Frayed
By Mandie Caroll,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Funny, edgy riches-to-rags dramedy has some teen appeal.
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Frayed
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What's the Story?
FRAYED begins with Sammy Cooper (Sarah Kendall), a wealthy housewife in late-1980s London, identifying her dead husband at the hospital. She learns that her husband had committed fraud, leaving her and their kids penniless. Under the lie of "complications with the estate," she moves in with her mother, Jean, and man-child brother, Jim, in her hometown of Newcastle, Australia. There, Sammy must face all those she hurt by disappearing 20 years before, as well as get a job and pay off her debts. Multiple storylines tell this family's story: Uncle Jim is prickly and crude, but has a soft spot for his sister's kids. Jean is a recovering alcoholic, has a love interest, and struggles to stay sober. Sammy's kids, Lenny and Tess, are shocked to learn their mother's life in London was a lie -- they didn't even know her real name or that they had an uncle. They also struggle to adjust, and bullies target them both. The shocker Season 1 finale leaves lots to resolve in another season.
Is It Any Good?
This Aussie import charms and disturbs with its creative twist on the "homecoming" story. Sarah Kendall, who wrote Frayed and plays Sammy, delivers a story that feels real and absurd. A self-centered liar, Sammy fled a broken heart when she first left Australia. Her plotting to return to London, though, feels like a ridiculous pursuit, stalling reconciliations she wants at home. Uncle Jim is sadly one-dimensional, and the butt of many jokes -- he's dumb, racist, and sexist, though his soft spot for his sister's kids can be endearing. Jean and Tess's storylines are the most satisfying to watch as they struggle to adjust and stay true to themselves.
Though a dramedy, the show can feel disjointed when drama overshadows humor. The racism is pointless beyond cheap laughs, and the show offers weak commentary on women's equality. Still, the multiple storylines leave viewers with plenty to explore. Teens will enjoy the young people's stories and seeing parents struggle to grow up, and adults will laugh and cringe as Sammy gets herself into absurd situations. A solid pick for older teens and adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the morally flawed characters in Frayed. What actions and decisions come back to haunt the main characters? How do these affect your opinion of the characters? What makes them likable? What makes them unlikable?
Both Tess and Lenny experience bullying at school. Does the bullying they experience feel realistic? How does it compare to bullying you see these days? What would you do, and who could you talk to, if you were being bullied?
What do the racist and sexist jokes and comments say about the year this film is set in (1989)? Are things better now, or do people still talk this way? What can you do to address people who say racist and sexist things?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 30, 2020
- Cast: Sarah Kendall , Kerry Armstrong , George Houvardas
- Network: Max
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , High School
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: July 10, 2023
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