Happily Married

Happily Married, or "C'est comme ça que je t'aime," originally produced in French and introduced in 2020, is an authentic and engaging series available on Tou.tv. Impeccably written by François Létourneau and directed artfully by Jean-François Rivard, Happily Married is a peculiar blend of black comedy, drama, and crime thriller. The series is set in the 1970s against the backdrop of Quebec City, providing a rich and historical aesthetic that adds another layer of intrigue to its narrative.

The narrative centers on two seemingly ordinary suburban couples, the Paquettes and the Lapointes. They find themselves in unfulfilling marriages, bogged down by the everyday routines and societal expectations of the era. Huguette and Gaétan Paquette and Serge and Micheline Lapointe are best friends and neighbors sharing an overwhelming discontent with their respective marriages. The inciting incident catapults them into an entirely unexpected life of crime following an impulsive act.

The series flawlessly shows how these four central characters, initially compliant, bored suburbanites, cross over to crime, out of despair and boredom, becoming increasingly intricate in underworld activities. In addition to the core narrative, the series also presents a parallel storyline through the character of Detective Roc Lafortune. He is a homicide investigator responsible for unraveling the string of mysterious murders occurring in Quebec City during the summer of 1974. This parallel narrative serves a fascinating contrast and adds tense moments, ramping up the series' crime undertone.

François Létourneau and Marilyn Castonguay brilliantly play Gaétan Paquette and Huguette respectively, while Patrice Robitaille and Karine Gonthier-Hyndman complete the main line-up as Serge and Micheline Lapointe. Each performance convincingly portrays the characters' transformation from unsatisfied suburbanites to crime-involved individuals. They all exhibit a unique journey that intoxicates viewers with every passing episode. At the same time, their comedic undertones brilliantly balance the show's darker elements. These flawed, yet relatable characters navigating uncharted territories keep the audience intrigued and empathetic throughout.

The series does an excellent job of recreating the 70s atmosphere, from the sets, costumes, to the grainy cinematography. The nostalgic aesthetic adds to the viewing experience, providing not just a backdrop but a character itself shaping the narrative's happenings. The vintage setting also enhances the series' dark humor and deepens the dramatic intensity by providing a darkly comedic look at the societal norms and expectations of marriage during that time.

Undeniably, Happily Married is a well-crafted piece of television. The storytelling is distinctive, perfectly balancing humor with suspense, making it an emotional and exciting journey for the viewers. The concept of normal people placed in extraordinary circumstances is not new, but Happily Married flips this premise with its original storytelling and memorable characters. Their transformation isn't merely a plot point, rather it offers a commentary on marriages during the 70s and the societal expectations attached to it.

Although Happily Married is first and foremost a comedy, it dives deep into some serious issues. The series is about married couples battling with a midlife existential crisis, dissatisfaction, and sexual tension. Simultaneously, the series explores the characters' societal role and their subsequent shift from a law-abiding citizen to figures of criminal activities. It taps into themes of marriage, friendship, betrayal, aspirations, identity, and societal norms through the lens of dark humor.

In conclusion, Happily Married is a gem within the realm of television series. It's a bold, entertaining spin on a tale as old as time, and it brings forth an intriguing narrative bolstered by unique characters and an enticing blend of genres. It's a visually striking, quirky, character-driven series set in a decade remembered for significant social changes. Imagine Desperate Housewives meets Breaking Bad, with a good dose of unique, dark, and absurd humor. It’s a testament to the skillful writing and direction that Happily Married can navigate adjacent crime and humor so adroitly without compromising either.