What’s the point of streaming repetitive genres on loop? Most of you would agree that diversity is the key to a mentally healthier lifestyle.

Therefore, after weeks of exploring shows like The Perfect Mother, Two Summers, As The Crow Flies, etc., we finally have an ‘absurd’ series on Netflix, God’s Favorite Idiot.

The last time I watched a show falling in the same category was The Pentaverate, which didn’t leave good memories. Its fallacies made me prejudiced about the effectiveness of God’s Favorite Idiot.

However, having watched the latest American series, I am prepared to review it and share with you the merits and demerits of God’s Favorite Idiot.

God’s Favorite Idiot Review Summary

An off-beat concept and sparkling performances highlight the eight episodes of God’s Favorite Idiot. The show brings several cheers but has a consistent problem of being too superficial.

God’s Favorite Idiot Synopsis

Image Credits: Netflix India

Imagine waking up on a typical morning and finding yourself glowing mysteriously. When Clark witnesses the same issue, everyone surrounding him is left appalled and horrified. Finding support from his office colleagues and friends, Clark discovers that he is the chosen one, aka God’s Favorite Idiot.

Where the cosmic journey takes him forms the main plot of this Netflix series.

Directed by Michael McDonald, God’s Favorite Idiot stars Melissa McCarthy (Amily), Ben Falcon (Clark), Ana Scotney (Windy), Usman Ally (Mohsin Raza), Chris Sandiford (Tom), Steve Mallory (Frisby), and Leslie Bibb (Satan) in lead roles.

Number of Episodes: 8

Total Duration: 3 Hrs and 31 Mins

What Works for God’s Favorite Idiot?

Image Credits: Netflix India

Concept

Many might disagree, but God’s Favorite Idiot has a positively peculiar concept. It mixes reality with fantasy to bring a decent tale of good versus evil. I liked how the makers brought several elements to the fore just at the right time.

Despite the plot’s idea being cosmic and unreal, it never feels too much to tolerate. The reason behind this is the regular consumption of superhero movies and shows.

We have built a good amount of forbearance towards such concepts, which gives ample room for improvisation to God’s Favorite Idiot.

Feel-Good

Honestly, I wasn’t in the best of moods before I sat down to stream the show. My intuition was that it would affect my ability to judge. However, God’s Favorite Idiot made me feel better with time.

Good conversations, intimate friendships, and a subtle approach to conflicts help God’s Favorite Idiot usher in feel-good moments and connect with the audience.

Naturally Weird

Weirdness is not gross when it is intentional. From the outset, including the Netflix description, God’s Favorite Idiot comes as an absurd story. It never aims to be logical as a whole. Furthermore, the performances, dialogues, and situations are all naturally weird.

Deliberating further, by ‘naturally weird,’ I mean the series never overdoes things. Instead, it goes with the uncanny flow.

Performances

As I mentioned initially, God’s Favorite Idiot is all about the concept and performances. The former we have discussed, and the latter we will now.

The man at the helm of things, who plays the titular role, is Ben Falcon as Clark. His matured and sweet portrayal leaves a charming impact on you. Though his character is gentle, a pinch of shrewdness makes him different.

Falcon is a street-smart actor who knows how and when to deploy theatrics. With clever usage of expressions, he ensures rawness and grace never leave him.

Image Credits: Netflix India

Melissa McCarthy as Amily is the show stealer of God’s Favorite Idiot. Her acting is professional, and dialogue delivery feels personal. The randomness in her countenance is the trendsetter for the series. She keeps the fun going along with Chris Sandiford.

Chris plays Tom in God’s Favorite Idiot and is probably, the most glaring performer of the series. He comes around as a mild bully but ends up as a pleasing character. Sandiford effortlessly aces humor and emotions while slaying the regular office guy look.

Ana Scotney and Usman Ally maintain consistency in the series. They are like the building blocks of God’s Favorite Idiot. Whenever things begin to go awry, the makers put them in front to handle the mess. And, they never disappoint either.

Steve Mallory has my heart as he plays Frisbee in God’s Favorite Idiot. His performance is delicate, restrained, and charming to the eyes. Regardless of the character being obscure in nature, Steve makes his presence felt from time to time.

Lastly, Leslie Bibb, the Satan of God’s Favorite Idiot, rings tunes of raw intensity and comes across as the deserving villain.

Screenplay

Image Credits: Netflix India

God’s Favorite Idiot has an interesting screenplay that keeps you glued. There are several connection points to make ends meet for the story. Usually, such shows ride on the fun and entertainment quotient; however, God’s Favorite Idiot flourishes because of its mildly captivating screen game.

Length

It has eight episodes, each lasting for 25 minutes on average. You will never feel bored while watching God’s Favorite Idiot. The show’s duration works in its favor big time.

What Doesn’t Work for God’s Favorite Idiot?

Superficial

Nothing is normal in this Netflix series. The characters are weird, the story is absurd, and the narration is peculiar. As a whole, God’s Favorite Idiot is too superficial to believe.

Though the show is about blending fantasy with reality, it would have been better to have lesser fanciful elements. Not always, but sometimes, things stop making any sense.

Defies Logic

At some points, I felt the makers simply wanted to cover the loopholes they knew they were creating along the way. I can’t point out the exact moments to avoid spoilers, but the show did defy common sense in the middle episodes.

Final Word

God’s Favorite Idiot is sure to have polarizing opinions. Some would have it in their good books, while others might not want to even hear its name. My suggestion is simple, if you believe in the concept of God’s Favorite Idiot, you will like the series. Otherwise, it won’t work for you.

Watch the first episode and go with your gut feeling afterward.

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