Red Oaks

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1980s, Amazon Studios' "Red Oaks" is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that stitches nostalgia, humor, and heart into each of its three seasons. The show, which ran from 2014 until 2017, captures a refreshing mix of adolescent awkwardness, wistful romance, and glimmers of profound wisdom all bundled up in the perfect summer job at a New Jersey country club.

The protagonist, David Myers, played by Craig Roberts, is the everyman college student navigating the treacherous waters of his life. He is at the heart of most subplots. David grapples with the pressures of choosing a career, his romantic entanglements, and his parents' marital problems - all while working as an assistant tennis professional at the Red Oaks Country Club. It’s David’s connection with the various members and staff of the club, many of whom are eccentric or outright bizarre, that forms the central pulse of the narrative.

The show balances a variety of themes — youth, friendship, love, ambition, and self-discovery. The essential element that "Red Oaks" brings to the forefront is the roller-coaster ride of self-discovery that every individual experiences during their youth. It’s about coming to terms with the fact that life isn’t always about achieving the ideal but doing the best you can with what you've got.

Red Oaks sports an ensemble cast with eclectic characters that reflect the bold, colorful era in which it takes place. Ennis Esmer steals the show as Nash, the charmingly rogue head tennis pro, whose worldly wisdom often guides David. Meanwhile, the beautiful and talented Alexandra Socha plays Skye, the rebellious daughter of the country club's president, with whom David develops a complex relationship.

Richard Kind and Jennifer Grey play David's parents, and their performances effectively highlight the paradoxes and complexities of middle-age. Paul Reiser exudes an aura of villainy as the Country Club's president, Getty. Nevertheless, these characters – no matter how flawed, weird, or even unpleasant – demand empathy, and that's where "Red Oaks" schmoozes the viewer. It's hard not to find something relatable in each of the characters, their struggles, their joys, their failures and triumphs, their evolution, or the lack thereof.

The 1980s setting imbues the series with an endearing vintage flavor. Everything from the costume design, music, and cinematography -- are purposefully and authentically crafted to echo the distinct personality of the '80s. The soundtrack is a carefully curated mixtape with classics from bands like The Clash, Talking Heads, and Twisted Sister. It’s a treat for the audiophiles who appreciate the distinctive sound of the era.

The series is produced by Amazon Studios, with creators Joe Gangemi and Gregory Jacobs. Notable among the directors are David Gordon Green and Amy Heckerling, contributing their adept storytelling techniques to the show's unique charm. Behind its fun-loving exterior, "Red Oaks" successfully probes deeper, forcing its viewers to question their perceptions about marriage, friendships, careers, and life goals.

"Red Oaks" is filled with nostalgic charm, but it's far from rose-tinted. The show hits the right balance between sweetness and bitterness, hope and despair, and humor and seriousness. Above all, it admirably captures the timelessness of youthful discovery and confusion, regardless of the era in which you grow up.

In short, "Red Oaks" offers more than just an enchanting tapestry of 80s nostalgia. It’s in part a love story, a journey of growing up and growing old, filled with timeless themes of love, friendship, loss, and life set against a hilarious country club backdrop. It's a series that can make you laugh out loud and cause you to introspect in the same breath, and therein lies its charm.

In the world of streaming series and unlimited options, "Red Oaks" is a hidden gem that beautifully unfolds a nostalgic voyage to the '80s. It stands as a cherished invitation to take a reflective detour traversing the minefields of youth, dreams, heartbreak, and joy — all in one laid-back summer.