Goliath: Season 2, Episode 8 “Tongue Tied” (C+)
After all this, I really don’t think the trip was worth it. Season one was full of so many interesting characters and dimensions, and when I finished it just about two years ago, I couldn’t comprehend why it had yet to be renewed. Now, my feelings are very different, having seen what another iteration looks like without many of the same players from season one. The fact that Billy lost in such a big way is disappointing, mainly because there were no winners. Hakeem was completely on Billy’s side at the end, ready to move ahead with charges, but not even all the villains were able to survive. Tom getting taken in by Gabriel rather than the FBI after letting Brittany get away from him led him to a disturbing fate, one that highlights the brutality that has dominated this season. His obsession with watching those who have lost limbs meant for some reason that he needed to lose all of his and then have his tongue cut out because Gabriel needs to show everyone just how horrible he is. Marisol also got away without any consequences, more than happy to tell Billy that she never loved him. I’m so much more interested in Denise and her worrisome drinking that looks all too much like her father’s, and a spotlight on Patty that we just didn’t get this season. I finished this season and wrote this review a few days before it finally got renewed for season three, which I might be open to revisiting since it would feature a new plotline and cast of characters, but I’m not filled either with confidence or satisfaction after concluding this run.
Season grade: B-
Season MVP: Nina Arianda as Patty
Showing posts with label Goliath. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goliath. Show all posts
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Monday, December 3, 2018
What I’m Watching: Goliath
Goliath: Season 2, Episode 7 “Diablo Verde” (C+)
There’s only one episode left in this season, and I’d assume in the whole series given how little I’ve heard about this show since its second season premiered, aside from Satellite Award nominations for Billy Bob Thornton and supporting actor Mark Duplass, who didn’t appear at all in this installment. I can’t imagine what kind of resolution we’ll get in the concluding hour, since now even the bad guys are killing each other off while the good guys are no closer to truly being able to serve justice. Billy being stuck in Mexico with a handful of babysitters didn’t feel like a necessary hour at all, particularly because we, like him, didn’t have any idea how he got there. I recognized Steven Bauer as one of his more verbose guards, though it’s strange to hear him without the Israeli accent he puts on as Avi on “Ray Donovan.” Paul Ben-Victor was another familiar face as the less patient and much angrier leader. Billy, as usual, worked calmly and efficiently with Lauren Tom’s Applebees to engineer a major jailbreak that managed to get her to some degree of safety and him back to California crumpled up in a trunk. Showing the title that usually serves as the opening credits indicator of the show a full forty-one minutes in was a peculiar choice, and I would have appreciated an hour that dealt much more with Patti using her newfound romantic relationship to her advantage and Denise engaging in some truly disturbing, daddy-level drinking when Billy went missing. Danny getting killed seems puzzling since now the cartel is out two corrupt cops, and it’s strange that all signs point to David Cross’ broker rather than Tom, who has been seen with Danny at the club so many times. I’m hopeful that the finale will provide some sense of resolution that will make me eager for a third season, should one be commissioned.
