In Netflix's new ensemble series The Four Seasons, an adaptation of the 1981 film, the magnetic presence of Colman Domingo commands attention. The show follows three couples whose tranquil vacation is upended by a sudden marital confession, sending each person into a spiral of self-reflection. Among the stellar cast, which includes Tina Fey and Steve Carell, Domingo's portrayal of Danny emerges as the series' profound emotional core.
A Performance of Elegant Depth
Domingo plays Danny, a man married to Claude (Marco Calvani) who projects a composed, stylish exterior. With a wardrobe of silk shirts and trench coats that suggest a global citizen—someone at home in Milan or Paris—Danny is far from a stereotypical TV character. But beneath that polished surface, a storm is brewing. The character's journey takes a sharp turn when he is diagnosed with a heart condition, triggering a deeply relatable existential fear about aging, mortality, and love.
Domingo navigates this unraveling with remarkable subtlety. His performance is raw yet restrained, avoiding melodrama to find a truth that feels genuinely lived-in. The fear isn't shouted; it's conveyed in the quiet moments of panic, in the distance he creates from Claude not out of indifference, but from an overwhelming terror of loss.
The Director's Chair
Domingo's contribution extends beyond acting. He directed the sixth episode, "Ultimate Frisbee," a feat that requires balancing the macro view of a director with the micro focus of a performer. His experience as a playwright and stage director is evident. He creates space for his fellow actors, resulting in one of the series' most vulnerable scenes: a raw breakdown where Danny confesses his paralyzing fear of losing his husband. It's a moment that lingers, a testament to Domingo's skillful guidance both in front of and behind the camera.
The off-screen friendship between Domingo and Calvani adds a layer of authenticity to their on-screen partnership. The two bonded over poolside barbecues with their partners, and it was Domingo's own husband who initially suggested Calvani for the role. This real-life connection translates into a dynamic that feels rich with shared history and unspoken understanding.
In a narrative juggling six leads, Domingo manages to stand out through generosity rather than grandstanding. His Danny is stylish, scared, deeply in love, and desperately trying to hold everything together. He represents a nuanced portrayal of midlife crisis and queer love that resonates on a universal level.
For audiences seeking a series that deftly mixes sharp comedy with poignant drama, The Four Seasons is a compelling watch. Colman Domingo's layered performance and thoughtful direction are central to its success, offering a portrait of modern relationships that is as stylish as it is substantive. His work here is a reminder of the powerful stories being told by Black and Latino artists in Hollywood today, much like the genre-defining music of artists such as Rosalía or the cinematic ventures of stars like Jennifer Lopez.
Domingo's Danny ultimately stays with you—a character whose quiet crisis speaks volumes about the universal struggles with love, health, and the passage of time.
