Hindsight (2015)
4/10
"Being Erica", but glammed up and flighty.
15 January 2015
This is a well-produced piece of shiny nonsense.

Sorry. I know there are jobs at stake in TV production land, but if you're involved with this project, you're making narcissistic brain candy and should perhaps take a moment to consider seeking more fulfilling employment.

Because while I love time travel stories, this one is tailor-made for nitwits. If it goes long, you will be dedicating several years of your life to increasing the net stupidity of American culture.

Clearly, the Canadian show "Being Erica" upon which "Hindsight" was modeled, was carefully watched by the executives. Anybody familiar with the former will immediately notice all the similarities and character archetypes. Everything from the coffee-getter publishing job, the overbearing gayish boss, the irresponsible drinking buddy girlfriend, the troubled but beloved brother, the mysterious time doctor type.., and yet, it was the pointless surface patterns which were borrowed by the producers here, while all of the insight and cleverness of "Being Erica" has been binned. -Either deliberately because "Hindsight" is targeting idiots, or through sheer foolishness because whoever is in charge simply doesn't get it.

My main gripe: The main character, Becca, is mentally in her early 40's but has little to show for that much living. She still acts like an impulsive child-woman. She is in fact not at all out of place in the world of 23 year-olds. -Petty, spoiled American Princess 23 year-olds, to be clear. There are a precious few flashes of maturity spotted here and there, but they feel shallow and deliberately inserted because, "She'd know stuff, right?"

Where "Being Erica" focused on improving one's life through personal, guided introspection and experimentation, (based on a blend of therapeutic behavioral psychology and various enlightened philosophies), this show appears to have no point whatsoever.

What purpose is there in magically giving a second chance to this character? And come to think of it... What need for a second chance did Becca even have? Where "Being Erica" begins with the main character waking up in a hospital ward after having hit rock bottom, Becca...

-In the present, Becca has no material needs, she's got a good job she's worked her way up the ranks of... Money, success, health (and 23 year-old looks, apparently) and a worthy partner who loves her. The big problem she faces appears to be that she just doesn't feel that Lovin' Feelin' quite enough when she's with her husband to be.

News Flash lady: You can fix that. Don't marry him. You've got endless life advantages most Americans can only dream of at your disposal and the world stretching out in front of you. The only thing you are apparently missing is a brain.

And while that could easily serve as the center point around which to revolve this story, I can't see any hope of this time travel excursion having been set into action as an attempt to address that deficit. Self-actualization and spiritual growth don't appear to be on the menu.

It's a poor little princess tale with no lessons in the offing and a bunch of unsatisfying iPhone jokes.

If you'd like to watch something which doesn't make you want to bark at the main characters, "Being Erica" is the opposite pill in every way; fun, uplifting, charming and smart.

I gave "Hindsight" a 4/10 because it at least *looks* pretty and the acting, editing and story structure are competent for what it is.
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