Quick Take: How to Make It in America, "Big In Japan"
"Yo, you're like 12." – Ben to skate kid asking for a smoke
Review: How to Make It in America, "Big In Japan"
(S0104) Last week, I went from hating on this show to gushing on it pretty well. This week, if I had an emoticon to select for decent/watchable, I'd select that. This is still an uneven series that's finding its footing, but last week's dazzler proved the potential is there, and will likely keep me watching long after I've completely shut down on other freshman series (Parenthood and Undercover Boss immediately come to mind).
Even though there was a return to themes that didn't move me in the past, particularly Ben (Bryan Greenberg) and Cam's (Victor Rusak) quest to make it in the clothing design biz, the chemistry is getting to the point where I'm interested enough in the characters to keep watching. The big "hole" chemistry-wise continues to be Rene (Luis Guzman), his family, Rasta Monster, and his money. It doesn't fit into the rest of the storylines at all, and as far as I'm concerned we should be following Kappo (Eddie Kaye Thomas) and his adventures when he's away from the gang instead.
We see more of Rachel's (Lake Bell) relationship with Darren (Jason Pendergraft) this week, and we're getting a sense for how the show will operate in a Rachel-Ben post-breakup world. I'm fine with that dynamic (for now), but again the Rene dimension feels out of step for the younger/hip-er hustlers we're getting to know.
More thoughts on "Big In Japan":
Video: How to Make It in America, "Big In Japan"
Here's Bryan Greenberg talking to "Bottles of" Chris Harrison about the show:
Recap: How to Make It in America, "Big In Japan"
After running into a successful designer on the street, Ben and Cam get hooked up.
From Around the Web: How to Make It in America, "Big In Japan"
