What I’m Watching: The Loudest Voice (Series Finale)

The Loudest Voice: Season 1, Episode 7 “2016” (B+)

I think I was expectedly a finish with a bit more oomph, though it is true that Roger died shortly after all of this came to a head and therefore was in a way saved from considerable embarrassment because he never did face trial of any sort. What was most powerful about this episode was the switch that happened with Beth when she heard that Gretchen made recordings, something Roger didn’t even acknowledge and railroaded right past to decry the character of those who made allegations against him. Trump being featured on television defending his good friend after Roger called him was typically unsubtle, but it speaks volumes, since Trump does the same thing in his handling of situations he can’t deny – he tries to be the loudest voice in the room so that he can drown out anything he doesn’t like. Evidently, Roger made plenty of enemies, with Lachlan, portrayed by a questionably-accented Barry Watson, taking particular delight in watching Roger’s fall from grace when Rupert brought him in to fire him. The avalanche of testimonies featuring Roger’s deplorable nature was intense and excessive, though I think that’s the point since he tried to get away with whatever he wanted without any sense of, or regard for, the harm he was causing to people. I’m still interested to learn what plot points were fabricated or imagined for the sake of drama on this show, but I think the overarching message is clear, which is that power, left unchecked, can be dangerous if abused by those with far too much of it. This limited series held my attention each week, and I very much hope Russell Crowe is now more liked than he used to be so that he can claim an Emmy for his astonishing turn.

Series grade: B+
Series MVP: Russell Crowe