Work In Progress

Work in Progress is a Showtime original series that premiered in December 2019, a show that truly offers a fresh, unique, and daring perspective. This dark comedic series effortlessly blends humor with piercing introspection to bring about a raw viewership experience.

Through the eyes of the lead character, a complex 45-year-old queer woman named Abby McEnany, the show dares the audience to journey into the terrains of mental health, intimacy, identity, and self-discovery. A self-proclaimed "fat dyke," Abby is a brilliant character filled with self-effacing humor that Mazzei and Bailey brilliantly script and McEnany impeccably performs. Abby's everyday struggles with OCD, depression, and insecurities are shown in a daringly honest and raw manner that few shows have ever attempted.

Work in Progress aids in breaking the stereotypical portrayals of queerness on television. Abby's sexual orientation is just a part of her character and by no means her defining trait. The series takes a deep dive into the intricacies of Abby's life that resonate with the audiences on a human, rather than a demographic level. It is about a woman grappling with her identity, insecurities, and relationships. The queer aspect is presented so organically that it adds more depth to the storyline, rather than sensationalizing it, which is a rarity in the television landscape.

Another intriguing part of the series is the relationship between Abby and her much younger lover Chris, who is considerate, charming, and unexpectedly patient. Theo Germaine, an emerging gender-nonbinary actor, does justice to Chris's character and chemistry with Abby. The complicated yet tender relationship that they share forms the backbone of the series, breaking conventions of age and gender while doing so.

The writers have done a commendable job in capturing the essence of modern mid-life crises, including themes of age disappointment, career stagnation and more in a sensitive, honest manner. Additionally, the storyline touches upon sensitive issues like the society's obsession with body image and mental health stigmas, covered in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.

Abby's circle of friends, played by well-rounded contemporary actors like Karin Anglin and Celeste Pechous, add the right amount of flavor to the series, providing a good balance between friendship dynamics and individual struggles. The writers take care not only to color the world of the main character but also provide enough room for other characters in her life to shine.

There is a lot to enjoy about Work in Progress, from its portrayal of Chicago that veers away from the polished urban imagery we often see on screen, to the brilliant use of flashbacks that give the audience a glimpse into Abby’s past. The humor is often self-deprecating and the narrative is open and frank, providing an actual portrayal of life's chaotic, confused, yet beautiful state.

The comedy manages to hit the right notes amidst all the thoughtfulness, making it a truly distinctive show. A lot of this credit goes to McEnany's character who, despite her extravagant quirks and often unusual behavior, becomes someone viewers grow to love and root for.

Work in Progress from 2019 to 2021 is an unapologetic tale of Abby, but it is also a mirror to millions who grapple with mental health issues, societal pressures, and the fear of failing at maintaining relationships. It's a fearless exploration of the life of a middle-aged, queer woman navigating through her insecurities and personal challenges. For all its heart-tugging intimacy and hard-hitting reality checks, it remains at its core a dark comedy series, executed with the right balance of emotion and humor, making it an unforgettable viewing.