The UNITED STATES OF AL is a necessary look at what life can be for Afghanistan interpreters and American vets returning home from war. The sitcom pulls no punches. It is what it is.
I can honestly say I enjoyed watching this series. I learned more about a specific group of people and what they are dealing with every day. I empathized and cared about Al (Almir Kalyan) and Riley (Parker Young). My heart ached for Lizzie (Elizabeth Alderfer) about her loss of her fiancé. I could imagine how Riley’s dad (Dean Norris), daughter (Farrah MacKenzie), and wife (Kelli Goss) coped every day.
The writers at the UNITED STATES OF Al put the viewer in sync with all of the characters through authenticity and humor. It was powerful. The ensemble was at its best when negotiating tough topics. There was no complete resolution at the end of each episode. Nothing was tied together with a pretty, little bow. It just resonated and simmered.
The UNITED STATES OF AL does not have all the answers. But it Is renewed for a second season and is available to stream on CBS ALL ACCESS.
