It's a risky thing to write a television show about a group of people who are, and I think this is possibly too mild, utterly abhorrent. The closest thing we get to a sympathetic character here is Cousin Greg, an outcast and half-forgotten relative who is given an opportunity to try and wedge his way into the inner circle of his great-uncle, the not-Rupert-Murdoch-stand-in Logan Roy. What makes the first episode so compelling is how well-drawn this cast of terrible people are; Jesse Armstrong takes much of the 'can't look away' factor from Peep Show and transfers it to a more high-flying concept. Kendall Roy rapping in the back of his chauffeured car and trying to 'dude' and 'shizz' his way through a takeover meeting is pure cringe television. Roman Roy cheerfully treating those around him, including a child, with nothing less than utter contempt is nearly painful to watch. The rest of the unfortunates drift around Logan, alternately simpering and jostling for his attention and favour.
Much is done here to set up the family dynamic, but it never feels too obvious or over-done. Characters are sketched out in broad strokes but they're compelling enough despite their flaws for me to want to spend more time with them. Like being in the court of a Roman emperor, I'm interested to see these people destroy themselves through their own hubris and utter lack of self-awareness. It's competently done, with Adam McKay in The Big Short mode, although thankfully the knowing, irritating tone of that film has been dialled back significantly. The pieces are in place at the episode's end for the succession battle to really begin, and I am, as the phrase goes, 'here for it'.
Review by DeletedBlockedParent2019-11-19T13:03:54Z
It's a risky thing to write a television show about a group of people who are, and I think this is possibly too mild, utterly abhorrent. The closest thing we get to a sympathetic character here is Cousin Greg, an outcast and half-forgotten relative who is given an opportunity to try and wedge his way into the inner circle of his great-uncle, the not-Rupert-Murdoch-stand-in Logan Roy. What makes the first episode so compelling is how well-drawn this cast of terrible people are; Jesse Armstrong takes much of the 'can't look away' factor from Peep Show and transfers it to a more high-flying concept. Kendall Roy rapping in the back of his chauffeured car and trying to 'dude' and 'shizz' his way through a takeover meeting is pure cringe television. Roman Roy cheerfully treating those around him, including a child, with nothing less than utter contempt is nearly painful to watch. The rest of the unfortunates drift around Logan, alternately simpering and jostling for his attention and favour.
Much is done here to set up the family dynamic, but it never feels too obvious or over-done. Characters are sketched out in broad strokes but they're compelling enough despite their flaws for me to want to spend more time with them. Like being in the court of a Roman emperor, I'm interested to see these people destroy themselves through their own hubris and utter lack of self-awareness. It's competently done, with Adam McKay in The Big Short mode, although thankfully the knowing, irritating tone of that film has been dialled back significantly. The pieces are in place at the episode's end for the succession battle to really begin, and I am, as the phrase goes, 'here for it'.