Pilot Review: Manhattan

Manhattan (WGN)
Premiered July 27 at 10pm

I wouldn’t have even known about this show had I not stumbled across a trailer for the series on IMDB thinking it was a preview for a feature film. I’m not sure when the last time I watched WGN was, and it seems that, following its first successful original series, “Salem,” which I haven’t seen, the network wants to try more of its own original weekly programming. This is just the latest in a long line of shows to ambitiously set itself in the past, honing in on World War II and the race for the bomb. I immediately recognized John Benjamin Hickey, who was so terrific as deranged, homeless-by-choice brother Sean on “The Big C,” as Frank, who comes closest to being the show’s protagonist since he is a generally noble individual who is still fully aware of what they are working for and its implications. Unfortunately, Hickey’s role here gives him so little to do, and the same is true of typical scene-stealer Olivia Williams, whose part could be so much more interesting. Rachel Brosnahan, who played Rachel on “House of Cards,” seems to have the meatiest role, as Charlie’s wife Abby, who is adjusting to life in Shangri-La. There’s plenty of potential here but I think the show’s pacing and its obsession with portraying its events and concept as utterly startling and completely vital doesn’t work to its advantage. I can see why someone might have wanted to turn this into a TV series, but its sense of fatal importance isn’t echoed by corresponding action and excitement.

How will it work as a series? Given its place in history, I’m not sure where the show could eventually go. There can be ups and downs and minor bumps along the way on the compound, but ultimately there’s much more at play here which might not figure so well into the confines of this show.
How long will it last? The main headline in most ratings reports is that these numbers are less impressive than those of “Salem.” Having only one prior success to compare it to doesn’t bode well for this show, but I think the network won’t want to give up on its second effort so quickly and might be inclined to give this show another shot.

Pilot grade: C