Wild Brooklyn 9-9 Theory Connects it to Netflix's Blockbuster
Blockbuster – the latest sitcom from Netflix – is receiving a ton of comparisons to other workplace comedies such as Superstore and Brooklyn 9-9. In fact, there is one particularly wild theory floating around on Reddit that connects Blockbuster to Brooklyn 9-9.
Melissa Fumero, who portrays Amy Santiago in Brooklyn 9-9, also co-stars in Blockbuster alongside Randall Park. It's worth noting that Fumero's new character in Blockbuster (Eliza Walker ) displays such a resemblance to her former role that audiences have jokingly referred to her as "Amy Santiago", dismissing her actual name on the show.
There are several comparisons between the two characters. For starters, Amy and Eliza are both involved with budding romances with the lead character/store manager. In Brooklyn 9-9, Amy shares a similar relationship with Jake (Andy Samberg) as Eliza does with Timmy (Randall Park) in Blockbuster. The will-they-won't-they dynamic has been heavily utilized in workplace dramas since the days of Pam and Jim in The Office.
Nevertheless, it seems like the similarities between both Melissa Fumero characters leave little to the imagination. The two characters even display the same traits being regarded as hard-working overachievers. Amy has to frequently put up with Jake's antics in Brooklyn 9-9, something she is seen doing frequently in the first season of Blockbuster. Eliza is the overqualified dropout and unhappily married mom stuck at a mundane job. While it may prove effective comedy, it's not exactly reinventing the wheel, either.
It's true, several Redditors have displayed their disapproval with season one. As one commenter theorized, Eliza seems like Brooklyn 9-9's Amy yet with the characteristics of the Amy from Superstore.
The "Amy theory" has received plenty of support online with one Redditor joking, "Why would a New York police sergeant be working at a Blockbuster? Witness protection??"
There are other wild and outlandish "Amy theory" rumors floating around such as Amy restarting the company after inheriting substantial stock. It seems like a stretch, but despite Blockbuster being out of operation, its stock is still traded on Wall Street. Therefore, some believe the stock could get resurgence similar to the Gamestop saga that began on Reddit.
However, only time will indicate whether ordinary, everyday people are able to resurrect a dying franchise again. For now, the nostalgia is fun enough even if critics complain that Blockbuster relies far too heavily on it.
Whether intended for laughs or taken seriously, the "Amy theory" has become a walking punchline for Blockbuster. It's not to suggest that the new comedy is terrible, more or less it simply suffers from originality. Vanessa Ramos, the show's creator, previously worked on Brooklyn 9-9 and Superstore. Consequently, it's not shocking that all three sitcoms share more than a few similarities.