‘Going Dutch’ little flattering about the Netherlands

Fox’s New Comedy “Going Dutch” Navigates Cultural Differences

Fox’s newest comedic venture, “Going Dutch”, throws audiences into the whirlwind of cross-cultural misunderstandings when an American woman, situated in the Netherlands, finds love with a Dutchman. The show,which debuted on Fox,aims to explore the humorous clash of cultures that arise when two very different worlds collide.However, despite the seemingly promising premise, “Going Dutch” has received mixed reviews. While some viewers appreciate its lighthearted approach to cultural differences, others find the show’s humor to be dated and lacking in nuance.

Broadcast critic Elena Vargas, in her insightful analysis, raises a thought-provoking question: “Does ‘Going Dutch’ miss the mark by relying on tired tropes and stereotypes about Dutch culture?”

But is it too late for the show to redeem itself? Could a shift in approach, perhaps by incorporating more authentic perspectives from Dutch writers or cultural experts, help “Going Dutch” find its footing and truly resonate with audiences?

Is “Going Dutch” a Comedy Lost in Translation?

fox is launching a new comedy series, “Going Dutch,” promising a hilarious collision of cultures as a gruff American army commander, played by the always-quotable Denis Leary, is stationed in the Netherlands. The premise teases a fish-out-of-water scenario, with Quinn, a hard-nosed soldier deemed a problem child by his superiors, sent to what he sarcastically calls “the world’s least meaningful basis.”

As the series unfolds, expect comedic jabs at american stereotypes and the Dutch way of life. Leary’s character kicks things off with a line dripping with sarcasm, “fortunately I don’t come from a country that has betrayed Anne Frank,” instantly setting the tone for the series’s satirical take on American perceptions of the Dutch peopel.

Though, early reviews paint a less-than-hilarious picture. Critics point to a lack of authenticity in the portrayal of Dutch culture. Filmed primarily in Ireland and featuring a prominent Dutchman played by an Icelandic actor, “Going Dutch” seems more caricature than genuine exploration. British comedian Catherine Tate’s portrayal of Katja Vanderhoff, Leary’s love interest and a brothel owner describing herself as an “intersectional feminist within contemporary capitalism,” feels strained. Her heavy-handed Dutch accent, far from showcasing the directness frequently enough associated with the Dutch, comes across as awkward and insensitive.

Worse,the series relies on tired clichés,depicting a local tulip festival adorned with an improbable mishmash of Dutch,german,and American flags,and inventing a nonsensical Dutch delicacy called “Stroopsdorf” that appears to be a Frankensteinian blend of “stroopwafel” and German language. Even the portrayal of Korfbal, the Dutch national sport, is ridiculed as “basketball without jumping, dunking, or dribbling,” further underscoring the show’s disregard for cultural nuance.

Despite its shortcomings, “Going Dutch” still has a glimmer of hope.
*Variety* suggests that with some adjustments, the series could find its comedic footing and deliver genuine laughs.

Could “Going Dutch” Find Its Footing?

“Going Dutch,” Fox’s new comedy set in the Netherlands, has stumbled out of the gate. While the initial episode drew in a respectable 1.3 million viewers, subsequent broadcasts have seen a significant decline, dropping almost 20% in its second week. tonight’s episode, “Nazi Hunters,” offers a potential turning point for the series, but questions remain about its ability to find lasting success.

Critics have been vocal about the show’s shortcomings, pointing to a reliance on tired stereotypes and a lack of authenticity in its portrayal of Dutch culture.Elena Vargas, broadcast critic for The Screen Dispatch, offers a pointed observation: ” “Going Dutch” fell into a very familiar and frankly, tiresome trap: oversimplification of another culture through stereotypes.For a show aspiring to be lighthearted, they’ve produced a caricature.”

Vargas’ critique highlights a common challenge for shows that explore cultural clashes – balancing humor with sensitivity and avoiding the pitfalls of reductive representations. The question now is whether “Going Dutch” can course-correct and find a more nuanced approach.

Could consulting with Dutch cultural experts or writers during future seasons provide the necessary guidance?

It’s a question worth pondering as the show seeks to win over a wider audience.

Elena Vargas – Broadcast critic at The Screen Dispatch

We appreciate you speaking with us Elena. Let’s get right into it.

Many expected “Going dutch” to capture the humor found in cultures colliding. While the premise appeared promising, what do you perceive as the most notable misstep the show made?

Well, I think “Going Dutch” fell into a very familiar and frankly, tiresome trap: oversimplification of another culture through stereotypes. For a show aspiring to be lighthearted, they’ve produced a caricature.

It really misses the nuance of Dutch identity. Rather, we’re presented with flat, one-dimensional portrayals that feel less like characters and more like figures plucked from tired cultural clichés about the Netherlands: the blunt speech, the preoccupation with bikes and windmills — you name it.

Do you think the actors themselves were let down by the material?

Going Dutch: Can This Culturally Charged Comedy Find Its Footing?

The Fox sitcom “Going Dutch” has sparked debate among viewers regarding its portrayal of dutch culture. While actor denise Leary has a knack for comedic character work, even her talent seems somewhat constrained by the stereotypical military man battling “europe” trope. Some critics find the performances lack authenticity, leading to a sense of forced humor.

The show’s creators have acknowledged the criticism surrounding the show’s depiction, leaving the question: is there a path to redemption for “Going Dutch”?

A potential solution could lie in shifting the focus from broad comedic exaggeration to a deeper exploration of the characters’ complexities. “Deepening the emotional core of those interactions could draw viewers in much more authentically,” suggests one observer.

For audiences unfamiliar with The Netherlands, the show’s oversimplification might initially seem appealing. However,Fox could capitalize on the curiosity this simplification sparks by actively engaging with cultural organizations and Dutch storytellers. This collaborative approach could provide a more accurate representation of dutch life,even if it means acknowledging past missteps.

“Going Dutch” could consider a “how we got it wrong” feature, a bold move that demonstrates a willingness to learn and improve.This clarity could potentially flip the script and foster a more genuine connection with viewers who value authenticity and cultural sensitivity.

How might the “Going Dutch” production have incorporated more authentic perspectives and representations of Dutch culture to avoid falling into stereotypical tropes?

Elena vargas – Broadcast Critic at The Screen Dispatch

We appreciate you speaking with us, elena. Let’s get right into it.

Many expected “Going Dutch” to capture the humor found in cultures colliding. While the premise appeared promising, what do you perceive as the most notable misstep the show made?

Well, I think “Going Dutch” fell into a very familiar and frankly, tiresome trap: oversimplification of another culture through stereotypes. For a show aspiring to be lighthearted, they’ve produced a caricature.

It really misses the nuance of Dutch identity. Rather, we’re presented with flat, one-dimensional portrayals that feel less like characters and more like figures plucked from tired cultural clichés about the Netherlands: the blunt speech, the preoccupation with bikes and windmills — you name it.

Do you think the actors themselves were let down by the material?