Lena Dunham and Megan Stalter join forces in the new Netflix comedy series Too Much, which explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The show, co-created by Dunham and her husband, musician Luis Felber, marks a notable return for Dunham, who is best known for her work on the acclaimed HBO series Girls. Stalter, recognized for her role in Hacks, plays Jessica, a TV-commercial producer navigating the aftermath of a breakup.
Jessica is grappling with the emotional fallout of her long-term relationship with Zev, portrayed by Michael Zegen. As she relocates from New York to London for work, her fixation on Zev’s new girlfriend, influencer Wendy Jones, played by Emily Ratajowski, complicates her efforts to move forward. The series captures Jessica’s attempts to present a façade of success while wrestling with her feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty.
Character Dynamics and Humor
Stalter’s performance as Jessica is complemented by Will Sharpe, who plays Felix, a struggling musician with a mysterious past. Their chemistry is palpable, and Dunham’s knack for crafting comedic moments shines throughout the series. Each episode features at least one laugh-out-loud scene, thanks to Dunham’s skill in writing and directing.
The humor often stems from Jessica’s awkward interactions and emotional turmoil. In one scene, Jessica humorously questions her status while under the influence of ketamine, asking, “Am I the Meghan Markle of, like, fat white bitches?” This blend of humor and self-deprecation reflects the show’s aim to strike a balance between absurdity and sincerity.
Dunham also draws inspiration from classic television, as evidenced by the show’s title graphic that nods to The Mary Tyler Moore Show. This homage highlights a thematic connection between the two series: a woman starting anew in a different city after a breakup. The episode titles, such as “Nonsense & Sensibility” and “One Wedding and a Sex Pest,” further emphasize the playful yet poignant tone that Dunham aims to achieve.
Supporting Cast and Subplots
The supporting cast enriches the narrative, with notable performances from Rita Wilson and Rhea Perlman, who play Jessica’s mother and grandmother, respectively. Their comedic interactions provide levity, even if they sometimes feel disconnected from the main plot. Additionally, the inclusion of characters like the uptight boss, played by Richard E. Grant, and the pretentious director, portrayed by Andrew Scott, adds depth to Jessica’s workplace environment.
While the central relationship between Jessica and Felix is well-executed, some subplots, particularly involving Jessica’s co-workers, feel somewhat underdeveloped. Nonetheless, the exploration of Jessica’s relationship dynamics, particularly her discomfort with Felix’s past relationships, creates compelling tension that drives the narrative forward.
Despite its strengths, Too Much grapples with some inconsistencies in character development. At times, Jessica’s behavior feels tailored to fit specific comedic moments rather than serving a cohesive character arc. This disjointedness can make it challenging for viewers to fully engage with either her emotional struggles or comedic antics.
All ten episodes of Too Much are available for streaming on Netflix, inviting audiences to witness the blend of humor, heartache, and self-exploration that Dunham and Stalter present. As the series unfolds, it remains to be seen how effectively these themes will resonate with viewers, but the combination of talent on screen offers a promising viewing experience.
