Why Are You Like This? (2021)
A review of ABC TV's new series
ABC’s latest comedy series highlights the exploits of three Generation-Z Melburnians, in a smart and irreverent take on identity politics, culture wars and cancel culture.
Mia (Olivia Junkeer), Penny (Naomi Higgins) and Austin (Wil King) are twentysomethings with passion for equality and questioning the status quo. They rally against the continued oppression towards minorities and take a stand against issues that they deem important. Except there’s a problem. The trio, most particularly Mia and Austin, are so fervently self-righteous that they fail to meet their own high standards on a regular basis.
An unlikeable protagonist used to be an issue of concern. As Walter White and Tony Soprano maimed and killed to provide for their families in Breaking Bad (2006-12) and The Sopranos (1999-2006), Lena Dunham was criticised for creating four unlikeable millennial characters in Girls (2012-16). Think-piece after think-piece debated the issue of unlikeable lead characters where White and Soprano were heralded as anti-heroes.
In the intervening years, we’ve seen several series adopt and embrace the unlikeable protagonist model to brilliant comedic effect. Difficult People (2015-17) prided itself on two angsty fed-up leads who are nasty but hysterical. Search Party (2016 - ) extended the unlikability factor to its four leading protagonists, and the series was just renewed for a fifth season, proving that unlikability does not result in cancellation.
Why Are You Like This? benefits from this era. Mia, Penny and Austin are the definition of enjoyable yet unlikeable characters. Sure, their motivations aren’t guided by altruism, but we know they mean well. Sure, Mia and Austin constantly renege on their commitments to be better people, but they are also young, urbanites who need to experience the world and make mistakes. And without these mistakes, there’d be nothing to laugh at.
One such example is in the season’s standout episode (the second, titled ‘The Pressures of Late Capitalism’). Penny’s attempt at liberating the women of a misogynist workplace fail – so hard – to the detriment of all women involved (and an excellent guest appearance by Roz Hammond). Mia’s storyline also commands huge laughs as she attempts to dislodge her moon cup and calls in Austin for some backup. This storyline continues a solid year for menstruation on television, following scenes in The End, Bump, The Queen’s Gambit and I May Destroy You to name a few.
Six scant episodes aren’t enough to fully flesh out the trio’s backstories and proper motivations. Instead, each episode conceptually explores cultural issues amidst rather wild shenanigans. Junkeer, Higgins and King give such captivating performances that warrant further exploration of their characters and fuller story arcs for each character over the season.
Created and written by Higgins, Mark Samual Bonanno (of Aunty Donna) and Humyara Mahbub, the series first appeared through ABC and Screen Australia’s Fresh Blood initiatives in 2018. Director-duo Jessie Oldfield and Adam Murfet, alongside the talented writing team, have skilfully brought the series back to lambast modern-day culture with three hilarious characters. Here’s hoping Aunty allows the dynamic team to come back for another season.
Why Are You Like This? airs weekly on ABC TV from 16 February and its whole season is available to stream on iView.
Whole season screened for this review.