Scott Foley drama works well
Following the success of faith-based hits “The Chosen” and “House of David,” Amazon Prime is expanding the genre with “It’s Not Like That,” from creators Ian Deitchman and Kristin Robinson. The complex family drama uses Christianity as its crutch, but also expands outward to explore the difficult nuances and unexpected circumstances that arise amid major life changes. A thoughtful show about parenting, friendship and love. ‘It’s Not Like That’ is a breath of fresh air without feeling like it’s religious propaganda.
The eight-episode season is set in Atlanta and begins on the first day of school. This year, however, looks very different for Grace Community Church pastor Malcolm (a perfectly cast Scott Foley) and his three children, teenager Flora (Leven Miranda), high schooler Penelope (Cassidy Paul), and culinary prodigy Justin (Cary Christopher). Malcolm’s wife, Jenny (Tyner Rushing), recently passed away and everyone is struggling to adjust to the new normal. Across the street, Jenny’s best friend, Lori (Erinn Hayes), is also trying to find her footing. Shortly after Jenny’s death, her husband, David (JR Ramirez), filed for divorce, leaving her and her children, high school wrestler Merritt (Caleb Baumann) and tween Casey (Liv Lindell), reeling.
Although the kids leave with little fanfare on their first day, Malcolm and Lori find themselves in tears in their respective cars. As the couple navigates this new chapter, they find themselves drawn to each other, strengthening their bond. Malcolm is steady and calm and is often the voice of reason, even when his own children, especially Flora, lash out. Lori is the most emotional and confused of the pair, but she gives him a sense of familiarity and comfort that he begins to long for as the show progresses. As Malcolm and Lori rely on each other for care, grief and dating advice, they must also confront their own emerging romantic feelings. Things get even trickier because David is still an active parent and a friend of Malcolm’s.
“It’s Not Like That” doesn’t focus exclusively on the adults, and doesn’t shy away from revealing how the children and teens in the show experience grief. Justin is bullied at school, but doesn’t want to be a burden to his father. Despite being best friends all their lives, something has broken between Penelope and Casey. Meanwhile, Merritt is devastated by his parents’ divorce, and his ways of dealing with his pain and anger are extremely destructive. Finally, there is Flora, who becomes realistic about the pressure she feels as a preacher’s child mourning the death of her mother, while having the responsibilities and expectations of an eldest daughter.
While Lori and Malcolm’s will-they-won’t-they work well thanks to Foley and Hayes’ chemistry, the parenting storylines are the most compelling here. Both adults demonstrate patience and level-headedness as they guide their children through this new chapter, without forcing them to ignore or cover up any fear or pain. When Flora refuses to go to church, Malcolm doesn’t pressure her. Instead, she gets to direct her own relationship with God. Additionally, as tension between Penelope and Casey reaches a boiling point, Lori and Malcolm let the girls handle things themselves.
“It’s Not Like That” is neither preachy nor exclusionary, unlike many faith-based shows and films. Instead, Christianity is a guiding light for the characters. Yet they do not force their faith on others. Furthermore, none of the themes presented here feel atypical for someone who has been forced to confront devastating life events, regardless of what he or she personally believes. And since David is a recovering alcoholic, Merritt and Flora are teenagers with hormones and emotions, and one of Malcolm’s best friends is an imam, discussions about alcohol, sex, and other religions are prominent. Life can be tumultuous for believers and non-believers alike, and the show acknowledges that well. This show is not ‘7th Heaven’, and for that we should all be grateful.
All eight episodes of “It’s Not Like That” will premiere on Prime Video on May 15.
