Young Rock Episode 1 Review: 4 Ups & 3 Downs

2. Tired Sitcom Tropes Are Everywhere

Have you ever watched an American Sitcom? That is to say, are you a human being alive on this Earth? Yes? Then chances are you know every story and character beat Young Rock's first episode will have without having to watch it.

You know the plots: teenager wants to buy his first car, but oof, he's broke; wanting to make a good first impression at College, but oof, his dad has caused an awkward situation. The characters end up being cut and paste versions of every sitcom you've seen; the loving mother who comforts when needed, the nerdy friend, even young Dwayne Johnson at fifteen is just a generic horny sitcom trope.

The 'hilarious' hijinks of Rock at fifteen are probably the least funny scenes of the show, and it's no coincidence that this timeline borrows the most from other sitcoms. This might make the show more accessible for all viewers, but contrasted with the unique wrestling characters and jokes, it makes for a lowlight.

There is one notable exception to the bland material, and that's Joseph Lee Anderson's Rocky Johnson, The Rock's sometimes absent, but ultimately loving father. This trope has of course been done before, but Anderson manages to elevate the material he's been given and turn it into one of the funniest performances in the episode.