![]() ![]() ![]() Outside of random movie quotes and the design of the set, it’s easy to forget that Blockbuster is supposed to be about a dying video rental store. But the cast rarely deals with the notion of late fees, missing movies, shelving issues, how a lot of people don’t have DVD players that aren’t gaming consoles, or much of anything relating to the rental service in today’s market. There are moments where characters may mention wanting to watch a streamed show over renting something or how the store can physically bring people together as a beacon of the community. The interesting aspects of their collective job is eschewed for stuff that can and does happen elsewhere. Instead of leaning on the unique situation that the cast has found themselves in, the show focuses on their (sometimes) turbulent relationships. That, in and of itself, isn’t necessarily a problem…at least, not beyond the fact that none of these dilemmas have much to do with specifically managing a Blockbuster. Even the “office” romance, where unrequited love leads to awkward exchanges and noticeable favoritism, is expected. The seasoned employee who struggles with anything app-related being accosted by a teenage coworker is a familiar occurrence. Trying to get customers to visit a store in person, as opposed to shopping online, is a dilemma most small businesses face – even ones that were just recently a part of a larger whole. The majority of the issues that arise over the course of 10 episodes are commonplace. Unfortunately, Blockbuster fails to showcase the nuanced perspective that one would derive from such a predicament. Essentially, the depiction of a crew trying to keep this antiquated store alive in our streaming-based world is intriguing and, given how the show is written and produced by Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Vanessa Ramos, potentially humorous. Inspired by the franchise’s actual last remaining video rental store, the sentiments expressed here could act as a perpetual time capsule – a collective reminder of the past that operates in the present. His love of movies is only ever overshadowed by his feelings for Eliza (Melissa Fumero), a long-time crush who recently returned to the store as an employee.īlockbuster’s setup is initially promising. It’s a sad state for sure, considering Timmy’s sole passion in life seems to be tied to this job. Others lead to embarrassing predicaments and potential lawsuits. Plans are made to garner new customers, but few pan out. Modern trappings like streaming services and the absence of a corporate backing place a financial strain on the business. The show depicts the plight of Timmy Yoon (Randall Park), the manager of a local Blockbuster who struggles to keep the lights on after learning that his store is the last one in America. The premise is as sound as the question it proposes: what would it be like to work at the last Blockbuster on Earth? Apparently, it’s the same as working at any other brick and mortar store, if you believe Netflix’s interpretation of it. A comedic, yet heartfelt show where the emphasis is equally placed on the machinations of the cast and the juxtaposition of opposing forms of media consumption. Netflix’s Blockbuster series was poised to deliver a modern look into a self-sustaining relic of a bygone era. ![]()
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