Wayne (2019) – Series Review
Wayne (2019), created by Shawn Simmons, is a wildly entertaining and unexpectedly heartfelt action-comedy series that follows the chaotic journey of a teenage antihero with a fierce sense of justice. Released on YouTube Premium, the show quickly gained a cult following due to its sharp writing, gritty atmosphere, and the magnetic performances of its young leads.
The story centers on Wayne (Mark McKenna), a rough but good-hearted teenager from Brockton, Massachusetts. After his father passes away from cancer, Wayne decides to retrieve the stolen car that rightfully belongs to his family. Accompanied by his equally tough and scrappy crush, Del (Ciara Bravo), Wayne embarks on a reckless and violent road trip to Florida. Along the way, the two encounter a series of bizarre, dangerous, and often hilarious obstacles, from crazed criminals to corrupt cops.
Mark McKenna delivers an outstanding performance as Wayne, balancing the character’s raw rage with a deep vulnerability. Despite his violent tendencies, Wayne is portrayed as someone who acts out of a genuine desire to right wrongs, even if his methods are questionable. McKenna captures this duality perfectly, making Wayne a compelling and sympathetic figure. Ciara Bravo matches him step for step as Del, delivering a tough, witty, and emotionally layered performance that brings a lot of heart to the series. Their chemistry is one of the show’s greatest strengths, offering moments of tenderness amidst the chaos.
One of Wayne’s standout qualities is its unique tone. It manages to blend brutal violence, dark humor, and genuine emotion without ever feeling disjointed. The series doesn’t shy away from grim realities like poverty, abuse, and broken families, but it also finds humor and warmth in the unlikeliest places. The writing is sharp and punchy, filled with quick dialogue, absurd scenarios, and poignant moments that sneak up on the viewer.
Visually, the show leans into a gritty, lived-in aesthetic. The settings feel authentic and grimy, perfectly matching the rough-and-tumble lives of the characters. Action scenes are raw and realistic, often brutal without feeling overly stylized, reinforcing the show’s commitment to a grounded yet slightly heightened reality.
The supporting cast is also noteworthy, with quirky and memorable side characters that add depth and color to Wayne and Del’s journey. Dean Winters, Stephen Kearin, and Mike O’Malley are among the adults trying—and failing—to control the chaos, each bringing their own flavor of dark humor and absurdity.
While Wayne was critically acclaimed and beloved by fans, it unfortunately didn’t get the immediate continuation it deserved after its first season, leaving some storylines hanging. However, even with just one season, the show makes a strong impact, offering a full, emotional arc for its main characters and leaving viewers hungry for more.
In short, Wayne is a thrilling, hilarious, and surprisingly touching ride. It’s a story about two broken kids trying to find a little bit of happiness in a messed-up world, and it hits harder than most shows in its genre. If you enjoy dark humor mixed with heart, Wayne is a series worth seeking out.
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