Posted on: March 1, 2016 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

The Duplass Brothers have turned in some of the most impressive dark indie comedies of the past decade (The Skelton Twins, Safety Not Guaranteed), but it wasn’t a given that their thoughtful, subtle humor would translate to TV. Turns out it does. With Togetherness, the writer/director/producer/actor sibling team has turned in a remarkably fresh half-hour comedy for Generation X and beyond.

Togetherness: The Complete First Season (DVD)

Brett (Mark Duplass) is the slightly uptight husband/father/sound engineer married to Michelle (Melanie Lynskey), who is trying to find her place now that she’s at home with the kids. The awkward, but clearly loving chemistry between Brett and Michelle makes this one of the most honest TV portrayals of a couple on TV in years.

In the pilot, Michelle’s free spirit, irresponsible sister, Tina (Amanda Peet) moves in at the same time Brett’s best friend, Alex (Steve Zissis) has taken up home on their couch. Everything from the casting to the writing is fantastic in this sometimes awkward, occasionally heartbreaking, mostly funny series.

Nuanced, thoughtful and refreshingly original, Togetherness is as satisfying as any of the Duplass Brothers’ movies.

Togetherness: The Complete First Season/2 DVDs/240 mins./HBO Studios/2016

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