Schmigadoon Premiere Review

The following is a spoiler-free review of the first two episodes of Schmigadoon

Schmigadoon, the latest Apple original comedy series is sure to divide viewers though they will be missing out on some truly wholesome content. This musical-comedy hybrid is influenced by the various musicals of the 1940s which is plain to see. Instead of being the brunt of the joke, the series is a homage to them from the look to the music. Featuring many of the minds behind Saturday Night Live, the series serves as a well-deserved starring vehicle for current SNL cast member Cecily Strong who also serves as a producer. In spite of the technical prowess, be it the production design, costumes, and choreography, the bulk of it would not have worked nearly as well if not for Strong and her chemistry with Keegan-Michael Key who play our guides through what looks to be a ridiculous story but in a good way. While whether or not the series sticks the landing remains to be seen. the series is off to a good start through two episodes.

Schmigadoon follows Melissa (Strong) and Josh (Key) a couple whose relationship would be tested as their backpacking trip got interrupted after they found themselves in a magical town called Schmigadoon, a town straight out of the 1940s where everyone acted as if they were part of a 1940s musical unbeknownst to Melissa and Josh. Already facing some friction, this backpacking trip was a means to perhaps mend those differences as the episodes flashed back to how their relationship came to be and how it got to where it was since then. Though Melissa and Josh are easy to root for as characters, it arguably becomes clear that maybe they were not meant for each other after all while where they ultimately end up remain to be seen. Suffice it to say that their ordeal looked to put their shaky relationship to the test and that’s before the fact of being trapped in a magical retro musical town.

When it came to being trapped in Schmigadoon, Melissa and Josh saw their predicament differently. A fan of musicals, Melissa couldn’t help but be amused while just like real life, Josh merely put up with it. Either way, the situation got tiresome for them and it will surely be tiresome for some viewers. Nevertheless, Melissa and Josh were compelling to watch as their differing perspectives were a fun guide into this world though the first two episodes only scratch the surface as far as the series can go. The sheer ridiculousness of it all brought upon some hilarious moments as the series slowly but surely found a nice balance between relationship drama and watching Melissa and Josh interact with the crazy world whose period setting made for an interesting contrast with the couple who were obviously from today that didn’t always work.

In the end, the best part of Schmigadoon was its stellar performances that if anything were entertaining in spite of the ridiculousness. The anchors were of course Strong and Key and their great chemistry as Melissa and Josh who were a fun bickering couple who still cared for one another. However, the true standout was Strong who brings her infectious charisma and screen presence, showing some real chops though fans of SNL should not be surprised. Meanwhile, Key was a strong supporting presence and a straight man of sorts who also brought a lot to the table. In terms of supporting performances, these first episodes only scratched the surface. However, the standouts so far were easily Alan Cumming as Mayor Menlove and Kristin Chenoweth as Mildred Layton.

Overall, Schmigadoon is more light and whimsical fare that is sure to put a smile on viewers’ faces while providing a nice distraction.

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.