The series One of the Boys regrettably falls short of delivering a meaningful or relevant narrative in contemporary society. It predominantly glorifies the archetypes of bullies and a bully-centric society, showcasing a disturbing celebration of such behaviours in this real-man-camp coming-of-age gay story. The portrayal of adults within the series is particularly concerning, as they appear oblivious or indifferent to the surrounding events. This lack of adult awareness or concern significantly detracts from the realism and relatability of the story.
Furthermore, the series seems to be mired in outdated perspectives and narratives. The approach to character development and societal critique appears more fitting for a storyline set in the 1990s, failing to reflect the significant progress made in societal attitudes and awareness in recent decades. In this era, where society has grown increasingly conscious of the complexities of human behaviour and the impact of gay bullying, the series misses an opportunity to delve deeper into the nuanced exploration of its characters.
The narrative could have been a powerful tool for introspection and addressing crucial bullying-related issues in a boy's camp and societal change. However, the writer's approach renders the story dated and disconnected from the current societal context. The series misses a pivotal chance to contribute meaningfully to contemporary conversations about bullying, character growth, and the transformation of societal norms. The lack of depth in character exploration and the failure to engage with these themes in a more profound and updated manner leave the series feeling irrelevant and a missed opportunity for impactful storytelling. Frustration is the feeling I get after watching this series.
