Disney's new comedy series 'Alice and Steve', starring Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement, has been met with a scathing review that labels the show 'dated and wrong' and 'interminable'. The six-part series follows two best friends, Alice and Steve, who have known each other since university for over 30 years.
Alice (Walker) is on her second marriage to Daniel, played by Joel Fry, who is ten years her junior. Together they have raised Alice's daughter Izzy, now 26, who returns home after a breakup. Steve (Clement), a hairstylist who has been single since his wife left him, soon becomes romantically involved with Izzy, a woman he has known since her birth.
The review argues that the show fails to interrogate the 'ick' of its premise, particularly the power imbalance between an experienced older man and a much younger woman. Instead, it offers a 'shrugging' vibe that feels dated, with Clement appearing embarrassed throughout and a lack of chemistry between the leads.
Nicola Walker's character is also criticised, with the reviewer suggesting Alice is written as a 'shrew' given only 'broadbrush outrage' to express, leaving even a talented actor with little to work with. Meanwhile, a subplot involving Alice's son Dom and his crush Rome is described as 'more touching and believable' but never integrated into the main story.
The review concludes that the 'ick' is the least of the show's problems, calling the ending 'ridiculous' and the overall production unconvincing. 'Alice and Steve' is created by Sophie Goodhart and forms part of Disney's recent comedy slate.
