MacGruber

MacGruber is an anticipated American action-comedy television series based on the memorable Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch and 2010 film of the same name. Following the success of the original parody and the cult classic film, this show was developed by the original creators and is set to premiere on the NBC Universal streaming service Peacock in 2021.

The series brings back the hilariously inept special operative MacGruber, a parody character of the 80s action hero MacGyver, once again portrayed by Will Forte. Following the tradition of the character, MacGruber often finds himself in various deadly situations strewn with comedic relief. He is known to use his exceptional though often misguided and overly complicated problem-solving skills, frequently involving the use of everyday items and duct tape, to save the day.

As the series opens, we find MacGruber a decade down the line from where we last saw him. Having spent years in prison, MacGruber emerges, desperate to take on a world that has moved on without him. With all his quirks and eccentricities intact, he attempts to navigate this new landscape while taking on dangerous missions that only someone of his caliber would dare.

The series continues to portray MacGruber as a flawed hero, prone to absurdities and follies that produce a riot of laughter. He manages to trip over his overconfidence and often botches things up in the most ludicrous ways. However, he brings a level of enthusiasm and persistence that easily draws audiences into rooting for him.

The character arc does not just stop with MacGruber. The series also sees the return of his indispensable team from the original film. Kristen Wiig reprises her character as Vicki St. Elmo, MacGruber's love interest and loyal sidekick, and Ryan Phillippe as Dixon Piper, the more competent part of the team. Their dynamic, complete with clever banter, comedic timing, and chaotic situations, forms the very heart of the show, amplifying the humor and absurdity that fans love.

The series has been produced by the original creators, John Solomon and Jorma Taccone, who also serve as directors in addition to MacGruber's portrayer Will Forte. This cohesive production team ensures that the essence and fan-favorite elements of the original MacGruber are heavily preserved and enhanced in this follow-up series.

The show promises the signature blend of slapstick comedy, ridiculous scenarios, and over-the-top action sequences that the MacGruber franchise celebrated in the original SNL sketches. However, it's not simply a rehashed version of the film or the sketch. This time around, it has space to breathe, stretch its narrative, and delve into character development more than its predecessor, allowing for more laughs and suspense in its extended format.

In essence, the MacGruber series asserts a cheeky, unapologetic charm with its spoof of the 80s action hero trope. Forte, with his unique brand of physical, goofy humor and commitment to the character, ensures that MacGruber's exploits, as absurd and outrageous as they may be, will offer plenty of laughter and entertainment.

Despite its roots in parody, the show doesn't solely rely on mockery but crafts its own world and story, allowing new viewers to enjoy MacGruber without any prior knowledge of the character's SNL or movie history. The mix of nostalgia for fans of the original, along with fresh plot twists and character developments, makes the series an engaging watch for both old and new audiences.

In conclusion, MacGruber is a wild ride that embraces its absurdity while delivering intriguing storylines and hilarious performances. With an endearing, if somewhat inept, lead character and a talented, committed cast, this action-comedy promises to be a uniquely entertaining addition to the Peacock platform's roster in 2021. It's a testament to those craving nostalgic humor and a gentle nod to an era of adventure-laden movie heroes of the past, sure to have viewers eagerly tuning in.