We’re now fully in the deep end of the Netflix series “Beef.” We’ve only got an episode and a half left to watch, but already we’re psychologically exhausted by the show. The series is a dark comedy (emphasis on “DARK”) that’s entertaining, keenly observed and imaginative, but one that is not comfortable. Viewing each episode induces a dizzying, nervous state as we watch the show’s two main characters (Ali Wong and Steven Yeun) go to incredible, psychotic and sociopathic lengths to unload their anger and exact payback on each other after a chance road-rage encounter. This ongoing feud — the eponymous beef of the show — spirals as one bad impulsive decision after another results in a series of unfortunate consequences that unravel their lives as well as those of their family and friends. It’s hard to watch sometimes. And yet, we can’t look away. We’ve been enjoying this series in small doses, watching it in a way that we’ve never done before with any other series. It’s not a binge, but a slow burn, whereby we watch half an episode here, another half episode there.
GLOBAL GRAPHICA 