This Fool
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Authentic oddball cousins series has cursing, smoking.
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This Fool
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What's the Story?
Based on the life of Los Angeles-raised comedian Chris Estrada, THIS FOOL is a comedy series about a man who begins to reevaluate his life while helping his cousin rebuild his. Thirty year-old Julio Lopez (played by Estrada) lives in South Central L.A., where he lives at home with his mother (Laura Palatano) and grandmother (Julia Vera), and maintains a dysfunctional relationship with his ex-girlfriend Maggie (Michelle Ortiz), who he's known since high school. He also works as a rehabilitation counselor at Hugs Not Thugs, an organization founded by the potty-mouthed Minister Payne (Michael Imperioli) to rehabilitate gang members released from prison. Julio is comfortable in his life, even if he's a bit of a pushover. But when his older cousin Michael (Frankie Quiñones) is released from prison, moves into his family's home, and grudgingly joins Hugs Not Thugs, Julio starts to think about his life a little differently.
Is It Any Good?
This funny series offers an honest portrayal of a relationship between two cousins who are both friends and foes. Julio is straightlaced and sometimes self-righteous, while the troubled Michael is trying to find his footing in a world that has changed while he's been in prison. The fact that both men do a better job of seeing flaws in the other rather than in themselves leads to lots of amusing tension and well-timed exchanges. Thanks to some solid writing, the series also manages to address the systemic economic and social challenges, and some of the cultural dynamics, that have specifically shaped their lives with humor. All of these moments are part of an overarching narrative that focuses on the importance of family and friendship. Nonetheless, it's the authentic way that This Fool tells this story that makes it worth checking out.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stand up comedians who have their own shows. Are they promotional vehicles for their stand up? What happens if a successful comedian has an unsuccessful series?
What is the difference between authentic media portrayals of a culture or community vs. stereotypical ones? How can you tell the difference? How would you characterize the way Julio Lopez's family and larger Latinx community is portrayed in This Fool?
TV Details
- Premiere date: August 12, 2022
- Cast: Chris Estrada , Frankie Quinones , Michelle Ortiz , Michael Imperioli
- Network: Hulu
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: December 1, 2022
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Where to Watch
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