This show has a good premise but even better witty writing and execution throughout. Yes it gets as convoluted as House of Cards with a power-hungry power couple that is perhaps more nuanced in character development and ethical dilemma.
Acting-wise, Oscar-nom (Cinderella Man) Paul Giamatti is superb as Chuck Rhoades throughout and his dominatrix wife Wendy (Maggie Siff) gets more and more likeable, nuanced and badass. Paul Giamatti had similar strong performance in the John Adams (2008) mini-series. Maggie Siff and the writers manage to make Wendy a tour-de-force as a corporate coaching mastermind and meaningful partner for both Chuck & Axe. She manages to influence much on the sidelines and keep two loyalties in the midst of clear hostility.
Opposite is Damian Lewis, who is brilliant as brainchild bully Bobby (Axe) Axelrod and his character journey is incredible and understandable. Season 3 & 4 sees less of his wife and more of the loveable Wags character (David Costabile) who gets more depth with time, formidable friendship and even funnier. Taylor Mason also gets more screen time which some viewers dislike, but to me it is exactly the type of excitement and change the show needed to stay fresh and look at new storylines.
Taylor is a complex, complete and compelling character. You may not like THEM for whatever reason, but it adds some spice and very different perspective. It is a character we have rarely if ever seen on screen and not because of their nonbinary aspect. Is it a robust robot with human flesh and feelings?
Another Oscar (twice) nominated, John Malkovich, also brings some amazing acting to another key mysterious character in Grigor starting in season 3. His deadpan, playfulness and veiled or not so veiled threats are nail-biting and rich.
Lastly, let's not forget Chuck Senior as a character and Jeffrey DeMunn's charisma as an actor to unstill chaos, love, loathing and wisdom in an unorthodox fatherly presence. Often funny, his lines are written and delivered to much delight.
All in all, for all the intrigues in Season 1 (especially last 3 eps) and even better Season 2, I find Seasons 3 & 4 to be exactly what the show could stretch and explore with us. Thanks for a solid series that delivers show after show.
Hope Season 5 doesn't resemble House of Cards' cowardly Season 6. If you have no good writing or cast, please stop on a high and say bye. As Axe may say "Don't short a position when there is momentum and fundamentals". Until then, I will be eagerly watching!
Acting-wise, Oscar-nom (Cinderella Man) Paul Giamatti is superb as Chuck Rhoades throughout and his dominatrix wife Wendy (Maggie Siff) gets more and more likeable, nuanced and badass. Paul Giamatti had similar strong performance in the John Adams (2008) mini-series. Maggie Siff and the writers manage to make Wendy a tour-de-force as a corporate coaching mastermind and meaningful partner for both Chuck & Axe. She manages to influence much on the sidelines and keep two loyalties in the midst of clear hostility.
Opposite is Damian Lewis, who is brilliant as brainchild bully Bobby (Axe) Axelrod and his character journey is incredible and understandable. Season 3 & 4 sees less of his wife and more of the loveable Wags character (David Costabile) who gets more depth with time, formidable friendship and even funnier. Taylor Mason also gets more screen time which some viewers dislike, but to me it is exactly the type of excitement and change the show needed to stay fresh and look at new storylines.
Taylor is a complex, complete and compelling character. You may not like THEM for whatever reason, but it adds some spice and very different perspective. It is a character we have rarely if ever seen on screen and not because of their nonbinary aspect. Is it a robust robot with human flesh and feelings?
Another Oscar (twice) nominated, John Malkovich, also brings some amazing acting to another key mysterious character in Grigor starting in season 3. His deadpan, playfulness and veiled or not so veiled threats are nail-biting and rich.
Lastly, let's not forget Chuck Senior as a character and Jeffrey DeMunn's charisma as an actor to unstill chaos, love, loathing and wisdom in an unorthodox fatherly presence. Often funny, his lines are written and delivered to much delight.
All in all, for all the intrigues in Season 1 (especially last 3 eps) and even better Season 2, I find Seasons 3 & 4 to be exactly what the show could stretch and explore with us. Thanks for a solid series that delivers show after show.
Hope Season 5 doesn't resemble House of Cards' cowardly Season 6. If you have no good writing or cast, please stop on a high and say bye. As Axe may say "Don't short a position when there is momentum and fundamentals". Until then, I will be eagerly watching!