Netflix’s The Chair Season One Early Review

Sandra Oh never ceases to amaze. Most would remember her as the over-zealous security operative Eve Polastri in Killing Eve. It’s no surprise that her next series endeavor on Netflix also looks to have the makings of a winning dramedy. In The Chair, she portrays Ji-Yoon Kim, a woman that has worked her way to the top of the English department at Pembroke College. To give viewers an indication of what to expect, at one point she finds a vulgar plaque that could be seen in the key art. This is easily the best way to introduce this series. The series sees Oh at her absolute comedic best, so in other words, be prepared for lots of swearing, giggling, turmoil, unrest and of course, drama (although probably the smallest part of the series).

There’s good news for viewers who aren’t diehard fans comedy. One does not even have to like comedy to enjoy The Chair. Kim is relatable in many ways; she’s strong and capable yet struggles with everyday life issues (and people who create those everyday life issues). It makes things so much better when a fictional character struggles with stupid life issues since everyone has dealt with the same point at some point in their lives, right?

For viewers who gravitate towards more dramatic aspects, a few heavy-hitting themes are addressed throughout the season, such as minority under-representation, misogyny, death and ageism. It’s also focused on the family unit (or lack of one) and how Kim’s personal situation affected her professional life in the form of her adopted daughter (Everly Carganilla). Carganilla steals the show and seems mature way beyond her years while also acting out in ways only young children can. She and Oh’s chemistry is believable, and their relationship takes front and center through the latter part of the season.

Meanwhile, Pembroke College is just like any other school except when it comes to the staff, which is why The Chair is so appealing. As the series delves deeper into the lives of Pembroke’s finest English teachers, viewers are greeted by a varied and unique group of individuals who are mostly just trying to get by. And seeing as these fine specimens of academia voted Kim as their chair, it’s interesting to see how their professional relationships impact each other throughout the season.

As the English department chair, it’s Kim’s responsibility to ensure that the teachers under her are doing their jobs and keeping students in their classes. Her personal life somehow finds a way to spill over into her professional life with interesting consequences. Kim soon discovers that being the top dog does not mean she gets to rest on her laurels and put her feet up. If anything, her life becomes even more complicated, which of course makes for great entertainment!

The supporting cast is also brilliant! Jay Duplass as the wayward and mostly lost Bill Dobson is great, as is Holland Taylor as Joan Hambling, whose razor-sharp wit rivals just about anyone. As a group of people who must trust, support and respect each other for nine hours a day, working at Pembroke seems almost too chaotic for anyone to walk away unscathed! Each episode flows nicely into the next, making it easy to keep up with one’s favorite characters.

In the end, The Chair is likely to be the next big binge-worthy series, With its arrival on the horizon, the jury may still be out in terms of how it will be received by viewers, but hopefully it will receive the greenlight for a second season.

still courtesy of Netflix

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