Halston: Season 1, Episode 5 “Critics” (B+)
This was as fitting and fulfilling a way to wrap this show up as I imagine could have been done, though again I’d argue that perhaps this could have been a longer series with more than five episodes. But I don’t feel that there was a dull moment, and it’s possible that padding it more might have led to too much of an emphasis on the benders and Halston wallowing in self-pity rather than fighting desperately for the preservation of his own legacy. His eagerness to say “no” repeatedly to David evolved into a far more confrontational and demeaning tactic with Carl, and him announcing that an egg salad sandwich had just walked into his office was both cruel and bitingly hilarious. At least as portrayed here, Carl did do everything he could to rein Halston in while supporting his vision, but his failure to meet any deadline is what ultimately did him in. Halston’s attempts to work with his theoretical replacement John David Ridge were promising at first, and it was good to see that, even after Halston lost all rights to his name and his company, he saw the value in someone else’s expertise and chose to work with John again when he was doing his well-received dance passion project. Having a closing scene in the limo with Joe was an effective representative farewell for him to have with all the people he loved and ultimately trampled on. This show was both a piece of entertainment and a compelling portrait of passion and perfectionism, and I hope it’s deservedly rewarded with accolades for all involved.
Series grade: B+
Series MVP: Ewan McGregor as Halston
Monday, June 14, 2021
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