Ever felt like you're stuck in a door that only seems to swing one way? That's the essence of Tim Robinson's comedic genius, and it's on full display in his new HBO series, The Chair Company. In a world that often feels absurd, Robinson masterfully captures the human tendency to double down on our mistakes, even when it leads to hilarious self-destruction. Remember that iconic sketch from I Think You Should Leave? The one where a man stubbornly insists a door swings both ways, ultimately breaking it in the process? That's the spirit of Robinson's work. He explores the lengths we go to avoid admitting we're wrong, and the comedic gold that can be mined from such stubbornness.
Following the success of his feature-length film Friendship, Robinson, along with co-creator Zach Kanin, takes this comedic exploration further with The Chair Company. This series, comprised of eight half-hour episodes, promises a viewing experience that's as likely to make you squirm as it is to make you laugh. For fans of Robinson's unique brand of humor, this is a ride you won't want to miss.
The Chair Company: Uncomfortable, unsettling, and undeniably funny.
Airdate: 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 (HBO)
Cast: Tim Robinson, Lake Bell, Joseph Tudisco, Sophia Lillis, Will Price, Lou Diamond Phillips
Creators: Tim Robinson, Zach Kanin
The series kicks off with a seemingly insignificant office mishap, the kind most people would brush off and forget. But not William Ronald Trosper, or "Ron," as he's known. A classic Robinson character, Ron refuses to let go. He spirals into a desperate quest to prove he's not a fool, convincing himself he's the victim of a grand conspiracy.
And this is the part most people miss... Ron's journey is a darkly humorous reflection of our own insecurities. He's a middle-aged, middle-class man who becomes so consumed by the need to be seen as righteous that he neglects his own reality. He's not unlike some figures in the news lately. His actions frustrate his colleagues and worry his family (wife Barb, son Seth, and daughter Natalie), but ultimately, they only hurt himself.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is Ron a cautionary tale, or a mirror reflecting the absurdity of the world? The show presents a reality populated by socially awkward characters and unexpected situations. Even those who seem to have it all together are just a step away from falling apart. The brilliance lies in how it all plays out, often through the performances of wonderfully offbeat character actors. The show's humor comes from the way they portray human behavior.
Interestingly, in The Chair Company, Ron might actually be right. There is a conspiracy at play. As Ron delves deeper, he encounters eerie coincidences and obstacles, leading to absurd situations. The plot is convoluted, but it serves as a vehicle for Ron's hilarious misadventures. The series is a tough watch, but for those who appreciate Robinson's unique style, it's also irresistible. It embodies that intrusive thought you can't shake, no matter how silly it is.
What do you think? Does The Chair Company offer a satirical commentary on modern society, or is it just a collection of bizarre situations? Share your thoughts in the comments!
