While I applaud the show for using a unique storytelling device to try to keep things fresh, it simply doesn't land for me. This is the third time I can think of where the show significantly deviates from its typical format after Connection Lost (2015) and Phil's Sexy, Sexy House (2015), and I don't think this episode lives up to the former ones.
This concept of 5 minute scenes to create four separate vignettes among the characters is a compelling idea and had the potential to be really impactful, but instead it was wasted on stories that were unfunny, didn't move the story forward, or both.
The Mitch & Cam story was admittedly quite funny and didn't need to be plot driven. I give that one 9/10.
The story with Phil, Claire, and Alex felt like it was forced to be five minutes long. The parents finding out about Ben moved the plot forward, but the writing for this scene felt reminiscent of when I would turn a 4-page paper into a 5-page paper by just adding a bunch of fluff. I give it a 4/10.
The Manny, Jay, and Gloria story felt like it came from a script someone wrote for an indie short-film contest. It felt like it was trying to be very compelling and eye-opening, but I was just bored. I didn't laugh once. There was nothing pertaining to plot. I didn't need it. I give it an 2/10.
The Haley & Rainer bit was an easy end to their relationship, but once again didn't really need to be five minutes. It didn't feel as forced as the Alex one, but it didn't feel earned. There was hardly any comedy, and I could tell a minute in where it was going. 5/10
Overall, I wanted this to be better than it was, but I do appreciate the attempt at something new.
This concept of 5 minute scenes to create four separate vignettes among the characters is a compelling idea and had the potential to be really impactful, but instead it was wasted on stories that were unfunny, didn't move the story forward, or both.
The Mitch & Cam story was admittedly quite funny and didn't need to be plot driven. I give that one 9/10.
The story with Phil, Claire, and Alex felt like it was forced to be five minutes long. The parents finding out about Ben moved the plot forward, but the writing for this scene felt reminiscent of when I would turn a 4-page paper into a 5-page paper by just adding a bunch of fluff. I give it a 4/10.
The Manny, Jay, and Gloria story felt like it came from a script someone wrote for an indie short-film contest. It felt like it was trying to be very compelling and eye-opening, but I was just bored. I didn't laugh once. There was nothing pertaining to plot. I didn't need it. I give it an 2/10.
The Haley & Rainer bit was an easy end to their relationship, but once again didn't really need to be five minutes. It didn't feel as forced as the Alex one, but it didn't feel earned. There was hardly any comedy, and I could tell a minute in where it was going. 5/10
Overall, I wanted this to be better than it was, but I do appreciate the attempt at something new.