The Daily Gamecock

"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt": ridiculous escapades that highlight the importance of self-confidence

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One of the latest Netflix original series is an outrageous, light-hearted tale about girl power and growing up.

Directed by Tina Fey, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” tells the story of a girl who is experiencing New York City for the first time after being released from an underground cult. Her ridiculous escapades with new friends and strangers depict the hardships of a sheltered 30-year-old who is seeing the outside world with fresh eyes.

Despite the absolute outrageousness of the show’s backstory, it really does shed light on the importance of self-confidence. The main character, played by Ellie Kemper of "The Office," is 30 years old, but has been locked in a bunker for half of her life, making her incredibly immature and fun to watch. Although her obliviousness can be frustrating at times, viewers will find themselves chuckling along with her adventures.

Shows of similar premises prove to be repetitive and predictable, but every episode of “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” describes a fun, new quest that Kimmy and her roommate, played by a flamboyant Tituss Burgess, embark upon. These wild missions include everything from obtaining a GED to throwing a birthday party to testifying in court.

Fey’s "30 Rock"  co-star Jane Krakowskiplays Kimmy’s employer, Jacqueline Voorhees, whose stereotypical New York richness adds yet another dimension to her story — Kimmy gets the chance to interact with all kinds of ludicrous personalities, learning lessons about herself and human interactions.

The character development of all the side characters is fairly shallow, sticking to stereotypes like the hippie landlady who sits on the front stoop, the gay, black roommate who is searching for the perfect Broadway role and the sheltered Indiana townspeople who represent Kimmy’s past.

Although the exact setting and idea behind the show are contrived, the morals behind each episode ring true — as Kimmy starts to grow up (albeit a little late), she recognizes the importance of self-empowerment and independence.

Each 30-minute episode will undoubtedly make you giggle. It may not be a heavy drama, like you tend to expect from Netflix, but it’ll be sure to brighten your day without making you feel bad. After watching the last episode, you’ll be desperately wondering when the next season will be released.


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