Natasha Rothwell is the shining star of the comedy series, "How to Die Alone". The show's leading lady breathes life into her complex character, Melissa - a seemingly stagnant 35-year-old woman devoid of palpable hobbies or significant relationships. The script leverages great comedic talent with featured performances by Arkie Kandola, Christopher Powell, Jaylee Hamidi, and Melissa DuPrey.
In this stark narrative, we journey with Rothwell’s character Melissa who is in a wait state for her life to properly begin. Working at a low-end position in an airport, and living a lonesaver's life, the audience experiences her struggles with solitude.
The series unfolds her subtle talents such as singing, and her failed relationship with boss Alex portrayed by Jocko Sims. We see her trying relationships with fair-weathered friend, Rory performed by Conrad Ricamora, and her contentious family dynamics. A scene where she meets mortality with a comical touch, paves her way to strive for change. Though the reasons for Melissa's stunted growth in life remain inconclusive, the character’s evolution throughout the series reveals a delightful mix of sitcom and character development.
The plotting of the series is smart-Alex’s impending marriage paves the way for Melissa to face the music and question her lingering feelings. Rothwell's performance adds depth to Melissa's transformation with her highly expressive demeanor. The changes aren’t tied to a man or just her appearance, but her overall growth.
All things considered, "How to Die Alone" is an entertaining watch. It manages to give a fresh spin to the sitcom genre, and presents a relatable protagonist in Melissa. With the recent cancellations of “Grand Crew” and “South Side,” there’s a need for more Black sitcoms such as this. With Natasha Rothwell at the helm, there's hope for further exploration of untold stories in the future.
