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<p>While there may not have been a widespread desire for a modern take on Alan Alda's 1981 film about adult friendships, Tina Fey's engaging limited series on Netflix, <em>The Four Seasons</em>, offers a humorous and insightful exploration of how lifelong friends navigate significant life changes.</p>
<h3>Friendships That Seem Like a Dream</h3>
<p>The narrative commences with a seemingly idyllic scenario: three couples, mostly friends from their college days, gather at the lavish home of their wealthiest member, Nick, played by Steve Carell. The eight-episode series unfolds through the four seasons – spring, summer, fall, and winter – mirroring the characters’ challenges.</p>
<p>For those fortunate enough to find lasting companionship in middle age, it's remarkable to bond with even one couple, let alone two who share a long history. One scene humorously depicts a couple's strategy to evade overly verbose friends during dinner, resonating strongly with viewers.</p>
<p>However, complications arise as Nick confides in his friends about his plans to divorce his wife, Anne, a character portrayed as timid by Kerri Kenney-Silver. Carell showcases his ability to imbue a seemingly selfish decision with depth, much like his previous roles where he played affable characters making questionable choices.</p>
<h3>Spot-On Casting Enhances the Series</h3>
<p>The casting is exemplary, enhancing the show's charm. Fey portrays Kate, a sharp-tongued, assertive partner married to the emotionally open schoolteacher, Jack, played by Will Forte. Kate's perspective on love reflects her belief that it demands effort rather than mere luck, while Nick's sarcastic response highlights the dynamic nature of their interactions.</p>
<p>Colman Domingo and Marco Calvani also shine as Danny and Claude, a stylish couple facing their own relationship hurdles. The characters feel authentic, grappling with how external crises, like Nick’s divorce, impact their connections.</p>
<h3>Influences from <em>30 Rock</em></h3>
<p>Co-created by Fey alongside Tracey Wigfield and Lang Fisher, both alumni from <em>30 Rock</em>, the series presents a more nuanced narrative than the original film. The show addresses modern realities, featuring a diverse ensemble, including a gay couple and the prevalence of technology in relationships.</p>
<p>Throughout their reunions at various locations, including a minimalist hotel chosen by Nick's new girlfriend post-divorce, the couples confront potential strains in their own relationships amidst Nick's turmoil. While they seem somewhat disconnected from their wealth and privilege, the series cleverly centers on their interpersonal dynamics, showcasing characters unconcerned about financial burdens.</p>
<p>Fey has expressed admiration for Alda's original film, and her series honors that legacy while expanding its themes. The result is a series that thoughtfully contemplates the significance of adult friendships, serving as a heartfelt reflection on the challenges of connection in today's isolated society.</p>
</div>This adaptation retains the core essence while providing a fresh perspective within the same structure.
