“High Desert”: A Disappointing Comedy-Drama That Falls Short of Expectations

…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.

“High Desert” Falls Short of Expectations Despite Patricia Arquette’s Efforts

“High Desert” had promising potential with a script from experienced writers Katie Ford, Nancy Fichman, and Jennifer Hoppe, known for their work on successful shows like “Grace and Frankie” and “Nurse Jackie.”

However, the series fails to deliver both in terms of comedy and emotional impact, despite the best efforts of lead actress Patricia Arquette.

While the ensemble cast shows promise, the show’s flaws and lack of chemistry among the characters prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Peggy’s Struggles and Career:

Patricia Arquette plays Peggy, a recovering addict who is still coping with the loss of her mother.

She navigates a difficult life, working and stealing to get by while her husband is in jail.

Peggy’s job as an actress in a struggling western saloon theme park adds an eerie touch to her already precarious existence.

The most genuine aspect of the show is Peggy’s strained relationship with her squeaky-clean brother and sister, portrayed credibly by Christine Taylor.

Peggy’s Turning Point:

After facing numerous hardships, Peggy sees an ad offering an opportunity to become a private investigator.

This eureka moment sets the stage for the series.

However, the comedic stupidity of the antagonists and their over-the-top portrayals often overshadow the show’s darker and more tender moments, making it difficult to fully invest in Peggy’s journey.

Missed Opportunities and Lacking Banter:

There are missed opportunities for Peggy to engage in witty banter with Bruce, the private investigator played by Brad Garrett.

Their interactions mainly revolve around a repetitive gag, where Peggy reads the fine print of any transaction as she exits the room.

The character of Carol, Peggy’s best friend, played by Weruche Opia, also falls short due to lifeless dialogue.

The large ensemble introduced around Peggy could benefit from further development, with Bernadette Peters’s character, Rosalyn, in particular, needing more fleshing out.

Arquette’s Commitment and Exhaustion:

Patricia Arquette’s dedication to her role is evident, as she fully immerses herself in the character of Peggy.

She displays a range of emotions and tackles various scenes with energy and commitment.

However, the show’s flaws and lackluster comedy make her efforts exhausting to watch.

The Problem with Peggy and the Plot:

The show’s main flaw lies in the character of Peggy herself.

While intended to be flawed and frustrating, her happy-go-lucky nature alone is not enough to carry the show.

The tired jokes, reliance on slapstick comedy, and lack of chemistry with supporting characters undermine Peggy’s development.

Her drug addiction feels like an afterthought, and the supposed depth of her grief for her mother is rarely explored.

Additionally, the portrayal of her relationship with her husband lacks the emotional connection expected of a couple who were once deeply in love.

Peggy’s supposed genius for deduction and detective work only stands out because of the incompetence of those around her, making the plot feel contrived and lacking in originality.

Final Verdict:

“High Desert” is a show that tries to juggle multiple narratives but fails to deliver a consistent sense of threat, excitement, or fun.

Despite Patricia Arquette’s enthusiastic performance, the shortcomings of the script make it difficult to fully enjoy the series.

Considering Arquette’s recent successes as an executive producer, it is disappointing to see her talent go to waste in a lackluster production.

“High Desert”: A Disappointing Comedy-Drama That Falls Short of Expectations

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