There’s only one episode left in this season, and I’d assume in the whole series given how little I’ve heard about this show since its second season premiered, aside from Satellite Award nominations for Billy Bob Thornton and supporting actor Mark Duplass, who didn’t appear at all in this installment. I can’t imagine what kind of resolution we’ll get in the concluding hour, since now even the bad guys are killing each other off while the good guys are no closer to truly being able to serve justice. Billy being stuck in Mexico with a handful of babysitters didn’t feel like a necessary hour at all, particularly because we, like him, didn’t have any idea how he got there. I recognized Steven Bauer as one of his more verbose guards, though it’s strange to hear him without the Israeli accent he puts on as Avi on “Ray Donovan.” Paul Ben-Victor was another familiar face as the less patient and much angrier leader. Billy, as usual, worked calmly and efficiently with Lauren Tom’s Applebees to engineer a major jailbreak that managed to get her to some degree of safety and him back to California crumpled up in a trunk. Showing the title that usually serves as the opening credits indicator of the show a full forty-one minutes in was a peculiar choice, and I would have appreciated an hour that dealt much more with Patti using her newfound romantic relationship to her advantage and Denise engaging in some truly disturbing, daddy-level drinking when Billy went missing. Danny getting killed seems puzzling since now the cartel is out two corrupt cops, and it’s strange that all signs point to David Cross’ broker rather than Tom, who has been seen with Danny at the club so many times. I’m hopeful that the finale will provide some sense of resolution that will make me eager for a third season, should one be commissioned.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
What I’m Watching: Goliath
Goliath: Season 2, Episode 6 “Two Cinderellas” (B-)
It’s been difficult to get through this season because it seems that, no matter how hard the good guys try, they’re dealt brutal blow after brutal blow, each of which feels like overkill to suppress something that too many people already know about it but are hopeless to prove to the greater public. Julio was going to go free even after Roman was killed because Hakeem was convinced that he wasn’t responsible, but by the time Patty arrived at his cell, he had been forced to write a confession and then set up to appear as if he had committed suicide. Roman’s family being killed seemed like an unnecessary cruelty, one that this show isn’t likely to touch unless it ends up being the turning point in a case that might somehow start to implicate Gabriel if Billy can bother to realize that he was being paraded out of the country just so that all of this could happen without his being present. Marisol does seem to be attached to Billy, and maybe she’ll save him and betray her brother in the process, though that long walk through the fields that she saw him take in the final moments of the episode don’t convey optimism. The flashback to JT losing a client to the electric chair linked to his last-ditch efforts to save Julio in this hour, and I’m wondering if he’s going to be part of whatever looks like a solution in the final two episodes of this season.
It’s been difficult to get through this season because it seems that, no matter how hard the good guys try, they’re dealt brutal blow after brutal blow, each of which feels like overkill to suppress something that too many people already know about it but are hopeless to prove to the greater public. Julio was going to go free even after Roman was killed because Hakeem was convinced that he wasn’t responsible, but by the time Patty arrived at his cell, he had been forced to write a confession and then set up to appear as if he had committed suicide. Roman’s family being killed seemed like an unnecessary cruelty, one that this show isn’t likely to touch unless it ends up being the turning point in a case that might somehow start to implicate Gabriel if Billy can bother to realize that he was being paraded out of the country just so that all of this could happen without his being present. Marisol does seem to be attached to Billy, and maybe she’ll save him and betray her brother in the process, though that long walk through the fields that she saw him take in the final moments of the episode don’t convey optimism. The flashback to JT losing a client to the electric chair linked to his last-ditch efforts to save Julio in this hour, and I’m wondering if he’s going to be part of whatever looks like a solution in the final two episodes of this season.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
What I’m Watching: Goliath
Goliath: Season 2, Episode 5 “Who’s Gabriel” (B-)
Opening this episode with a hand-drawn cartoon with subtitles to give some backstory was certainly strange, and it’s hard to find a common style on this show. This season, which has just three episodes left, isn’t in a much of a rush to get anywhere, with repeated threats being delivered and received multiple times an hour from so many of the characters to each other. The crucial turning point in this hour is that, even though he didn’t show the first time, Roman decided to change sides and tell a very furious Hakeem what he knew. He didn’t catch on to the fact that Danny was following him, and Danny in turn tried to hold off telling Tom that he knew exactly who the leak was and was then somehow surprised when Tom matter-of-factly ordered him to kill his best friend. Tom really did open up to Brittany, who seems to be completely enchanted by him and more than willing to fulfill his fantasies, and he, like Marisol, was way too obvious about his allegedly casual interest in the case. Elena probably could have guessed what Gabriel’s question about prayer meant, and Marisol seemed spooked enough to fire her on the spot and, puzzlingly, bring Billy with her down to Mexico to meet him face-to-face. I have no idea what’s going to come of that. Patty had a whole intense speech prepared to scare Jeff off, but he didn’t take the bait at all and might even have scored a point or two with her in the process.
