Review: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Ellie Kemper in Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt caught my eye because it was created by Robert Carlock and Tina Fey. The Netflix-only series stars Ellie Kemper as the title character.

The set-up is that 4 women have been held in an underground bunker for 15 years by a crazy reverend (Jon Hamm) who told them there was an apocalypse above them and nothing was left. Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) survived her 15 years by being determinedly happy and cheerful. She was unbreakable. Now that she’s out in the world, Kimmy’s brand of sunny cheerfulness influences everyone she meets.

This is a season 1 only review. Spoilers ahead.

Everything about Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is over the top comedy: ridiculous, exaggerated, absurd, and ludicrous. A lot of the comedy comes from Kimmy’s behavior as a woman 15 years behind the times. At the same time, all the crazy comedy and crazy characters hide deep sadness and dissatisfaction.

The theme song says, “females are strong as hell.” That sentiment expresses Kimmy Schmidt’s story as she overcomes the patriarchy and seizes her own woman power. I have to praise the story lines for being feminist and inspiring, even though the situations and characters are waaaayyyy off the wall.

Jane Krakowski and Ellie Kemper in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Other important characters in Kimmy’s life are her roommate Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess), her landlord Lillian Kaushtupper (Carol Kane) and her employer Jacqueline Voorhees (Jane Krakowski). As you might guess for a show with Robert Carlock and Tina Fey attached, many accomplished actors are willing to come on the show and do small guest bits. Richard Kind as a GED teacher and Martin Short as a plastic surgeon are particularly adept at the over the top brand of comedy in this series.

I watched episode 1 to see if I liked Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Hooked immediately, I kept going until I’d seen all 13 episodes.

Images: ©Netflix

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