America is addicted to romance. Through books, television, and movies we see countless forms of love and affection, and in a sense, receive a fantasized depiction on what love should be. We’ve been told that love is “destiny” and “never having to say you’re sorry.” In reality, love is hard and takes effort to perfect. That is why FX’s “You’re the Worst” is one of the best shows about love: it never tries to be something it’s not.
“You’re the Worst” centers on the tumultuous relationship between Jimmy (played by Chris Geere) and Gretchen (played by Aya Cash). They are mean, selfish, and cynical and in no way want to be in a relationship. As they continue to see each other, the two star-crossed lovers form actual feelings for one another. What makes the show work is that it doesn’t sugar coat what being a couple is really like, “You’re the Worst” gets to the marrow of a dysfunctional relationship.
The cast shines throughout, and each actor gives an idiosyncratic tone to their character which makes them unique. Jimmy’s roommate Edgar (played by Desmin Borges) suffers from PTSD and is also a heroin addict. Even though it is a dark character on the surface, Borges plays him with an aw-shucks charisma that you can’t help but admire. The supporting cast also features Gretchen’s best friend Lindsay (played by Kether Donohue) as a woman in a stale marriage and Sam Dresdsen (played by Brandon Smith) as a Tyler the Creator clone who shows up for a few minutes every episode to swear and be outrageous.
With shows like “How I Met Your Mother” and “Friends” giving a more dramatized version of love, “You’re the Worst” gets to what really goes on. It shows an intimate look on one night stands, couples saying how much they hate certain things about each other, and doing bad things only because they are bad. Not all couples consist of terrible partners, but it shows no matter who you are, you can always find someone.
“You’re the Worst” is not all about love, it is also one of the funniest shows I’ve seen in recent memory. The insults that Jimmy and Gretchen throw at others (and each other) are classic. The “friendship” Jimmy has with his adolescent neighbor is simultaneously weird and cute. As a single camera sitcom with no laugh track, “You’re the Worst” has the formula of other cult comedies like “30 Rock” or “The Office”.
It may not be on a major television network, but “You’re the Worst” is still a must watch show of the now fading summer. Even though it has not been renewed for a second season (fingers crossed), it has potential to go further and become more accessible to viewers. It is not a show we deserve, but is one we need right now.
