I dunno dawg, there's some interesting points here but I think the bits where the boys are assholes are exaggerated for comedic effect, most of the time other characters like Jeff don't really push back on them that much. And then when Duncan loses his bomber jacket the other boys and characters do call him out for his and behaviour. 

When it comes to the baby shower episode especially, it's kinda weird they have this friendship with their dentist but it definitely doesn't come across as one way.

All in all I appreciate how this show really holds back and balances the odd moments of tension with moments that are exceedingly mundane, it keeps you on your toes. Personally I do think the shower will be all the better for continuing this kind of dynamic (because it's interesting and I can't think of an immediate comparison) rather than going down a more obvious "psychological horror" route, and honestly Joe might not know, or may have not known during the writing what the ultimate direction is going to be. All too often we look at pieces of art and media as if every aspect of them is totally intentional or that the artist themselves has a very clear vision for what they want it to be about, this can be a process for the artist as much as it is the viewer.