Us & Them

Us & Them is a heartwarming, comedic TV series that first premiered in 2013 on the digital platform, Crackle. Although it meets an early conclusion, the show has still managed to endear itself to audiences with its quirky characters and engaging plotlines.

The series is essentially an American reiteration of the immensely popular British sitcom "Gavin & Stacey". It revolves around the budding long-distance relationship between two individuals, one from New York and the other residing in the small city of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. The plot significantly dives into the humor and conflicts that arise as they navigate their relationship amidst their eccentric families and friends.

The focal characters are Gavin (played by Jason Ritter) and Stacey (Alexis Bledel). Gavin is a neurotic but affable individual from New York City, professionally maintaining responsibilities in publishing. Stacey, on the other hand, hails from the small town of Schuylkill Haven in Pennsylvania and is personified as a fiercely loyal, kind, and somewhat-guarded woman. They meet online and develop a connection, deciding to pursue their relationship further.

Consequently, this long-distance dating scenario makes Us & Them a riveting exploration of the heartfelt and often comical journeys undertaken to sustain love in our modern internet-driven society. The show creatively takes on subjects like the cultural divide between city life and rural living, as well as the trials and tribulations of maintaining a long-distance relationship, imbuing a certain relatability that enhances its appeal.

The narrative is further spiced up with a host of colorful characters, including Gavin’s roommate and Stacey's fiercely protective family and friends. Arch, played by Dustin Ybarra, is Gavin’s comical and well-meaning, yet often uncouth and freeloading cousin. Nessa, portrayed by the talented Ashlie Atkinson, is Stacey's best friend- a strong-willed, morally adrift and occasionally tactless individual. Stacey’s mom, Pamela, essayed by Jane Kaczmarek, is a warm-hearted, hardworking single mother who isn't afraid to share her opinions and concerns about her daughter's relationship.

If nothing else, Us & Them is a show marked by its compelling performances and relatable comedic sketches. Jason Ritter and Alexis Bledel give convincing performances, sharing a palpable on-screen chemistry that draws in viewers. Their characters are layered, evolving as the series progresses, and they infuse their roles with the right mix of humor, vulnerability, and affection to make them relatable and lovable.

Us & Them isn't just a show about a couple; it's about two different sets of friends and families, which amplifies the humor and drama. The stark contrast between New York City's fast-paced life and Schuylkill Haven's slow-paced, community-centric living forms an interesting backdrop. It artfully brings out the cultural shock and the comedy that spots from misunderstandings and well-meaning, yet sometimes inappropriate attempts to fit in.

The series incorporates a lot of humor through the character's dialogue, but at the heart of it all, it maintains a theme of love, friendships, relationships, and the lengths people can go to make it work. That being said, its comedy is frequently interspersed with emotion-filled moments and realizations that strike a chord with many watchers.

Us & Them is a show that manages to find the sweet spot between cynicism and sentimentality, engaging viewers with its delightful take on the traditional romantic comedy. It draws its strength from the realism in its writing, the natural performances of its lead actors, and its portrayal of issues that many in long-distance relationships can relate to. If you enjoy comedies with a heart that explore love, life, and the complexities of maintaining relationships, then Us & Them is certainly worth a watch.