Opening this episode with a hand-drawn cartoon with subtitles to give some backstory was certainly strange, and it’s hard to find a common style on this show. This season, which has just three episodes left, isn’t in a much of a rush to get anywhere, with repeated threats being delivered and received multiple times an hour from so many of the characters to each other. The crucial turning point in this hour is that, even though he didn’t show the first time, Roman decided to change sides and tell a very furious Hakeem what he knew. He didn’t catch on to the fact that Danny was following him, and Danny in turn tried to hold off telling Tom that he knew exactly who the leak was and was then somehow surprised when Tom matter-of-factly ordered him to kill his best friend. Tom really did open up to Brittany, who seems to be completely enchanted by him and more than willing to fulfill his fantasies, and he, like Marisol, was way too obvious about his allegedly casual interest in the case. Elena probably could have guessed what Gabriel’s question about prayer meant, and Marisol seemed spooked enough to fire her on the spot and, puzzlingly, bring Billy with her down to Mexico to meet him face-to-face. I have no idea what’s going to come of that. Patty had a whole intense speech prepared to scare Jeff off, but he didn’t take the bait at all and might even have scored a point or two with her in the process.
Monday, November 5, 2018
What I’m Watching: Goliath
Goliath: Season 2, Episode 4 “Alo” (B-)
I’m getting a bit tired of how much we need to see of how Tom isn’t nearly as bad as the men that he’s working for, with new limbs being amputated on screen and then even the victims of his depraved fantasies being executed just to scare him a little en route to Mexico. I’m still perplexed by the casting of Mark Duplass in that role, especially after he arrived to rescue an all-too comedic scene with an equally strange choice, David Cross, before predictably beating Loomis with his racket. The turning point that may have been accomplished by episode’s end, after Billy got Roman really riled up by marching into the police station with the severed head in the box, he showed up to spell out for him that he has no interest in seeing Roman dead, and being at the bottom of the food chain means that he may want to consider switching sides. Hopefully, Billy is finally starting to realize that Marisol doesn’t have his best interests in mind, after she refused to answer his legitimate questions and then showed up to convince Denise to push for details about the case. The case is ultimately this show’s focus, and they may have scored a win by convincing Judge Wallace that they have more behind them than she initially thought. Brittany telling Tom that she googled him means that she should realize that he’s trouble, but that doesn’t seem likely anytime soon given how committed he is to getting what he wants, especially when he’s the one in control. I enjoyed Patty’s swift rejection of Jeff trying to take her out for a drink, even though he was really quite passive and far politer than most of the people in her life.
I’m getting a bit tired of how much we need to see of how Tom isn’t nearly as bad as the men that he’s working for, with new limbs being amputated on screen and then even the victims of his depraved fantasies being executed just to scare him a little en route to Mexico. I’m still perplexed by the casting of Mark Duplass in that role, especially after he arrived to rescue an all-too comedic scene with an equally strange choice, David Cross, before predictably beating Loomis with his racket. The turning point that may have been accomplished by episode’s end, after Billy got Roman really riled up by marching into the police station with the severed head in the box, he showed up to spell out for him that he has no interest in seeing Roman dead, and being at the bottom of the food chain means that he may want to consider switching sides. Hopefully, Billy is finally starting to realize that Marisol doesn’t have his best interests in mind, after she refused to answer his legitimate questions and then showed up to convince Denise to push for details about the case. The case is ultimately this show’s focus, and they may have scored a win by convincing Judge Wallace that they have more behind them than she initially thought. Brittany telling Tom that she googled him means that she should realize that he’s trouble, but that doesn’t seem likely anytime soon given how committed he is to getting what he wants, especially when he’s the one in control. I enjoyed Patty’s swift rejection of Jeff trying to take her out for a drink, even though he was really quite passive and far politer than most of the people in her life.
