Episode Guide
Episode 1 – | Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 2 – | Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 3 – | Review Score – 4/5 Episode 4 – | Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 5 – | Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 6 – | Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 7 – | Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 8 – | Review Score – 4/5 From Scratch is a limited Netflix series inspired by Tembi Locke’s memoir by the same name. If you are looking for a good cry then this is the show to watch. From the first episode when we are introduced to Amy (played by the gorgeous and talented Zoe Saldana) we get a sense that we are bound to shed some tears. We were right – so grab a box of tissues because you will weep after watching this compelling love story! We meet Amy as a young woman who is in Italy to learn more about art and we can’t fault her for choosing one of the most artistic countries in the world to start her journey. She is a Brown undergraduate who is taking a sabbatical to test if she truly has what it takes to be an artist. Art is her passion but for most of her life, she has lived trying to ignore that part of her. As fate would have it, she runs into a hot, handsome chef, Lino (played by Eugenio Mastrandrea). He wins her heart with his delicious meals and passion for what he does. Others have argued that she fell for the food first but we will let you decide that on your own. The couple soon realize that their dreams are in two different places and Amy will have to leave for L.A. Lino decides to follow her back to the US and pursue his dream to open a restaurant. As expected, it is not easy to adjust and the couple faces some challenges. The first challenge is their family. Lino is not on good terms with his father and their rift makes it hard for him to be close to his mom and sister. On the other hand, Amy’s family is not happy with her decision to quit law school and be in a relationship with Lino. However, tense moments and heartbreak ensue. The heart of this series is how Lino and Amy stick to their vows – for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish always. The story of Lino and Amy starts like a perfect fairytale in the distinct and breathtaking landscape of Italy. Over the years, they grew and their love was powerful enough to transcend family rifts, race and distance. The story is based on the real life experiences Tembi Locke went through with her first husband, and as such you can’t help but feel the same rollercoaster of emotions that she does through every moment. Tembi gave us intimate parts of herself when she agreed to produce this show and that was brave. From how fleshed-out the episodes are to the intricacies of the character, you can tell that this project is different from the normal romance stories we are used to. Throughout the eight episodes, the story remains intact and entertaining. There are some cliché moments and a touch of predictability but it’s subtly handled. It is also worth noting that the chemistry between the characters is part of the reason why From Scratch remains riveting throughout. From Scratch is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, that had us gasping for air amid tears – but it was well worth it! If you are thinking of skipping it, don’t!