If only society knew a collaboration of 5 Uncles and a nephew countered by a strong-willed single mother was what was needed in the year 2023, everyone would be... right where they are now? An even attack on motherhood & family relatives reminds us of the importance of having Aunts & Uncles supporting the intermediate family like nothing had ever changed from the upbringing of a 2nd generation uproots memories of a late 90s sitcom repackaged. This is the Jacob Hollingsworth Network - Primo Review.
Low Budget, No Problems
The budget seemed to be lacking a certain level of potential risks that may be associated with other highly touted series. It could at the very most be seen as a sexist attempt to remain relative in 2023, but alas, the derogatory remarks hold little sanction pitted with moral lessons enveloping each episode like we'd never lived past the year 2007.
Is It [Sexist] Though?
"Guys are idiots..." Understood. That is until Rollie [Johnny Rey Diaz] teaches Rafa/"Primo" [Ignacio Diaz-Silverio] an important lesson about being his best self, and in term, learning how important it is that he sets a good example for his nephew even with all the mistakes he's made himself. Mike [Henri Esteve] helping Rollie realize this constitutes the little moments held near and dear as siblings. Getting under each other's skin isn't enough until a valuable lesson is taught laced with insults that could have been removed from the conversation.
It All Comes Together, Eventually
Without the support of a heavy budget, the acting and writing must do most of the heavy lifting. At the start (Episode 1; Big Eyes), the acting feels a bit distant as "The Uncles" seem to struggle to find even ground being placed in a room where they all have extremely exaggerated one-dimensional personalities that feels like an improv session. Yet a far-out shell is formed and filled as the series goes on filling the bowl with clever demonstrations that complete each character. Each uncle had a moment to shine and never became an afterthought of another member of the cast. By the end, the link connecting Drea [Christine Vidal] from her brothers to Rafa was magical.
Comedic Evolutions Displayed by Drea
Drea was also beautifully demonstrated as a "person" and not an "ideal". The witty explanation of how Drea was able to afford Primo's party displayed the very meaning of the word "comedy" and gave her a lower middle-class embellishment. Contents of the party were later revisited when it seemed as though all of the episodes would be completely random and disconnected from each other like a 90s sitcom, links and connections showed the advancements of times. Not that the 90s weren't great for comedy series, it was the golden age, but times have changed, and the bar is higher. This is only natural and expected. Drea was a glue to each lesson Primo pinned on his memory wall.
Rafa Responding
The actions of happening to develop the main character is what makes great writing. Primo never lacked confliction as the show moved along. There was always something for Rafa to learn and react to. Whether it was trying to impress Mya [Stakiah Lynn Washington] or struggling to find a way to make an impact on life itself. The act of reaction is just as important as the "How does he react?" Each time Rafa reacted, he reacted of his age as a 16-year-old male. "Agism!" It's hard to not find something to be offended by these days. Which goes back to the advancements of comedy. Layers and layers must be combined to invoke relation to the audience without offence. Offence comes less often when there is relation. Rafa was such a relatable character because of the constant reimaging of conflict. Challenges are a part of life. It's how we all react that makes us who we are.