Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend is a delightfully humorous and heart-warming show that continues the highly adored Netflix original series, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. This interactive special premiered in 2020 and brought back all of the fans' favorite characters for one last, thrilling, and unique adventure.

In this special, we continue the journey of the relentlessly optimistic Kimmy Schmidt, played by Emmy-nominated actor Ellie Kemper. After being rescued from an underground bunker where she was held by a deranged reverend for fifteen years, Kimmy moved to New York City in the series to start a new life. She took the viewers along with her as she navigated her way through the complexities of the modern world.

In Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, Kimmy is on the verge of getting married to her Prince Charming, Frederick (Daniel Radcliffe). However, before she can move along with her fairytale wedding, she stumbles upon an old choose-your-own-adventure book from the bunker that sets her off on another, unexpected adventure. Kimmy realizes that there might be other women imprisoned by the Reverend, expertly portrayed by Jon Hamm.

Kimmy, alongside best friend and roommate Titus Andromedon, played by the hilariously funny Tituss Burgess, ventures to put an end to the Reverend's atrocities once and for all. The interactive nature of the special gives viewers the opportunity to pave the path of the story. Just as with the similarly structured Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, viewers are given multiple choices at different points in the story, which leads to various outcomes and episodes ranging from hilarity to heartbreak.

The special maintains the original series's signature style, blending absurdist humour with insightful commentary on social issues. Fans of the original series will be delighted to see the cast ensemble once again, with Carol Kane reprising her role as eccentric landlord Lillian Kaushtupper and Jane Krakowski as the wealthy Jacqueline White.

The genius of the screenplay penned by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock is the novel interactive format that never lets the viewer passively watch the storyline unfold. Instead, it provides a unique, participatory viewing experience where you're at the helm of deciding the different narrative sequences.

The special manages to delicately tackle complex subjects such as trauma, self-esteem issues, and empowerment, painting them with a coat of fresh, optimistic colour that is embodied by Kimmy Schmidt herself. Kimmy vs. the Reverend seals this trait and takes the audience on a laughter riot, just as the original series, all while never compromising on delivering messages of courage and resilience.

Given the interactive nature of the special, the storyline tends to be more flexible and free-flowing, with choices leading to different outcomes, reincorporating characters or elements that died or disappeared previously. The unpredictable nature of the screenplay keeps the viewers on their toes and constantly engaged.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend becomes a fitting extension to the original series, providing closure to certain characters and pushing boundaries regarding how stories can be narrated on a streaming platform.

Thanks to the stellar performances of its cast and unique interactive storytelling format, Kimmy vs. the Reverend instantly hooks viewers in ways that not many other shows can. It's a testament to Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's unique blend of comedy that the interactive format doesn't feel like a gimmicky ploy but rather a logical step forward for the show's colourful characters and ludicrous situations.

In short, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend is a captivating, interactive finale filled with all the hysterical twist and turns that made the series such a hit. It holds onto what made the characters so lovable and relatable in the first place, and elevates it, making the audience an integral part of the storytelling experience. This blend of humor, heart, and innovation makes this special a must-watch for fans of the original series and newcomers, alike.