‘Breeders’ Episode 4: Paul is such a relatable, next-door character and his flaws make him what he is
What makes a character more relatable? It’s definitely not the dramatization, or the heroic acts that they do, but rather the flaws they depict. Imperfection is what makes them seem real, akin to what we see around us every day. In ‘Breeders’, Paul Worsley is definitely one such disposition of real-life husbands/partners/fathers, albeit without the eccentricity of it.
Episode 4 ‘No Lies’ establishes this point in discussion all the more. As the synopsis says, it explores how Paul (Martin Freeman) claims that he is not a liar. It starts quite simple. When his son Luke argues that Santa is not real, we see Paul trying to explain to his child that the Christmas saint does indeed exist. When his partner Ally (Daisy Haggard) tries to ask why he would lie, Paul seems clearly embarrassed and comes up with a standard, innocent response “I can’t lie to my kids”.
This is a classic comeback for many parents, when it comes to explaining the Christmas spirit to children.
Whether Santa is real or not, however, is not the point to discuss here. What we are trying to understand (and start a conversation about), are the contrasts in Paul’s character. Because this is the man who wants to 'kill his kids' when they get on to his nerves. But this is something a parent never means, right?
While he claims that he doesn’t (or doesn’t want to lie) to his children, Paul has already lied to Ally about a major decision.
During a cleanup, Ally lands her hands on a folder which shows that he had sold out some equities on their house. Furious and upset, she questions Paul and he justifies saying that they needed the money to help Ally’s post-partum depression after their daughter Ava was born. They have a big argument but it doesn’t lead anywhere.
The point is not why or what Paul did, but rather, how it all seems very natural. Don’t we all lie from time to time, especially if that lie helps us get through a situation? Without judging whether a white lie is right or wrong, let’s look at the situation that demanded Paul to take a step without informing his partner. Any other man in his situation would probably do the same.
However, he could choose not to. Paul usually has very strong opinions and doesn't hold back while expressing what he thinks. But when it comes to family, the situation is completely different.
This dichotomy in Paul’s character is very human and extremely realistic, making him someone we all can relate to. He is flawed, but that’s what makes him more likeable. When it comes to family dramas, we end up seeing quite a few over-the-top, larger than life characters, some of which are difficult to connect to. But thanks to the brilliant creators of ‘Breeders’, Paul Worsley, with his quirks and all, makes us see him as a man next door.
‘Breeders’ airs every Monday night, at 10 pm/9 c, only on FX.