From the fantastic mind of Tina Fey (and her producing partner Robert Carlock) comes another winner. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt features the same type of zany, off the wall comedy as her last series 30 Rock. If you liked that series then you are sure to enjoy this one.
The story centers around a young woman named Kimmy (played by Ellie Kemper) who was held underground with a couple of other women as part of a doomsday cult. As a result she has no knowledge of what happened over the past fifteen years and is quite naïve. Armed with a pair of sneaker and her backpack, Kimmy decides to live in New York City. Instead of being eaten up by the rough and tumble city, Kimmy tends to end up on her feet no matter what she undertakes. Needing a place to live she quickly finds a place complete with a roommate, Titus (played by Tituss Burgess), and a very quirky landlady (played by Carol Kane). Next up is needing money so a job. That box is checked when she stumbles into the super-rich and odd household of Jacqueline Voorhees (played by Jane Krakowski), who hires her as the new nanny. That despite the fact that she really has no experience with kids or life in general. No matter the obstacle Kimmy always seems to land on her feet.
It is a rather surreal yet delightful ball of humour. And unlike other shows, especially of the comedic variety, which tend to be very up and down in regards to quality, each episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is funny. Though it is all rather straight-talking humour. No beating around the bush here. Nothing subtle goes on in regards to getting a laugh or poking fun at. Plenty of social criticism to lap up.
The cast is all wonderful. What can be said at this point about Carol Kane. She does odd better than most in comedy. Tina Fey vet Jane Krakowski is her usual great. With no ego she will do anything to get a laugh. A revelation for me is Tituss Burgess. He plays an over the top gay man with unfulfilled Broadway aspirations. His exaggeration of this stereotypical character is what makes it. Though many think that Ellie Kemper came out of nowhere the lady has been lurking in the comedy background for years. She was even on the American version of The Office. Admittedly, this is her first lead actress gig and she demonstrates she can carry a show.
