"The Philanthropist" Pilot (2009)

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Director:

Peter Horton

Writers:

Tom Fontana (creator) &
Charlie Corwin (creator) ...

TV Series:

"The Philanthropist" (2009)

Original Air Date:

24 JÚNIUS 2009 (Season 1, Episode 1)

Genre:

Action

Plot:

Cast

James Purefoy	...	Teddy Rist
Neve Campbell	...	Olivia Maidstone
Michael K. Williams	...	Dax (as Michael Kenneth Williams)
Lindy Booth	...	A.J.
Jesse L. Martin	...	Philip Maidstone
Krista Allen	...	Julia Rist
Bonnie Henna	...	Chima Balo
Treva Etienne	...	The Dealer
James Albrecht	...	Gerard Kim
Gloria Votsis	...	Luellen
Obed Baloi	...	Native Man (as Obed Baloyi)
Mary-Ann Barlow	...	Interviewer (as Mary Anne Barlow)
Hlayani Molatana	...	Oumar
James Ngcobo	...	Health Minister
Lindani Nkosi	...	Government Greeter

Cheesy moments, fake characters, miserable protagonist and bad writing

When I saw a video of the protagonist saving a child I decided to ignore it because I found the scene far too cheesy. However when I read Lucy Brown from Primeval was supposed to guest star I quickly changed my mind. To feel less guilty I also made up excuses like "The story sounds inspiring" and "Maybe we'll be able to identify to the characters". I was wrong all the way. From the beginning to the very end I couldn't believe how fake, boring and bad some scenes looked like. A black woman he meets in Africa could be Naomi Campbell. His female assistant and the waitress were just designed to appeal the male audience. I enjoyed the candy but it was just misplaced considering the context. The moments he shares with the little boy are pathetic and the acting is even worst. I also hated how the protagonist used his money to buy people, like if they were goods. His monologue with the waitress was terrible, repetitive and even the ending joke wasn't funny. However I have to admit that it got better in the jungle but that darker plot was far too short and to tell the truth its ending puzzled me. I really thought the writers took their viewers for granted, like if we were brainless or something. The last minutes were also painful to watch as cheesy scenes were revealed one after an other.

So overall the story was disappointing but at least it convinced me that watching the show wouldn't change the world. In fact it could make it worse. I also found the protagonist was miserable and don't know anyone who could relate to him. You don't have to be a selfish and egocentric billionaire to help others. You need at least a heart and determination. However I have to admit that it could inspire some people to find a purpose to their lives. After all one way to save ourself is to help others. But first things first, let's not waste anymore time with shows like The Philanthropist. Last but not least I actually waited until the very end for Lucy to appear but she didn't. Writing this review I actually found out that she performed in the next episode, Myanmar. But the pilot was so bad that I couldn't take an other second of it. As a last resort I would also like to point out that Neve Campbell's role was anecdotic. An other reason to forget it.