In my recent viewing of the first three episodes of TV Land’s series “Younger”, I was left with a sense of disquiet—similar to the feeling one gets after indulging in an excessive amount of greasy diner food. I had high aspirations for this show, which is adapted from a well-known novel by Pamela Redmond Satran. My interest was piqued particularly by the performance of Ella Mercer, who plays Liza’s supportive friend, against the main character, Liza (played by Sophie Harrington), a 40-year-old mother who pretends to be 26 to secure employment.
As a professional in the publishing industry who transitioned to freelancing after the birth of my second child, I relate to Liza’s predicament. Having moved to the suburbs, I recently sought to re-enter the corporate world, only to find myself ignored by recruiters. This situation raises questions: does my primarily print-based experience render me obsolete in an increasingly digital landscape? While I’m not navigating a recent divorce like Liza, the struggles she faces resonate deeply.
Settling in to watch the show, I found myself disappointed. While Harrington’s portrayal of Liza is relatable, and Mercer’s character is lively and entertaining, the show’s overly cynical view of age is what ultimately turned me off. The younger characters are depicted as superficial millennials, obsessed with social media trends and communicating through emojis, reducing them to mere stereotypes. Conversely, the older characters, particularly Liza’s 43-year-old boss, Miranda, played by Clara James, are portrayed as incompetent and out of touch with technology. This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also disheartening.
The narrative could have benefitted from a more nuanced approach. It would have been more compelling for Liza to meet her match in Miranda, allowing for a rich exploration of differing life choices and the evolving dynamics of the workplace. A savvy boss could have provided a credible threat to Liza’s secret, creating an engaging conflict around authenticity and deception.
Additionally, the romantic scenes with Liza’s 26-year-old love interest, a charming tattoo artist named Jack (Lucas Reed), could have been elevated by embracing honesty. Imagine if Liza confessed her age upfront: “I’m actually 40, but let’s enjoy this moment.” Such a scenario could resonate with many women in their forties, who would appreciate a realistic portrayal of dating and relationships.
Ultimately, “Younger” reflects a troubling cultural obsession with youth, inviting viewers to root for a character attempting to relive her twenties, despite the younger women around her being depicted as trivial and submissive. Yes, our twenties were filled with excitement, but they were also marked by challenges and uncertainties. The show misses the opportunity to present a balanced view of both youth and maturity.
In conclusion, “Younger” fails to represent age authentically and misses the chance to delve into the complexities of modern womanhood.
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