Imaginary Mary

Imaginary Mary is a unique television sitcom that debuted in 2017 on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). Blending elements of animation with live-action sequences, the show presents an engaging narrative style that also draws upon aspects of fantasy, drama, and comedy.

The show's primary narrative revolves around the protagonist, Alice, played by Jenna Elfman. Alice is a public relations executive who prides herself on her successful career and independent lifestyle, which enables her to manage high-profile sports clients. Alice thrived in her single, child-free lifestyle until she unexpectedly fell in love with a divorced father of three children.

In the midst of this personal life upheaval, Alice's childhood imaginary friend, Mary, unexpectedly returns to help her navigate this challenging situation. Mary is a fully animated character, brought to life through clever CGI effects and voiced by the talented Rachel Dratch from Saturday Night Live fame. She's an adorably fluffy, irreverent and meticulously designed creature whose visually striking presence adds an exciting, whimsical twist to the show's narrative dynamic. Although Mary is endearing, her advice often leans on the slightly misguided side and she tends to cause Alice more trouble than assistance.

The show explores the complex dynamics of relationships and blended families while highlighting the struggles of responding to life's unpredictable changes. Alice has little experience with children and now has to adjust to three kids instantaneously along with navigating a serious relationship; tasks she finds daunting and often overwhelming. The humorous elements of the series primarily emerge from Alice's clumsy attempts to engage with her boyfriend's children. In contrast, the more emotional aspects of the show resonate through the connection between Alice and the imaginary Mary. Mary offers an intriguing glance into the mind of Alice, serving as a fountain of inner dialogue, personal insecurities, and deepest fears.

Alice’s boyfriend, Ben, portrayed by Stephen Schneider, adds another layer of complexity to the series. A divorced father of three, Ben is loyal, easy-going, and absolutely devoted to his children, often at the cost of his own personal time and space. His equally chaotic and endearing children are portrayed with great comic timing and youthful charm. Their interactions with Alice make for some genuinely light-hearted viewing, and the kids, not having any knowledge about Mary, add to the humorous confusion.

The series was created by Adam F. Goldberg and David Guarascio. The executive producers include Doug Robinson, Mary’s voice-actor Rachel Dratch, and Saturday Night Live’s alumnae, Patrick Osborne. The blend of animation with live-action might seem like a gimmick on the surface, but this audacious blend is executed with dexterity in the show, making the imaginary Mary an indispensable part of Alice's reality.

The charm of Imaginary Mary lies in its heart-warming representation of learning to change one's path in life; to adapt, and to confront one's fears. The relationship between Alice and Mary also serves as an integral part of the show's narrative fabric, which seamlessly weaves the real with the imaginary in a metaphor for the larger truth of human existence. It invites viewers to look introspectively, forcing them to confront the question, "what would my imaginary friend make of my life?"

Imaginary Mary's creative fusion of animation and live action, combined with carefully crafted narratives, provide viewers with a unique, heartfelt and often very funny exploration of modern relationships and family life. With a comedy that is both bright and edgy, delightful yet thought-provoking, Imaginary Mary effectively blends laughs, life lessons, whimsical animation, and the very real emotional complexities of adulthood into its narrative. It's a comedy series that isn't afraid to toy with the boundaries of realism to make a meaningful commentary on life.