Money laundering is bad.
OK OK, I already knew that.
I started watching Ozark last week and it is quickly taking over my life. I find myself watching for 30 minutes at lunch, for 10 minutes while I fold laundry, endlessly while I ride my stationary bike on rainy days. It’s bad. But it’s soooo good.
And yes – it’s a great show. The characters are impeccably crafted, the cinematography is cold and blue, and the show is not afraid to kill off a character at the drop of a hat. But these are all just things that make for an entertaining and addictive show.
What I especially love about the show is that it makes me want to find the way for everyone to win.
Over and over, Marty Byrde is put in situations where, usually, these shows would have the character screw over another character using threats, blackmail, or force. But ultimately, even though Marty is laundering money (this is not a spoiler, it’s in the trailer), he is also a businessman. So he finds a way for different parties with differing interests to come together in a way where everyone benefits.
This is no small feat. Often he has to come up with a solution to a dangerous situation in an hour (or about 7 minutes in TV time). And he does it brilliantly.
This is what really captures my attention. So many times, when I’m trying to figure something out, I stop when I find a solution that seems to “fix” whatever is wrong, even if there are downsides or compromises I’m not particularly fond of. It is such a relief to find that fix, even if it’s not perfect! Then, there have been those few times where I stayed with the problem-solving a little longer, talked through it with others, and figured out a more creative, less obvious solution than I would have if I had just taken the first option that had been the easiest or fastest solution. I’m usually antsy and twitchy dealing with an issue for any longer than seems absolutely necessary – but it’s incredibly satisfying to figure out a solution that leaves everyone in better shape.
So thank you, Marty Byrde; you have become my new fictional mascot for staying in it just a little longer to find out what brilliant solution is just around the corner if I keep looking.
