Should I Add Ozarks To My List?

Is there anything extraordinary about Netflix’s hit series Ozarks? No.

Is it worth it? Yes.

We have your stereotypical American family; a stay at home i-gave-up-my-career-for-the-kids mom, weird little brother, annoying teenage daughter and a “regular” dad (who launders drug money for the Mexican cartel). A great plot for a 2 hour long movie rather than a 10 episode series but the show still carries.

Is someone casting for an emotionless, middle-aged dad with a lot on his mind? That is basically Jason Bateman's forte. His performance as Marty Byrde is solid and carries the series very well. Our guy Marty is juggling, the Mexican cartel, a failed marriage, killer hillbillies, puberty and a homicidal business partner.

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Ruth Langmore runs Marty’s strip club as his illegitimate “talent” manager, who also has ulterior motives to “fry him like a fish stick”. Not an exact quote but it sounds like something “Ru” would say.

Ms. Langmore is played by Julia Garner – a stand out performance and just about the only character that isn’t typical. 19-year-old Ruth, is the mastermind and ring leader of the Langmore’s – watching her character redefine herself by challenging her beliefs is a great example of foe-to-friend character development.

Don’t get me wrong; heads will be blown off, drugs and cash are the norm and a baby may have been cut out of the womb but Ozarks is not carried by “OMG” moments (although the last 10 minutes of season 1 will have your jaw on the ground). The series is founded on skillful storytelling and quality writing. Needing to know what happens next will result in you happily sacrificing 24 hours to finishing a season.

Overall, Netflix’s Ozarks is definitely watch list worthy.