By Vivek Julka
‘The birds don’t sing, they screech in pain’ is the title of the first episode of the Netflix show Beef. This phrase suggests we misinterpret birds singing as a peaceful thing when they are actually crying out for help. It is a fitting title to sum up the two main characters, and we learn a lot about them quickly.
Beef is about two normal people from LA who have become bitter rivals. The table is set immediately as in the second scene we are thrown into the midst of a road rage incident. Amy (Ali Wong) and Danny (Steven Yeun) are our warring drivers and they’re soon locked in a frantic cat and mouse chase which ends with Amy threatening to rear-end Danny’s truck. The pacing of this episode was perfect from the car chase to introducing both Amy and Danny’s families then resulting in a funny climax.
This first episode is only 40 minutes but it does a great job of introducing the two main characters’ personalities, establishing where they work and the relationships they have with their family members.
Amy and Danny have two completely different lives but share similar struggles with their professional careers and also their personal relationships. Amy is a successful businesswoman with a family in a fancy home whereas Danny is a failing contractor without a family and lives in a small house he shares with his brother.
Although they have different lives, they are similar people. Despite Amy’s perfect life we learn that she is not happy which suggests to the audience money doesn’t always make you happy. Danny is also depressed as it is clear from his online search of the least painful way to kill himself.
The ending of the first episode encourages the audience to continue watching as Danny tracks down Amy’s house but Amy manages to get his number plate setting up another showdown.
Lee Sung Jin (creator of ‘Beef’) has created a simple but meaningful plot and established many characters in the first episode. A good blend of comedy and drama is developed. I don’t know how this plot can stretch to 10 episodes but let’s see where it takes us. It is worth starting though especially if you like dark comedy.
