After watching the first three episodes of TV Land’s series “Younger,” I was left feeling uneasy, reminiscent of that bloated sensation after indulging in too much greasy diner food. You know the kind—like those brunches where friends gather to catch up, reminiscent of the iconic quartet from a certain beloved series.
I approached the show with optimism, particularly drawn to the performance of Lisa Hargrove, who portrays Maggie, the quirky friend of Liza (played by Jenna Foster), a 40-year-old mother navigating the challenges of single life by masquerading as a 26-year-old to secure employment. I had recently interviewed Hargrove for an article promoting the show, and her enthusiasm about the creative team, led by Darren Star (of “Sex and the City” fame), was infectious. As a fan of her bold, no-holds-barred character, I was eager to see how this new narrative unfolded.
However, I share a commonality with Liza: I, too, am a publishing professional in my forties who transitioned to freelance work after having my second child. Recently, I’ve sought to re-enter the full-time workforce, but have faced significant challenges in getting responses from recruiters. This reality struck a chord with me, paralleling Liza’s struggle. The overarching theme became painfully clear: the job market has evolved, and those of us from earlier generations often find ourselves sidelined.
Settling in to watch “Younger,” I hoped to connect with Liza and the characters around her. Unfortunately, what I found was a narrative that fell short in its portrayal of age dynamics, offering a cynical and reductive view of both younger and older generations. The younger characters are depicted as superficial millennials, obsessed with trends and social media validation, while the older characters, including Liza’s boss, Diana, are portrayed as out-of-touch and foolish. This oversimplification is disappointing, especially considering the diverse and capable women I know in similar positions who navigate the industry with intelligence and grace.
Darren Star’s writing misses an opportunity to create a deeper contrast between Liza and her boss. Instead of showcasing a nuanced relationship where both women learn from each other, the show presents them in a one-dimensional light. There is a wealth of potential in exploring their differing choices—one embracing motherhood while the other opts for a child-free lifestyle—especially in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing work environment.
Moreover, the romantic subplot involving Liza’s attraction to a much younger tattoo artist could have been more authentic. Picture Liza confidently revealing her true age and desires, challenging societal norms and resonating with countless women who may feel similarly constrained by age expectations. This moment could have transformed the narrative, generating excitement and relatability for viewers who understand the complexities of modern relationships.
Ultimately, “Younger” reflects a troubling cultural obsession with youth, positioning Liza’s desire to relive her twenties as the central conflict. This perspective overlooks the reality that life in our forties, while different, is equally rich and varied. The show’s portrayal suggests that younger characters are vapid and simple, while older characters are ineffective and clueless, which is a disservice to both groups.
In conclusion, “Younger” is a missed opportunity to engage with the complexities of life across generations. It could have served as a platform for meaningful dialogue about age, career, and the challenges of motherhood, but instead, it settles for clichés and stereotypes.
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