10 x why you MUST watch Grace and Frankie
With series, I am sometimes a late bloomer. Which is nice, because when you discover a series, three or four seasons are already ready, waiting to be devoured by you in two or three weekends. My latest love is Grace and Frankie and I am completely into it. I believe that since Sex and the City (and you know: that was a long time ago) I haven't wanted to live in a series so much, so that's why I put my foot in your front door to get you into Grace and Frankie too. Because you will really be grateful to me.
The story isn't entirely new. It is based on the popular book series by Sara Shepard (yes, the writer of PLL).
Two women, one restaurant. The attractive, slender Grace (played by Jane Fonda) and scatterbrained hippie Frankie (Lily Tomlin) are sitting at a table waiting for their respective husbands, Robert and Sol. Robert and Sol have had a law firm together for years and have invited their wives out to dinner. They expect to announce their retirement. It will be their mutual divorce. And that they are gay. And in love with each other. Buckle up, the story is loose.
About Jane Fonda
My, she is lovely. And attractive. And well-dressed. And funny. And slender. And old but cool. Jane Fonda is the reason why turning 80 is not a nightmare, but rather something to look forward to.
The beach house
After the fateful evening, Grace and Frankie seek shelter in the beach house that their husbands once bought together as an ‘investment’ (but which ultimately turned out to be their gay love nest). The house is stunning, with a small pool and a view of the beach and sea. They say it is located in San Diego, but in reality, it is of course Malibu. And you can visit it. So it is now on my top twenty list of things I want to do. Tomorrow.
For everyone who loves Friends
The writer of the series, Martha Kaufmann, is also the woman behind Friends. Now I believe I am the only one on earth who did not devour Friends, but let's just say that Martha knows how to create an accessible comedy with characters you can relate to. And oh yes, Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe from Friends) gets a small role as Grace's nail stylist in the fourth season.
No flat laugh tracks
If there is one thing I can't stand about American series, it is the laugh tracks that are added during editing. They don't do that in Grace and Frankie. I decide for myself when I laugh. And that happens quite often.
About Frankie
Frankie who secretly sprays whipped cream into Grace's mouth and then says: ‘Well, you won't eat until Monday.’ Frankie who doesn't mind that the ex-convicts she gives painting lessons to pee in their pool. ‘That's what they invented chlorine for.’ Frankie who forces Grace to say the word ‘clitoris.’ ‘If you don't say it, I'll show you mine.’ Frankie who is going to market a biological lubricant. Frankie who calls the Apple helpdesk because she wants ‘instant gram’ and spends hours and hours on the phone with Mike the helpdesk guy. Frankie who organizes a you-must-say-yes-to-everything night with Grace that ends with the scene where they sit drunk and wild on the curb complaining about where the taxi is. Until Grace realizes that they might need to call it first.
About Lily and Jane
Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda have been friends in real life since 1980. They met on the set of ‘9 to 5’ by Dolly Parton. Their chemistry radiates from the screen.
About the drinks
No advocaat for these ladies. Grace opts for vodka (Frankie: ‘You know vodka is made from potatoes, right?’ Grace: ‘Alcohol has its own rules.’), Frankie fixes margaritas. White or red wine is also fine for Grace, but her signature drink is a Martini. Dry, with two olives. When Grace is asked why she looks so good, she replies: ‘I got help from my two Italian nutritionists. Martini and Rossi.’ Or when her daughter calls Grace, she says: ‘Mom, are you okay? I don't hear any ice cubes clinking in the background.’
About the direction
Netflix has asked 22 guest directors to direct episodes. Therefore, each episode is made with even more love and dedication.
About the dialogues
The jokes, the finds. ‘Was that before Gaymargeddon? Or shall we call it Armagaydon?’ Ah, just go see it. Dive in and when you're done, it's spring.