Monday, October 29, 2018
What I’m Watching: Goliath
Goliath: Season 2, Episode 3 “Fresh Flower” (B)
This case is not going well at all, and that’s because there are so many different players stepping up to mess things up. On the casting side, I recognized Alexandra Billings from “Transparent” as the judge, who has a history with Billy that helped her to consider his plan, and also James Wolk from “Mad Men,” “Lone Star,” and “Zoo” as FBI Agent Jeff Clayton. We’re seeing a very clear threat from the corrupt cops who got Tito back from Mexico to be cut into pieces and had no problem physically strongarming Patty, who ended up with a bad bruise but isn’t likely to tell anyone about it. Billy seems more subdued than usual, almost unalarmed at someone breaking in overnight and then having a disgruntled woman show up in the middle of the night banging on the door about a handwritten restraining order. It was entertaining to see Denise’s starstruck reaction to finding Marisol coming out of his room, but she has no idea just how bad it is that they’re involved. Though she’s loyal to Julio, she went straight to Tom to report the problem to him and ensure that Tito wouldn’t make it back to serve as a witness. Marisol held her own against Tom when he tried to intimidate her at work, and he refused to give up and pursued her right to her meeting with Billy. I don’t know why we needed that final scene with Tom masturbating, other than I guess to show that he’s depraved and eager to control things? I’m much more intrigued – and worried – by his crashing Brittany’s AA meeting. On a much lighter note, I enjoyed Patti asking Rashad’s co-counsel if she was okay just being there to listen.
This case is not going well at all, and that’s because there are so many different players stepping up to mess things up. On the casting side, I recognized Alexandra Billings from “Transparent” as the judge, who has a history with Billy that helped her to consider his plan, and also James Wolk from “Mad Men,” “Lone Star,” and “Zoo” as FBI Agent Jeff Clayton. We’re seeing a very clear threat from the corrupt cops who got Tito back from Mexico to be cut into pieces and had no problem physically strongarming Patty, who ended up with a bad bruise but isn’t likely to tell anyone about it. Billy seems more subdued than usual, almost unalarmed at someone breaking in overnight and then having a disgruntled woman show up in the middle of the night banging on the door about a handwritten restraining order. It was entertaining to see Denise’s starstruck reaction to finding Marisol coming out of his room, but she has no idea just how bad it is that they’re involved. Though she’s loyal to Julio, she went straight to Tom to report the problem to him and ensure that Tito wouldn’t make it back to serve as a witness. Marisol held her own against Tom when he tried to intimidate her at work, and he refused to give up and pursued her right to her meeting with Billy. I don’t know why we needed that final scene with Tom masturbating, other than I guess to show that he’s depraved and eager to control things? I’m much more intrigued – and worried – by his crashing Brittany’s AA meeting. On a much lighter note, I enjoyed Patti asking Rashad’s co-counsel if she was okay just being there to listen.
Saturday, October 20, 2018
What I’m Watching: Goliath
Goliath: Season 2, Episode 2 “Politics” (B)
I didn’t watch the season premiere until a month after it was released on Amazon, and it’s been a full three months since that time. I’m now feeling like I can pick back up my streaming shows again, but I’m having a bit of trouble getting back into this series. I really liked season one and the vast array of complex supporting characters, and I’m just not sure if we have that anymore. Seeing Patty is always a highlight, and watching her family try to get Billy into business deals or to take on a high-profile bunion case was entertaining. Her plan not to ever interact with Brittany is going to make things at the office exceptionally awkward, and Billy seems to be especially relieved to have Brittany back even after what she did. Denise confiscating all of Billy’s alcohol as a low-key attempted wake-up call for him to take a look at his life was an interesting instance of reverse parenting, but as usual, Billy seems to have too much to think about to really stop and notice. I knew I recognized the voice in the opening sequence, which turned out to be David Cross, and I’m still not sure that Mark Duplass is the right person to play Tom, whose reactions in certain situations appear unnecessarily comic. I’m much more impressed with Ana de la Reguera, whose Marisol is caught in a complicated situation where she’ll definitely have to compromise her principles to stay alive, and is only making things much grayer by sleeping with Billy.
