Netflix’s “Unstable” Delivers One-Note Quirkiness in Season 2

Unstable established itself in its debut season with a unique and quirky twist on the workplace and family comedy genre. The initial concept revolved around the complex father-son dynamic between Ellis and Jackson as they navigated working together, mending their relationship, rescuing the Dragon company, and keeping Ellis on track. While the first season was rich in layers, the second season strips down these elements, leaning heavily towards wacky antics and losing much of the original heartfelt storyline.

The second season kicks off with the somewhat realistic approach that the wealthy Ellis Dragon wouldn’t face the consequences of his actions from the previous season. Instead of exploring Ellis’s quirky attempts to navigate his way out of a court trial, the show jumps forward, focusing on rather mundane storylines throughout the season.

Despite Rob Lowe’s continued charm as the charismatic and manic Ellis Dragon, season two overly relies on his manic behavior to steer the show, often forgetting the relationships that grounded it. The storyline attempts to showcase Jackson’s desire to step out from his father’s shadow and establish his own identity but ultimately goes nowhere. Ellis quickly brings Jackson back under his control, undermining any effort Jackson makes to assert his independence. Although the witty exchanges between Anna and her ex-stepdaughter Georgia add some fun, they’re not enough to balance the show’s increasingly one-dimensional craziness.

The budding romance between Luna and Jackson from season one is acknowledged only to be swiftly abandoned, as if it never existed. Characters reference it in passing, but the second season doesn’t expand upon their romance or delve into their friendship. Their past, which culminated in just a kiss at the end of the first season, is left largely unaddressed.

Season two tries to explore themes like Jackson questioning his role in the company and examining how nepotism impacts his career. Unstable does make an effort to address this through Jackson’s perspective, acknowledging the reality that his father’s success casts a long shadow over him. The show attempts to highlight Jackson’s struggle to prove himself as an individual, free from his father’s influence, but ultimately fails to give him the space and freedom to do so. Ellis’s overpowering presence remains a dominating factor.

Although Unstable makes an interesting attempt to depict nepotism from the perspective of someone trying to escape it, the show doesn’t allow Jackson the opportunity to truly demonstrate his own talents. Ellis’s strong and overbearing presence consistently overshadows Jackson’s efforts, preventing him from establishing his own identity and narrative.

The series introduces a potentially promising quirky plotline for a possible third season but will need to find a way to ground itself rather than relying solely on chaotic mania. In conclusion, while Unstable attempts to explore complex themes and character dynamics, it often loses its way in a whirlwind of wacky antics, leaving much of the heart and depth of the original season behind.

Source: Culturess, Unstable