The best thing about Peacock’s latest mocku-series, Mr. Throwback, is already in its title: “a return to an older way of doing something,” as a quick Google search spits out the word’s definition. I may not be as well-versed in the current landscape of mockumentaries as I used to be, but the 6-episode show instantly took me back to the golden days of the genre when The Office (US) and Parks and Recreation were the funniest things on television. Mr. Throwback encapsulates that same energy, a quirky and infectious silliness, showcasing an ensemble of irresistible oddballs whose every disastrous move somehow turns into comedy gold.
As we are introduced to the down-on-his-luck memorabilia dealer Danny Grossman (Adam Pally), the loser of losers, there’s an undeniable appeal and sudden urge to watch him unravel as he has to settle a huge debt he owes to some real bad guys. Danny is childish and irresponsible in a way that kept reminding me of Chris Pratt’s fan-favorite character, Andy, from Parks and Rec. He might not be as clueless (he’s already been through a divorce and has a teen daughter), but his worldview and lifestyle are very much of a child's. Everything's a playground to him until reality checks in and punches him in the stomach.
