I Feel Bad premieres October 4th on NBC.
[Ed. note: Being that TV and City is on a bit of a hiatus, this article has not been edited.]
By Sam Davis
In an era of mommy-shaming, leave it to NBC to shine a light on such a prevalent topic. With their new comedy I Feel Bad, they portray an everyday working mother having to deal with the constant struggle of feeling less than adequate at parenting. Trying to be a good parent without overstepping boundaries while still being involved and making sure your kids are making wise decisions, all while worrying about getting old and turning into your own parents can be exhausting. NBC puts this in the forefront, a sentiment many mothers (and fathers) have shared for generations.
Our protagonist Emet, portrayed by No Tomorrow’s Sarayu Blue, is trying to balance work and home life, her kids, her job, and her parents back-seat parenting. She works at a video game design company, at which she is one of the only female employees and the oldest. She also must deal with her co-worker’s unintentional casual sexism and all-around bro attitude. She attempts to be supportive of her daughter’s ambitions, even though they are totally inappropriate. How do you dissuade your daughter from grinding in fishnets and tutus without crushing her spirit?
In such an oversexualized world, how do you hang onto your child’s innocence? Where is the line drawn between parenting and overparenting? Which freedoms do you allow your child? Today’s parents have to answer these questions and ones of the like every day and with so much unsolicited advice shoved upon us, how can you be expected to raise functional children in a way you’re proud of? Director and Executive Producer Julie Anne Robinson is trying to show that all you can do is follow your instincts, do what you feel is right for your family, and hope for the best.
I give I Feel Bad’s pilot a B+.
TV and City 