Platonic Season 1 Episodes 1-3 Review: Pilot, Gandalf the Lizard, Partner’s Retreat

Can men and women just be friends? It’s a question posed in the iconic rom-com, When Harry Met Sally… And it is still up for debate.

Platonic sets out to revisit that loaded query in the form of two freshly-reunited platonic besties played by Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen, both of whom have many comedic gems throughout their resumes. 

Is it a When Harry Met Sally… walked so Platonic can run kind of situation? It might be too early to tell, but the first three episodes are certainly enjoyable with many laugh-out-loud moments and great friend chemistry between the leads.

Having successfully played a married couple in Neighbors and its sequel Neighbors 2: Sorority Uprising, Byrne and Rogen are able to navigate these first stages in the rekindling of Sylvia and Will’s friendship after a five year break. A lot of their interactions have a believability to them, which is impressive considering the seemingly precarious nature of their bond when we first meet them. 

The awkwardness is executed effectively for this type of comedy. It doesn’t go full bore cringe, but it goes far enough for optimum laugh potential.

A prime example is on Platonic Season 1 Episode 3, “Partner’s Retreat,” when Sylvia eats the speech of the keynote speaker because he can never remember her name (or even meeting her). If everything prior to this scene hadn’t been done so well with seamless set-ups to the punchline, it might’ve been too cringey or unbelievable.

Platonic is already showing its strength in the writing, especially the comedic element. There’s not too much emotionality in these first three episodes besides dealing with strained relationships and a few (entertaining) arguments between Sylvia and Will. But, I definitely think Nora Ephron would approve. 

Reggie: You can’t be friends with a girl.
Will: The whole movie When Harry Met Sally… is dedicated to proving the fact that you can be friends with a woman. 
Andy: That’s a bad example. Harry marries Sally. They fuck, they’re not friends. 
Reggie: Fact. That movie should be called When Harry Fucked Sally…

I love this exchange, and I love how it evolves into an updated, modern take on this age-old question.

This scene introduces the audience to Will’s friends and co-workers as well as his business. It also takes place in under ten minutes of the pilot episode, which is indicative of the strong story structure and bodes well for satisfying character development down the line.

When sharp comedic writing works in tandem with well-crafted comedic performances, it’s comedy magic. That is what’s happening on the first three episodes of Platonic.

I’m optimistic that it will be able to keep up the pace. The potential for showcasing some emotional depths is there as well, but I’m not sure it’s even necessary.

Platonic is starting off as delightful as can be.

What did you think of the first three episodes of Platonic? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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New episodes of Platonic stream Wednesdays on Apple TV+.

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Physical to End with Season 3 on Apple TV+