Ride Sesh

directed by:
Kim Noonan, John Salcido
written by:
Kim Noonan, John Salcido
genre:
Drama, Comedy

I don't usually like this style of production. Never the fan of the new reality television fad, I prefer the cinematic look and feel of tradition. I like being transported, via the magic of movies, to new worlds or exciting and comedic scenarios. Something a shaky camera and reality TV just don't promise. However, after bracing myself for the worst, I hit the play button. Kim Noonan's and John Salcido's "Ride Sesh" began it's run on my screen... and I liked it. I really, really liked it.
So far "Ride Sesh" is four episodes in with more on the way. I hope. It's basically a scripted program, telling the true stories of ride services such as Uber or Lyft. These are some crazy scenarios and stories that can be pretty funny - but also pretty sad. I can't help but think a lot of people will tune in for the promise of comedy, with a side order of humanity - and be completely shocked at the actual depth of drama, tucked away beneath the folds. Noonan and Salcido don't shy away from the wacky world of ride sharing and funny or not, if it's an interesting story it has a place here...
... and that's just it. Once you actually see some of these stories, they don't feel so unusual. If you're one of the people that have never worked under a driving service, you'll be amazed at some of these stories. Quickly however, you'll begin to understand that they really are not that strange after all. When dealing with a constant barrage of changing clients - you couldn't possibly expect everyone to be the same. People are all different and in saying that, could you really expect to deal with such a diverse crowd - and not get any interesting stories? The potential content for future episodes is nearly endless - something I think the "Ride Sesh" team is counting on.

I'm not going to lie. The more laughable episodes of this show are also some of the saddest. Episode one for example, sets the foundation of this aspect quickly, and the building continued straight through until the end. In episode one, a woman is starting up as a driver - and is actually excited. Who could blame her? It may only be a driving job... but it's something. Everyone starts somewhere and it beats welfare if you can make it work. In the modern traditions of today, our driver gets her first gig and decides to take a selfie to commemorate this exciting event. Only... she can't seem to take a picture that conveys her feelings. The rest of the episode consists of her frantic attempts to take that perfect pic. Complete with an awesome hashtag to go with it. Increasingly she gets frustrated until her client, actually calls her out on her whereabouts. She hasn't even left yet!
It's funny stuff until you actually break it all down. We, as a society have become so fixated with social media, that it actually does affect our real world lives... and mental state. It's got to the point where many of us don't know who we are - without our followers approval and support. Many times, these are people we don't even know in real life. Gaining said approval and support, requires that perfect picture or potentially viral hashtag. It's really scary to think we are no longer individuals, but require the attention of social media to live our daily lives. See what I mean about serious questions just below the surface?
Clocking in at around six minutes per episode, there is absolutely no reason not to check out this series. With stories ranging from the one I wrote about above, to the simple decision to actually try and connect with a stranger - in a good meaningful way. A lot of ground is covered in such a short amount of time. When Kim Noonan and co creator John Salcido put this one together, they were really onto something and did a fantastic job. So why not come in for the interesting premise, and maybe a giggle or two? Then, stick around for the deeper meanings. Even for a reality styled program, "Ride Sesh" is a great way to kill some time.