The latest Netflix show to be released is ‘The Politician’ written by Ryan Murphy, who has also written award winning shows such as Glee and American Horror Story. Despite Murphy’s previous success, ‘The Politician’ has been criticised by the media as it is his lowest reviewed show on Rotten Tomatoes, only receiving 59%, falling short of his 70% average.
”The backlash surprised me!”
After watching the show myself, the backlash surprised me as it succeeds in so many areas. It adopts a dark comedic style, which takes a risk in its humour in a world full of political correctness. The show follows Payton, a straight-talking and overtly rich teenage boy who’s one and only dream is to become the President of the United States. In order to fulfil this dream, Payton campaigns to become student body president in his elite school, and is willing to go to extreme lengths to ensure he wins.
The show is filled with motifs that are synonymous to a stereotypical rich teenage boy, with dreams of Harvard and lavish cars. However, the show also takes a risk and subtly endeavours to explore the real pressing issues that any teenager in the 21st century is exposed to, despite seeming just a mere comedy on the surface. Murphy explores pressing issues in society today, stressing awareness of suicide and mental health by showing the severity of how easy it is to buy a gun in the United Sates and how anyone, even a successful billionaire, can suffer from depression and anxiety.
The show also tackles homophobia, racial inequality and disability, showing how important inclusivity of everyone is and should be. Despite this being refreshing to see, the comedic take on these serious topics alleviates the importance of these issues, which is why I can understand the criticism Murphy has received. Still, the show is limitless in its talent. The risky script will make you laugh to things you never have before but will also enlighten you on important issues that our society tends to turn a blind eye to. If you haven’t watched it already, I would recommend this show to anyone who is willing to indulge in pressing matters, ranging from the stresses of university and who we are as young adults.
Photo Credit: Whats On Netflix.