The first episode of the first season of Netflix's "Nobody Wants This" was a brilliant piece of television. It was a classic story of girl meets boy: Kristen Bell's
agnostic and cynical podcaster Joanne met Adam Brody'sNoah, an endearing and charming Rabbi with commitment issues. Their chemistry was beyond electric; their meet-cute practically leapt off the TV screen to elevate the body temperature of every person watching.The subsequent season hinged on one major road block to their burgeoning love story: Noah was a devoted religious man who couldn't imagine being with someone long term who didn't share his faith, and Joanne wasn't sure she was ready and willing to convert to Judaism.
For the first season, this chemistry and conflict created
a show that was an instant hit for Netflix and charmed viewers and critics alike. But its second season, which just circled the question of Joanne's conversion endlessly while simultaneously making its characters less likable with every episode, was an abject failure.
Season 3(now streaming, ★★½ out of four) manages to claw out of the deep hole of Season 2, but still can't capture the lightning of Season 1. And considering the talent involved in front of and behind the camera, it's worth asking: Is this a show that's worth watching (and creating) when it's only middling? Is it really worth our time and attention if it's only good enough?
The answer to that question will depend on your particular affection for this cast and your tolerance for the show's missteps. One major point in the column of "watch" is that finally, finally, Joanne has started the process of conversion.
The new season begins with Noah and Joanne moving in together and being so enamored with the idea that they get to be together more they can't stop talking about it. Joanne then starts attending conversion classes, a side plot that allows for petty drama with the likes of guest stars Andrew Rannells and Sarah Silverman, much better outlets for Joanne's at-times toxic wrath than when she's sniping at Noah or her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe).
Noah also takes responsibility for his actions regarding his rabbinical career, seeking his old job back without expecting all good to things to come for him because he's just so charming. And as Joanne leans into her new community, she has some deeply warming new exchanges with Noah's parents Bina (Tovah Fedhsuh) and Ilan (Paul Ben-Victor). The show finally acknowledges that things change and evolve in relationships.
The bigger romantic drama thus rests on supporting characters Sasha (Timothy Simons) and his wife Esther (Jackie Tohn), as they navigate a trial separation spurred by Esther's unhappiness in their marriage and her own identity. While Esther explores her life as a potential single, the show is forced to contend with the forceful chemistry of Sasha and Morgan, who keep being drawn together for the sake of the plot. This subplot is bumpy, and Tohn's Esther continues to be underserved.
Joanne's unlikability is softened as the character grows, but the show is fundamentally hindered by the fact that she and Morgan don't seem to like each other at all. Why does Morgan completely disrespect Joanne's relationship and the very religion of Judaism by showing up to a temple on Rosh Hashanah in a silver minidress? Why do both sisters react with wrath when the other gets good news? Since when is cruelty a good stand-in for sibling rivalry? Why do they work together and see each other all the time when they seemingly can't stand each other?
"Nobody" has, unfortunately, morphed from a romcom that was effortlessly watchable into a show that must constantly reinvent itself and justify its existence. This season is better but it is not the best it could be. There is a real winner buried somewhere in all the lazy jokes about celebrity plastic surgery and sex life gabbing.
If, perhaps, the writers were to acknowledge the real ages of their stars (Bell and Brody are both 46) and some of the unique elements of relationships in that season of life, or if their conflicts felt more authentic and less filtered through the lens of social media artificiality, "Nobody" could be electric once more.
I want to want "This." I wish it weren't so hard to fall in love.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Nobody Wants This' Season 3 fails to make us fall in love
