ART IMITATES LIFE: PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY'S TV SERIES, "SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE"

     Let's be honest: what issues are left for a media critic to write about after six weeks of the Ukrainian- Russian War which are important, relevant and provocative? Not many. Then, two weeks ago, Netflix starting showing Season 1 of "Servant of the People," a three-season satire about a history teacher who becomes the Ukrainian President.   What's the big deal? Nothing except that the fictional President is played by comedian Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is now the real head -of-state.  Besides the obvious play on "Art Imitates Life,"  why else is this series important, relevant and provocative?

     In a word, the program proves how media ( TV/ film, particularly ) can be potent as persuasion, a subject this blog ,"Media Matters," recently examined (  March 10, "Use of Persuasion on TV: Russian- Ukrainian War" ). Thus, the series's 51 episodes, created and produced by Zelenskyy, served as an example when the comedian ran and won for the Presidency one month after the series ended in 2019. The point is this: what part did "Servant of the People"  demonstrate in media's persuasive power?

     Unfortunately, we can only make reasonable assumptions; this critic cannot provide practical proof because probably too much time has passed  since the election, and there are no research sources that have surfaced so far. Yet, we can still consider the question: why was "Servant of the People" so popular and persuasive, likely leading to Zelenskyy's election as President of Ukraine?

     First, no doubt, is the idea that the main character was likable, having qualities reminding viewers of themselves. However, more  importantly, is the character's charisma, a trait that has been proven highly significant (ahead of other attributes, including a person's knowledgeability and trustworthiness). Besides charisma, the character was also honest, caring, earnest and intelligent yet also hapless, initially insecure and shy. In other words, not perfect. ( American actor Steve Carell would have been a good choice to play the President.)

     Secondly, the plot was realistic, showing life ( and politics ) that  the Ukrainians could actually identify with. Certainly, family problems ( such as sibling competition, divorce and parental / child relationships ) all played an ongoing part as did civic strife ( like tax evasion, corruption, bribery and incompetence). The narrative combined both personal / familial problems with the President's professional  governmental ones, a plot structure reminiscent of the non-satirical "The West Wing." 

      Thirdly, "Servant of the People" was humorous as a satire usually is. One- liners, like the President's sarcastic comment to a co-worker, " Do I look like a comedian ?" was one example. So was Zelenskyy's slapstick behavior when he tries avoiding annoying citizens, showing how he had changed during the course of his term. The surreal appearance of various historical characters ( including Al Capone and Abraham Lincoln paying homage to the President's history background ) was an especially  effective nod to satire and humor. By the way, the President's ambiguous mentor, Yurity, was a dead-ringer for Senator Mitt Romney.  

       Lastly but not necessarily "finally," the evolution of the President's colleagues/ministers  established a connection when viewers actually began to like the characters who initially were depicted as caricatures. Such individuals had now taken on responsibility, learned their jobs and cared for the people they served.

      Viewers of the first season in 2015 , at least, were left with the idea that they were in good hands. It's now 2022, the series having ended in 2019. From all appearances, Ukrainians still feel they are in good hands.