ORDINARY JOE is a “simple” story about one man who dares to ask the one true question in life, ”What if?” What would happen if you asked out the woman you just met, or followed through with your dream career instead of the job your family expects you to pursue? Three different lives…three different outcomes.
This is the premise behind ORDINARY JOE played by James Wolk. With one small choice, Joe becomes a singing sensation, a policeman, and a hospital nurse. Which is his true path in life? The people who Joe had to decide where they fit, all ended up in every one of the three possible scenarios. Are our lives pre-determined and pre-destined? Who knows, but it is an interesting plot line.
ORDINARY JOE flipped from one story to the next with lightning speed. At first it was hard to keep up or tell where we were. The production has a very THIS IS US feel to it. I am not sure if that is good or bad at this point. It could easily find itself in three soap box holes. ORDINARY JOE will need a strong hand keeping the three Joes separate and believable. It needs time to build the characters that will pull us back each week.
For me, the jury is still out on this one. I will continue to watch until the three paths become too contrived or convoluted. As I am an optimist, I hope the writers don’t mess this up.
ORDINARY JOE is available to stream on NBC Peacock.
