Disjointed

Disjointed is an American series set against the backdrop of an intriguing new world of legalized marijuana. Streaming on Netflix and running from 2017 to 2018, the sitcom is set in Los Angeles, California, a city famous for its progressive attitudes and cutting-edge culture. This is the setting where the central character, Ruth Whitefeather Feldman, portrayed by the remarkable Kathy Bates, operates her cannabis dispensary. The series is a perfect blend of humor, social commentary, and character studies not typically found in conventional sitcoms.

The series is a production brainchild of industry decorated veterans, David Javerbaum and Chuck Lorre. Lorre, known for his work on other popular sitcoms such as The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men, brings his knack for character development and comic timing to Disjointed. Javerbaum, a former head writer for The Daily Show, lends his comedic perspective to the series, which oscillates between absurd, surreal, and biting humor.

Ruth, the matriarch of the story, is a lifelong advocate for the legalization of cannabis, and she finally sees her dreams come true with her dispensary. However, establishing and maintaining a business is fraught with its own unique set of challenges. Ruth is running her dispensary with her MBA-graduate son, creating a hilarious clash of old school hippie principles clashing with new age business strategies.

The show revolves around the interactions between Ruth, her son, three "budtenders" who work in the dispensary, and the security guard, each with their own amusing quirks and eclectic personalities. The cast of the series is complemented by engaging secondary characters: customers who hail from various walks of life and personify the eclectic diversity of Los Angeles.

Whereas the plotline of Disjointed hinges on the comedic side, the show does make the effort to thoughtfully explore serious themes. It tackles issues associated with marijuana; from the political and social impacts of its legalisation to the varying experiences personal users might have. A powerful subplot running through the series also confronts the therapeutic uses of marijuana for post-traumatic disorders, a nod towards the show’s commitment to go beyond surface-level marijuana-related humor.

Disjointed’s approach to story-telling is an interesting one, using a mix of traditional scripted sequences, offbeat animations, and faux commercials to drive the plot. The approach, while unconventional, adds a unique layer to the viewing experience, particularly in the representation of hallucinations and dreams. The use of such methods highlights how the series is not just a regular sitcom, but also an unabashed reflection of the evolving sociocultural attitudes towards marijuana.

The series has a unique, almost surreal sense of humor. The jokes are sharp, unexpected, and sometimes complex, leading to bursts of laughter as well as moments of introspection. Notably, the show never truly takes a definitive stance on the use of Marijuana, continually straddling the fine line between gentle satire and promotion. This is balanced out with sobering moments that discuss the realities of addiction, responsibility, and the implications of the legal marijuana business.

Through a combination of innovative storytelling techniques, relevant social conversations and well-painted comedic characters, Disjointed manages to create its own unique niche within the array of sitcoms available on Netflix. The show provides a refreshing perspective on the cannabis discourse and blends it artfully with humor, emotional depth, and sensational performances. For those interested in an unconventional sitcom landscape that isn’t afraid to push boundaries and explore new territory, Disjointed delivers a potent dose of entertainment.