So, after the success of Mozart in the Jungle at the Golden Globes we thought we’d give it a whirl and see what we’ve been missing!  The show won Best TV Series, Comedy and Gael Garcia Bernal won for Best Actor TV, Comedy. Lookit that handsome little man:

I can remember first coming across this delicious man in Y Tu Mama Tambien, a Mexican road trip movie about 2 friends and an older woman. Spoiler alert – they get it on. A lot. You should probably watch it.

ANYWAY! We’re here for Mozart in the Jungle Season 1 Episode 1 – Pilot.  Let’s go!

We begin with a music lesson between Hailey (played by Lola Kirke), an oboe player and her student, Duncan.  Duncan has a performance the next day and needs some serious work.  Hailey does her best to try and improve his breathing and technique but when she realises Duncan is actually spending the lesson on his phone she calls it a day.  As she begins to pack away her instrument we see Duncan, who looks to be about twelve, perving down her top and messaging his friends about he wishes his penis was a woodwind. Kids these days eh?

Later that night, we follow Hailey to New York Symphonic Orchestra.  After a vigorous performance from both the Maestro Thomas (played by Malcolm McDowell) and the world famous violinist, Joshua Bell, Thomas announced that this performance was to be his last.  He is to be taking up the role of “Musical Director Emeritus” of the symphony, whatever the hell that means. In the audience, Hailey looks at her watch and gets up to leave. We then meet Gloria Windsor (played by Bernadette Peters). Now I just have to say here, what the f is up with Bernadette Peters and her manner of speech?  Does she have lockjaw? Is she drunk?  Honest to God it’s like listening to a wasted Muppet.  I am willing to overlook at this stage, but only because of her glorious ginger mane.

Gloria excitedly tells the audience about the symphony’s new conductor. He was a musical prodigy, conducting since the age of 14 years, winner of many prestigious awards. He is highly sought after by many orchestras both in the United States and overseas. Gloria introduces the crowd to their new conductor Rodrigo De Souza (played by Gael Garcia Bernal). Rodrigo takes the stage, and heads to the podium as if to start conducting. He goes to his jacket for his baton, but instead produces a single red rose which he then presents to Gloria. Oh you charming wee man with your sexy, curly man ponytail. Ahem.

At the bar Cynthia and Hailey talk men, and Cynthia gives her opinions on the sexual prowess of certain musicians.  Violinists finish quickly, to many arpeggios apparently.  Percussionists pound you like you’re in a porno, and jazz pianists are the best, the play off you and are in to ensembles.  LOL. Cynthia notices Hailey checking out the barman, and chats him up to find out more about him.  His name is Alex and he is a dancer at Julliard.  A ballet dancer.  Hrrrmmmm.  Cynthia then gets a text from Amadeus telling her to leave and come to him NOW.  Cynthia leaves Hailey and Alex to get to know each other, he asks her to a party but she declines as she has to be up early for Duncan’s performance. Cynthia gets in Thomas’ limo, Amadeus himself, and she reassures him that he still has what it takes, even if Rodrigo is the new, hotter version.  She then unzips his fly and thank bob we don’t see any more of Malcolm McDowell right at that moment.

Hailey gets to her apartment, and discovers a party in full swing with her roommate Lizzie at the helm. Hailey is not down to partay and goes to bed.  Then Lizzie, that f’ing biotch gets the whole party chanting Hailey’s name until she gets back up. I’d be looking for a new roomie if I were you, lady.  She is challenged to some kind of musical showdown by a dude with a flute.  I am so out of my depth right now. They bring out a spin the bottle contraption with different numbers of shots and styles of music on it.  They then basically have shots and play their instruments at each other.  Surrounded by a crowd of cheering party goers.  It’s like a dance off, but a million times geekier.

Hailey is totally owning his ass until Alex the ballerina walks in to the party and she totally squeaks out the last note.  She then realises that she should probably be wearing pants and does the bolt.  She heads outside and is joined by Alex where they talk NYC, and how they are going about living their lives, while also living their art. He lends her his scarf against the cold and they kiss briefly.  Until that dickhead Lizzie comes back and ruins the moment.  Hailey takes off, handing back Alex’s scarf.

Next morning, Hailey wakes up on the couch among a number of sleeping musos, checks her watch and realises she will be late for Duncan’s performance.  She rushes over, hungover AF, and arrives 10 minutes before he is due to start.  She gets a message from Cynthia telling her Rodrigo is holding auditions but only until 11am.  Duncan overhears, and tells her to go, she kisses his cheek and he is instantly on the phone texting his mates.  I seriously do not want to know.

After not getting a cab, she hires a guy riding some kind of tuk-tuk and they head off through the streets of New York. Rodrigo and his assistant are listening to the auditions, NEXT! GRAZIE! NEXT! Nothing is doing it for Rodrigo and he gets to the end of auditions without finding anyone. Hailey makes it to the theatre and onto the stage to find the auditorium empty.  She starts to go all ugly cry face, but stops herself and takes a seat behind the screen to set up.  She finds her oboe wrapped in Alex’s scarf with him number attached.  Slick work, ballet boy.

Rodrigo is up the back with his assistant up against the wall when he hears Hailey begin to play.  He heads into the auditorium and is swept away by what he is hearing.  Now I have no knowledge of classical music, but even I can appreciate how beautiful her playing was.  Rodrigo closes his eyes and begins to hear the rest of the symphony playing along. We close with Rodrigo, lost in the music, excited to meet the person behind the screen.

So this was a 30 minute episode, and while a lot of it was setting up characters and scenery, I feel like a lot happened and it left me eager to find out what happens when Hailey and Rodrigo meet. Both seasons of the series are available to stream for free this weekend on Amazon.  Get on it!