Too Much (Netflix)
For a show that initially presents itself as a typical episodic rom-com, one evidently from the producers of essentially every important British rom-com, Too Much quickly changes gears to become something a lot more detailed and emotional. The series follows Jessica, played by the revelatory Megan Stalter, an American girl who flees to London after breaking-up with her ex-boyfriend. There she meets Felix (played by Will Sharpe), and the show follows their blossoming relationship, with all the accompanying joys and struggles, over ten episodes.
All the antics of a typical British rom-com are here: awkward sexual encounters, uncomfortable weddings, big third act romantic gestures and so on. These moments are entertaining, but when the central romance is explored in such a detailed, realistic way, it is hard not to feel the superfluousness of various plot strands. Episodes four and eight feel largely inconsequential from a dramatic perspective beyond the couple’s closing conversations. The various sub-plots may be entertaining, but they lack the emotional weight of the central plot, and resultantly feel like a distraction.
Where the show shines is in that central relationship, with Stalter and Sharpe delivering such detailed, authentic performances that you totally believe in their love every step of the way. Episode two ends with a gorgeous, deeply romantic extended static shot of the couple that feels of a piece with the listening booth scene in Before Sunrise. A three-sixty degree shot of the pair making out at the end of episode four may normally be cliché, but here it entirely works because of how earned that romance feels.
The series never shies away from the hard pasts both have experienced. Episode five is a heart-wrenching extended flashback, detailing the destruction of Jessica’s self-worth over the course of her previous relationship. Episode seven introduces Felix’s family, informing us of his recurrent emotional hesitancy in impressively nuanced fashion. The finale proves a rollercoaster because of everything the pair have been through, and ultimately satisfies emotionally without feeling cheap.
There is somewhat of an imbalance in the relationship from a writing perspective. We are shown crucial details of Jessica’s past and present-day urges to cheat on Felix, yet we are not shown her telling Felix about these things. They feel like rather glaring omissions in detail that get brushed over in a way Felix’s bad actions do not. Had these actions been discussed and criticised more between her and Felix then the relationship could have had even greater emotional complexity, especially given the amount of runtime dedicated to fun but ultimately silly guest stars.
The series remains throughly enjoyable throughout though, with a fantastic ensemble of guest stars and regulars who all deliver great performances. Emily Ratajkowski as the woman Jessica’s ex dumped her for proves especially brilliant, and a scene in the finale between her and Jessica is one of the series’ best. This is emotionally gripping, and I felt compelled to watch it as fast I could to see where Jessica and Felix’s relationship went. As a whole however, this could have done with some restructuring to make the core relationship more complex and more of the sole focus. Overall, this is romantic, authentic and realistic enough to make it a cut above the rest of your small-screen romantic dramas.
