In an impressive display of both comedy and drama, Jon Hamm stars in Apple TV+’s latest offering, where our protagonist dreams up money-saving hacks that would make a squirrel in winter proud. The show is delightfully “emotionally real but absurdist,” illustrating a potentially effective way to cope with a midlife crisis—just start stealing from your neighbors.
Hamm, in what can only be described as his most captivating role since “Mad Men,” channels the essence of Don Draper while sporting a delightful midlife crisis. Meet Andrew Cooper, aka Coop: a hedge-fund manager who finds himself unceremoniously ousted from his corporate throne and resorts to ‘creative financing.’ Imagine taking Don Draper and giving him the existential dread of a suburban dad attempting to ensure his kids can still attend summer camp despite being on a budget—it’s heartbreakingly relatable yet ludicrously absurd.
Our adventure kicks off with a familiar plot device: Coop awakens in a pool of blood next to a corpse—because what better way to kick off a narrative than with some hearty existential dread and looming murder charges? As he tidies up his bloody mess, Coop reflects on the “swirling hot mess” of his life that is functioning about as well as a plant at a black-tie event. His grand scheme of turning to his ridiculously wealthy friends for some untraceable side cash—post-robbery, of course—creates a moral and comedic landscape that’s both hilariously misguided and tragically poignant.
Sure, the first episode feels like it’s setting up for a stage play rather than a heist film, comparable to watching paint dry in an upscale eatery. We’re treated to an extravagant display of suburbia, where $200,000 cars are practically parked on the lawn, and charitable donations are equivalent to a tip for an overpriced brunch. But fear not, the absurdity soon peaks when Coop discovers he lost his job due not to slacking off, but rather a bout of “bad judgment” in the bar’s nightly “who-can-dig-the-deepest-hole” contest.
In an ironic twist, the show explores sexual harassment without the usual oversimplified clichés. Picture it: Coop engages in a consensual fling with a mysterious colleague—one he’s never met before this very moment—resulting in a catastrophic termination from his position. The series unravels a convoluted narrative, contrasting personal accountability with HR protocols that resemble an obstacle course of corporate bureaucracy.
Although the show isn’t saving the world or defining new ethical guidelines, it does serve up a mean critique of social standards wrapped in the guise of comedy. With every awkward robbery and boneheaded decision Coop makes, we see the systemic flaws that allow a misguided hedge-funder to fall from grace while his elite peers watch in bemused indifference. It’s as if the universe is saying, “Sure, steal from your rich friends, but at least don’t get caught without a decent alibi.”
Ultimately, as Coop navigates through his misadventures, viewers are treated to a sharp and satirical take on the absurdities of life, love, and the hilariously messy world of wealth. So strap in for a ride that’s equal parts “how to” money-saving guide and masterclass in bad decision-making—because in the game of life, sometimes the best hacks come with a side of absurdity.
