At last, a groundbreaking animated series titled Long Story Short emerges, providing Jewish families with a narrative depth reminiscent of what BoJack Horseman did for washed-up sitcom stars. Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, known for his previous work on animation history’s most self-loathing equine, this new show takes a significantly different direction. While there are no horses featured in this series, a pack of non-talking wolves plays a pivotal role, showcasing Bob-Waksberg's unique storytelling style.
Long Story Short follows the Schwoopers, a Jewish family, through three generations and over 60 years of their lives. What sets this series apart is its nonlinear storytelling approach. Bob-Waksberg and his writing team deftly move backwards and forwards in time, creating moments that offer profound revelations, shocking turns, and occasional humor. For instance, viewers witness a romantic triumph for Avi (voiced by Ben Feldman) abruptly shift to a later, somber scene of him alone in his car. This juxtaposition heightens the emotional stakes of the narrative.
The show oscillates between wistfulness and goofiness, blending the two seamlessly. One standout moment features Avi having a humorous yet tender exchange with his stern mother, voiced by Lisa Edelstein. This mix of comedy and heartfelt dialogue reflects the complexities of family dynamics, particularly within a Jewish context.
While Long Story Short follows a classic TV format—a half-hour show centered on two parents and their three children navigating life's challenges—it delves deeper into the nuances of Jewish family life. The show's explicit focus on its characters' Jewishness is a refreshing departure from many mainstream sitcoms. Notably, Paul Reiser, playing the family patriarch Elliot, adds a layer of authenticity and homage to the show's Jewish roots.
In an insightful interview, Bob-Waksberg discussed his journey from Hollywood to the Bay Area and the influences behind Long Story Short. He emphasized that being Jewish has shaped his creative endeavors, including BoJack Horseman, which he describes as a story about teshuvah—the Jewish concept of repentance. Bob-Waksberg explained, “I think part of it was I’m getting older, I have kids of my own now, and so I’m thinking about my identity and what I want to pass on to my kids.”
The characters in Long Story Short resonate with viewers through their diverse relationships with their Jewish identity. Bob-Waksberg noted, “none of the characters are you,” yet each character embodies different facets of his own experiences and thoughts about Jewishness. This multifaceted approach allows for a rich exploration of faith, tradition, and modernity.
The series employs a distinctive time-jump device that facilitates character development without adhering to a traditional narrative structure. Bob-Waksberg drew inspiration from Building Stories by Chris Ware, appreciating how it captures moments in time rather than focusing solely on milestones. This technique aims to foster an emotional connection with the audience, making them feel as if they’ve spent years with the Schwoopers, despite the show’s limited episode count.
Despite its realistic themes, Long Story Short retains an element of whimsy. For example, Avi’s daughter’s school is humorously taken over by a pack of wolves during the COVID pandemic, while another character sells mattresses that fold into tiny tubes. Bob-Waksberg explained the balance between realism and cartoonish elements: “If you’re working in animation…it’s never going to be 100 percent true to life.”
One of the show’s strengths is its authentic portrayal of Jewish familial interactions, characterized by overlapping dialogue that mirrors real-life conversations. Bob-Waksberg aimed to capture the essence of how his family communicates, creating a relatable atmosphere that resonates with viewers. This attention to detail contributes to the show’s overall authenticity.
Long Story Short is not just a series; it’s an exploration of identity, family, and the intricacies of Jewish life. With its innovative storytelling, relatable characters, and a perfect blend of humor and sentiment, it promises to resonate with audiences seeking a deeper understanding of family dynamics. As Bob-Waksberg continues to evolve as a storyteller, this new series marks an exciting chapter in his career.
