Eat the Rich

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Warning! This article contains spoilers for Apple TV+’s Your Friends and Neighbors.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve got to say that Jon Hamm’s latest series, “Eat the Rich,” streaming on Apple TV+, is generating quite a buzz with its impressive 84% Rotten Tomatoes score. However, there’s one aspect that’s hard to overlook – the timeline issue.

In recent times, there’s been no shortage of “Eat the Rich” movies and shows gracing both the big and small screens. Some have truly made a mark, such as “Triangle of Sadness,” “The Menu,” and “Saltburn.” These masterpieces have left viewers and critics in awe. On the other hand, some entries into this sub-genre haven’t exactly been unforgettable.

However, Jon Hamm’s new TV show appears to stand among the more remarkable offerings within this category.

The series, boasting an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 84%, has once again showcased Jon Hamm’s exceptional television acting skills. However, despite garnering critical acclaim and securing a second season, the original Apple TV+ production struggles under a persistent timeline problem that cannot be overlooked. Consequently, one of the key narrative arcs in the series becomes somewhat confusing due to this timeline discrepancy.

Your Friends & Neighbors Stretches The Suspension Disbelief A Little Too Far

The Show’s Main Plot Device Makes Little Sense

The main plot of Your Friends and Neighbors initially revolves around Jon Hamm’s character, Andrew Cooper, who is grappling with staying afloat after losing a well-paying job. Faced with the challenge of discarding the image of success he built over his adult years, he resorts to stealing from his affluent neighbors rather than revealing his financial predicament. This plot twist leads to several engaging storylines, yet it appears questionable within the broader timeline of the show.

The series “Your Friends and Neighbors” is set in the current year. This means it’s unusual that John Hamm’s character, Andrew Cooper, can effortlessly break into his neighbors’ homes without immediate repercussions. Cooper argues that these wealthy neighbors are so comfortable living in their suburban cocoon of safety and security that they neglect to install any home security measures. While this theory might hold some truth, it seems a bit far-fetched that none of the homes he burglarizes lack even basic security systems.

In the third episode of “Your Friends and Neighbors,” Cooper attempts to steal the championship ring of an NBA star, which seems rather easy since he learns to pick its lock through a YouTube tutorial. This plot point feels a bit contrived as it’s hard to believe that such a valuable item would be secured by a lock that could be compromised using instructions from an online video.

Your Friends & Neighbors Story Should Have Been Set In The 2010s

An Earlier Timeline Would Have Made The Show More Believable

In a different era, say around the late aughts to early 2010s, “Your Friends and Neighbors” might have felt more authentic with its plotline. Back then, smartphones and sophisticated camera-based technologies were not as prevalent. This would have made Jon Hamm’s character’s thefts less likely to be caught on CCTV cameras or other advanced security systems, making his actions seem more organic and plausible within the context of that time period.

The Apple TV+ show “Your Friends and Neighbors” tries to make its story more appealing for contemporary viewers, but it leans too heavily on convenient plot devices. If the drama had been set during the early 2010s, with the Great Recession as a backdrop, Andrew Cooper’s job-seeking struggles and efforts to keep up appearances would have felt more authentic and relatable to many viewers.

Jon Hamm’s Performance Makes Up For Your Friends & Neighbors’ Timeline Issues

Despite The Flaws, The Show Is Worth Watching

Despite the apparent overly-convenient setup in its plot, “Your Friends and Neighbors” offers an intriguing take on the well-known “Eat the Rich” storyline. Rather than presenting Andrew Cooper as a replica of Walter White from “Breaking Bad,” the show focuses on revealing his hypocrisy. This is demonstrated through his criticisms towards the wealthy people around him, while simultaneously attempting to join their exclusive clubs and maintain their luxurious lifestyles, despite his dwindling financial resources.

Jon Hamm masterfully expresses the inner thoughts of character Cooper, skillfully showing that his arrogance towards neighbors is a mask for his own self-doubt, as he subconsciously acknowledges their similarities. In certain scenes, Hamm’s performance seems to transform into Don Draper as he justifies the items he’s stealing, speaking as if pitching them in an advertising campaign. Despite the noticeable imperfections in Your Friends and Neighbors, Jon Hamm’s compelling portrayal of Andrew Cooper and his complex beliefs makes it a must-see.

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2025-04-20 06:47