Big Mistakes
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On this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosts Glenn Weldon, Kristen Meinzer, and Candice Lim dive into Netflix's new comedy series *Big Mistakes*, co-created by Dan Levy and Rachel Sennett. The show follows two estranged siblings, Nikki (Levy) and Morgan (Taylor Ortega), as they become entangled in organized crime after their grandmother’s death, while their mother, Laurie Metcalf, runs for mayor. The panelists offer sharply contrasting reactions: Kristen finds the show tedious and lacking in character agency, criticizing its repetitive bickering and slow burn; Candice calls it boring and underwhelming, feeling the tone clashes with Rachel Sennett’s usual bold style. Glenn, however, defends the show, praising Metcalf’s performance and the gradual emotional payoff, likening the series to *Schitt’s Creek* in its early, unlikable phase before finding heart. The conversation centers on themes of character likability, narrative momentum, and the risks of co-creating with a distinct creative voice. Despite early frustrations, Glenn and Candice both admit a late shift in engagement, suggesting the show may grow on them with time. The episode ends with a shared sense of cautious hope—especially for a potential second season.
Character agency is crucial—audiences need to feel characters are making meaningful choices, not just reacting.
A strong inciting incident is non-negotiable in crime narratives; *Big Mistakes* fails to sell its central plot trigger.
Laurie Metcalf’s performance is a standout, anchoring the show with intensity and comedic power.
Unlikable characters can still be compelling if they’re interesting, believable, and human—not just annoying.
The show’s slow burn may be intentional, mirroring *Schitt’s Creek*’s evolution from unlikable to beloved.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introducing Big Mistakes and the Panel
Glenn Weldon introduces the new Netflix comedy *Big Mistakes*, starring Dan Levy and Taylor Ortega, with Laurie Metcalf as their mother running for mayor. He welcomes co-hosts Kristen Meinzer and Candice Lim for a discussion on the show’s tone, characters, and narrative structure.
Kristen’s Critique: Bickering Without Purpose
“This is not productive bickering. It's just fighting that does not bring the story closer to something.”
Candice’s Verdict: Boring and Uninspired
“I was just like, eh. It's not that these are people that are like not worth rooting for. I'm just like, are you worth making a show about?”
Glenn’s Defense: A Schitt’s Creek in Reverse
“Schitt's Creek without the hugs and schmoopiness. Schitt's Creek in that first season we don't like to talk about...”
The Inciting Incident and Narrative Flaws
“We only saw him in that room for like 30 seconds. He could have spent two hours just futzing over that body.”
“We only saw him in that room for like 30 seconds. He could have spent two hours just futzing over that body.”
“Schitt's Creek without the hugs and schmoopiness. Schitt's Creek in that first season we don't like to talk about...”
“I was just like, eh. It's not that these are people that are like not worth rooting for. I'm just like, are you worth making a show about?”
Host
Guests
Dan Levy
person
Schitt's Creek
other
Laurie Metcalf
person
Rachel Sennett
person
Taylor Ortega
person
I Love L.A.
other
NPR
organization
Bottoms
media
Netflix
organization
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
media
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