Will Ferrell's new Netflix comedy series, "The Hawk," has been met with criticism, with one review describing it as a "pale imitation of his earlier work." The show, which features Ferrell as a narcissistic professional golfer attempting a late-career comeback, is noted for its underdeveloped story and uninspired humor.
"The Hawk" follows Lonnie "The Hawk" Hawkins, portrayed by Ferrell, whose comeback attempt is overshadowed by his son, Lance, a rising star in golf. The series, co-created by Ferrell, Harper Steele, and Chris Henchy, has been called "tedious" and "painfully unfunny," struggling to sustain its premise over ten episodes.
Familiar Territory, Diminished Returns
The review suggests that while Ferrell's signature outlandish antics might have worked in shorter formats like a "Saturday Night Live" sketch, they fall flat when stretched across a full series. The humor is described as a "grim – and likely unintentional – case of the show getting meta," reflecting on a character whose best days are behind him, mirroring concerns about Ferrell's own comedic evolution.
Ferrell's past successes, including "Elf," "Step Brothers," and "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," are contrasted with "The Hawk." The review argues that his earlier characters, like Ron Burgundy, were balanced by ensemble casts and sharper jokes, whereas "The Hawk" suffers from under-used supporting characters and a protagonist who fails to evolve.
Character and Storytelling Deficiencies
Unlike characters in his previous films who experienced some form of growth, Lonnie "The Hawk" Hawkins remains largely unchanged throughout the series, leading to a repetitive and "punishingly long" narrative. The show's reliance on Ferrell's "greatest hits" antics, such as random dancing or yelling, is seen as a sign that the comedian is revisiting familiar territory without adding new depth or improving upon past performances.
Comparisons are drawn to other contemporary comedies, with "The Hawk" being found wanting in freshness and writing quality when placed alongside shows like "Derry Girls," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," or "Hacks." The review concludes that the series, much like its lead character, appears to be out of step with its audience and the current comedy landscape.