Mozart in the Jungle
I spent my weekend binge watching the first season of Mozart in the Jungle. Has anyone seen this? It's SO GOOD. It pushed all the right buttons for me. Inspirational ladies, hot drama, snobby, high class society in all its unglamurous glory, whimsical creative geniuses, large egos, urban setting, music ++++????
I originally decided to check it out because I'd heard John Hodgman would be in it. I follow his podcast, Judge John Hodgman, and have become somewhat of a fan of his. His role in Mozart in the Jungle did not disappoint, but I don't want to spoil it for people who haven't had the chance to watch it yet.
The show is based on Blair Tindall's memoir Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music - the main character Hayley is based on her and her life experiences. The plot centers around classical musicians in New York and the goings on at the New York Philharmonic Orchestra after their current conductor is replaced by a hip, young, new conductor from Mexico (Malcolm McDowell plays the retiring conductor, and he's absolutely fantastic unghhhhhhh).
I'm not sure how to describe the show. To me it felt like a more mature version of Gossip Girl, which makes it sound rather terrible, really, but that's the look and feel it has. The cast of characters is wonderful, Lizzie and Hayley give off this wonderful Broad City-ish vibe, and I love it. I wish we could see more of Lizzie, actually.
Rodrigo, the new conductor, is wonderfully surreal and adds a good dose of whimsy. Had the show focused on the whimsy instead of the drama, it would feel more like Nodame Cantabile! Not really a bad thing???
There are only 10 episodes, but I am truly shocked that I've not heard mention of this show anywhere before. It's so great! SO. GREAT! I really hope it'll be picked up for a second season~!
Apparently you can watch the first episode for free on Amazon right now (at least if you're in the US, I guess - it's region locked for me!). Get on it.