I recently watched Solos, a 2021 anthology series directed by David Weil. It’s described as a "seven-part anthology that explores the truths of being human," and I would absolutely agree. I saw parts of myself and the people I love in every character. Each episode focuses on a different person, delivering a deeply personal and emotional journey.
This is for those who love stories that evoke a full range of emotions—who appreciate actors that make you believe you are witnessing their most profound, life-altering moments.
Now, fair warning: there are some spoilers ahead, but not too many. If you’ve read my blog before, you know this isn’t a textbook review. I am a fan of the arts—a total stan—so I need to emphasize how brilliant these monologues are. The raw emotion and honesty are striking. Yes, honesty—in these fictional characters who somehow feel so familiar.
Episode 1: Tom (Anthony Mackie)
The first episode introduces us to Tom, played by Anthony Mackie. He is a father forced to confront himself as he prepares for his own demise. To ease the pain of his absence, he creates an artificial placeholder for his wife and kids. Sitting with yourself, working through your emotions, and facing your own mortality—sounds like an easy concept, right? But through Tom’s eyes, we experience how gut-wrenching that reality truly is. He is a loving husband and father, but like all of us, he has his flaws. This episode forces us to reflect on the messiness of being human.
Episode 2: Peg (Helen Mirren)
I saw both myself and my daughter in Peg, played by the legendary Helen Mirren. This episode explores the feeling of becoming invisible as you age. When we first enter the world, we are our most authentic selves—uninhibited and full of curiosity. But over time, life molds us, refines us, and chips away at that authenticity.
I thought of my daughter, who, as a little kid, would march up to strangers at the park, extend her hand, and say, "Hi, my name is... Would you like to play with me?" Over time, life chipped away at that spunkiness. She built a defensive shell because, let’s be honest, being open isn’t always cool. Then I thought of myself in my 40s, hesitant to be a bother, missing opportunities because I was too worried about taking up space.
Peg volunteers for a solo mission into space rather than fading into loneliness on Earth. But at the very last moment—when time is up and she is quite literally drifting into the heavens—she finds a spark of something more.
Episode 3: Jenny (Constance Wu)
Jenny Taylor, played by Constance Wu, is unhinged. And I mean that in the most compelling way. This episode is a full-circle story that even had me—an eat the rich type of person—feeling all kinds of emotions for her.
Jenny spirals through a chaotic mix of grief, a miscarriage, drunk driving, and an inability to process trauma in a healthy way. Her lack of impulse control, her emotional recklessness—it all felt familiar in the most unsettling way. Many of us don’t have the tools to process trauma, but Jenny? She had privilege, access, and resources… yet she still didn’t know how to begin healing. And sometimes, when you hit rock bottom, you don’t bounce back—you just splat.
There’s something unsettlingly familiar about these stories—especially in ourworld that has already lived through a pandemic of 2020, social unrest and its ripple effects. The show explores a fight between raw human emotion, artificial intelligence, and mortality. It’s sci-fi, yes, but it’s also a reflection of where we might be headed.
For a nerd like me—someone intrigued by technology and completely enamored with a good story—this was a great way to waste time.
Final Thoughts & Citrus Rating 🍋
I could go on about every character, but I won’t. If you’re intrigued, just watch it. The series is available on Amazon Prime, and you can watch the episodes in any order—just pick your favorite actor and dive in.
Now, let’s talk ratings. I have a three-star citrus rating system:
Zesty🍋🍋🍋: Highest rating
Refreshing 🍋🍋: Solid, but not mind-blowing
Sour 🍋: Meh, could have been better
Solos gets a Zesty! 🍋🍋🍋The storytelling? Incredible. The acting? Brilliant. The emotional depth? Whew.
Episodes 4 through 7 feature Uzo Aduba (Orange Is the New Black), Nicole Beharie (my first introduction to her, but she was phenomenal), Anne Hathaway (who I’ve loved in Les Misérables), and, of course, a man who needs no introduction— because is the go-to for the face and voice of God, Mr. Morgan Freeman.
So, if you love thought-provoking, beautifully acted stories that make you feel everything—this series is for you.
Love,
Jess Pye
