danny to lean into a lie. One that is grave and huge in nature and garners Stephen’s sympathy and support. Putting Danny on that precarious path where he can either come clean and hope to salvage a renewed friendship, or continue to double down and face the inevitable consequences. Which is a story that truly does take us inside why people make that decision to lie. All by spending a ton of time with Danny in an intimate manner that allows for us to come to understand his past and its impact upon the present and how trauma, marginalization and other factors that shred a person’s self-worth… can motivate them to tell incredible lies. To feel that sense of self-worth, to matter and be someone that people notice and that makes this series a powerful character study. One that taps into some supremely powerful stuff regarding the human condition and what drives us, heals us, and makes us who we are and well, that alone is worth watching regarding this series. Since understanding Danny and the question at hand, compels us to continue the journey to see if redemption is possible for people like him, and gives us the answers we desperately seek. Yet there are more wonders to find within this story beyond its powerful commentary on why people lie in this manner and are driven to keep it alive. Because this also happens to be, a brilliant comedy through and through. One that yes, uses humor to make sure the subject matter and source of Danny’s decision is never overwhelming and sorrowful, and that in turn allows for us to see Danny as a man over anything else. But that’s stuff that you think about after you’ve watched it, and in the moment, you are treated to just some top-tier comedy. The kind that outright brings tears to your eyes and an ache to your ribs, and on some occasions, you might need to pause the show to get the laughs out. Because what plays out on screen is just so insanely funny and that all is brought to life, by some stellar writing and some stellar casting. With Adam Pally leading the charge as Danny since he sells the tortured nature of the character in a manner that is just stunningly compelling, and he is complimented by an amazing supporting cast that includes Ego Nwodim, Ayden Mayeri, and of course… Stephen Curry. Who is in fact, a revelation since we’ve never seen him featured this much in a television series before, much less a situational comedy, and he acts as well as he plays and adds gravitas to one stunningly inventive, and downright refreshing comedy series. One that features a lot of thought, a lot of heart and some great laughs and the best news of all, is that you can see Mr. Throwback today, since all six episodes are streaming on Peacock, and we hope you do. Because this really is quite the original story, one that truly looks at the human condition in a fascinating and funny light. Watch ‘Mr. Throwback’
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