TV Review: Grace & Frankie

There is a moment in the fourth episode of the new Netflix original series Grace & Frankie that perfectly reflects the show’s thesis. Martin Sheen’s character, Robert, who has left his wife of forty years to marry his law partner Sol, played by Sam Waterson, is attending his first public event since coming out, and begins to realize that the process is more complicated than simply appearing in public with Sol. “I’m never not going to be coming out, am I,” Robert asks a friend.

Grace & Frankie examines the development of two couples, Robert and Sol and the titular Grace and Frankie (their respective ex-wives, who find comfort in their newly emerging friendship), but more than that it is concerned with questions of self-formation. What does it mean not only to be gay, but to come out publicly for the first time at 70 years old and with a family friend? What does it mean not just for a marriage to break down, but for one to break down under such circumstances? There have been many shows that address the question of personal change and evolution in the lives of the young, but not very many at all addressing similar questions in the lives of those who are entering their seventh decade.

 In addition to being interesting in its subject matter and philosophy of personal development, Grace & Frankie is a remarkably well made show. Though it suffers from the problem of any young series (the writing is occasionally inconsistent--for instance we rarely get to see moments between Robert and Sol when they aren't bickering), it is extremely well acted. In addition to the aforementioned Sheen and Waterson, the roles of Grace and Frankie are played by Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Even the minor roles are populated with skilled performers: Ethan Embry and Baron Vaughn play Frankie and Sol’s sons Coyote and Bud, and June Diane Raphael plays Brianna, the youngest daughter of Robert and Grace. All of them are skilled, and make interesting contributions to the show. But, by far, the show’s biggest revelation is that Brooklyn Decker, who plays Brianna’s older sister, is not merely window dressing (as she has been in her previous roles). Her character, Mallory, is thoughtful, serious, and displays an admirably broad range of emotions.

Grace & Frankie has already been picked up for a second season.

Rating: 3 / 4