The series tells of more of the comedy that David introduces. The series begins as David Myers, a 20-year-old, experiences a new experience in his life to enjoy his life on his vacation. David works as a tennis assistant at the Jewish New York Red Oaks Club where he tries to enjoy his work and tries to figure out what kind of life he wants to live before the end of the summer and study.
This is a likable ensemble, filled with talented young future stars (Roberts and Turshen especially) and great veterans who don't get enough work, like Reiser and Kind.
It's not merely an experiment in nostalgia. The characterization and crisp writing have a biting comic edge, keeping the story from sinking into sentimental mush.
Packed with plenty of nostalgic vibes, witty dialogue and likable characters, Red Oaks treks across some familiar terrain, but it still manages to feel fresh and relevant.
Series creators Jacobs and Gangemi infuse a delightfully surprising air to each episode, throwing in '80s hallmarks like outrageous side characters, apt musical numbers, sex, drugs and even a body-swap episode.
It's been a year, and what feels like several Amazon pilot seasons... Or maybe I've just gotten impatient to see more of a show that had such a strong command of tone and its world in its first outing.
There are increasingly diminishing returns when it comes to watching a 20-year-old navigate between the push of his own desires and the pull of others' expectations, and David Myers... is too passive and inert to root for.