I didn’t watch the season premiere until a month after it was released on Amazon, and it’s been a full three months since that time. I’m now feeling like I can pick back up my streaming shows again, but I’m having a bit of trouble getting back into this series. I really liked season one and the vast array of complex supporting characters, and I’m just not sure if we have that anymore. Seeing Patty is always a highlight, and watching her family try to get Billy into business deals or to take on a high-profile bunion case was entertaining. Her plan not to ever interact with Brittany is going to make things at the office exceptionally awkward, and Billy seems to be especially relieved to have Brittany back even after what she did. Denise confiscating all of Billy’s alcohol as a low-key attempted wake-up call for him to take a look at his life was an interesting instance of reverse parenting, but as usual, Billy seems to have too much to think about to really stop and notice. I knew I recognized the voice in the opening sequence, which turned out to be David Cross, and I’m still not sure that Mark Duplass is the right person to play Tom, whose reactions in certain situations appear unnecessarily comic. I’m much more impressed with Ana de la Reguera, whose Marisol is caught in a complicated situation where she’ll definitely have to compromise her principles to stay alive, and is only making things much grayer by sleeping with Billy.
Monday, July 16, 2018
What I’m Watching: Goliath (Season Premiere)
Goliath: Season 2, Episode 1 “La Mano” (B)
I liked this show a lot back when it premiered in October 2016, and it was a long wait for this second season. One of the best parts about its first year was the ensemble cast, with Danny and his reluctant allies going up against a true goliath that included his former partners, both personal and professional. In this premiere, it’s hard to tell who’s still around and exactly what the focus is going to be, with only a repentant Brittany and a much older Denise returning. I didn’t expect that most of the characters, especially the opposing legal team, would be back, but it’s hard to get quite as excited without all of the supporting players on board. I got confused watching Lou Diamond Phillips as the owner of a bar since I saw him in a similar light for the past few years on “Longmire,” and while he helped to introduce this season’s legal storyline, it doesn’t look like he’s going to survive past the end of this hour. The two prominent faces we did see were Ana de la Reguera from “Cop Out” and “Narcos” as a prominent mayoral candidate and Mark Duplass from “Togetherness” and so many other things as an apparent fixer who really likes to talk. It’s still not so apparent where this season is going, with arms being cut off and other lovely moments from this premiere, but given how engaging season one was, I’m willing to stick around and see what’s coming.
I liked this show a lot back when it premiered in October 2016, and it was a long wait for this second season. One of the best parts about its first year was the ensemble cast, with Danny and his reluctant allies going up against a true goliath that included his former partners, both personal and professional. In this premiere, it’s hard to tell who’s still around and exactly what the focus is going to be, with only a repentant Brittany and a much older Denise returning. I didn’t expect that most of the characters, especially the opposing legal team, would be back, but it’s hard to get quite as excited without all of the supporting players on board. I got confused watching Lou Diamond Phillips as the owner of a bar since I saw him in a similar light for the past few years on “Longmire,” and while he helped to introduce this season’s legal storyline, it doesn’t look like he’s going to survive past the end of this hour. The two prominent faces we did see were Ana de la Reguera from “Cop Out” and “Narcos” as a prominent mayoral candidate and Mark Duplass from “Togetherness” and so many other things as an apparent fixer who really likes to talk. It’s still not so apparent where this season is going, with arms being cut off and other lovely moments from this premiere, but given how engaging season one was, I’m willing to stick around and see what’s coming.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
What I’m Watching: Goliath (Season Finale)
Goliath: Season 1, Episode 8 “Citizens United” (B+)
I found this finale to be a very fitting conclusion to the first season of this show, and it’s both puzzling and concerning to me that, after reports that this was Amazon’s most-binged show and Billy Bob Thornton earned a Golden Globe nomination, this show has yet to be renewed for a second season. I think this year more than proved its quality, crafting a talented and packed ensemble with a handful of supporting characters who really stood out. To me, the best ones were Brittany, who played a tremendous role in this episode, and Patty, who barely appeared in it but still got in a few fantastic lines, namely asking in astonishment if the defense were under the impression that they won. After Donald made his triumphant exit from the shadows to come testify, he didn’t suffer as vicious and swift a takedown as Billy afforded Brittany. He did, however, suffer a stroke on the stand, and the final scene painted an ambiguous portrait of his fate, both eager to die and to get revenge on Billy one last time by sending him to jail for fulfilling his wish. Lucy turned out to be the real downfall for the case, destroying Donald’s credibility entirely. It’s crazy to see how quickly a $162 million judgment was reduced to $25 million and then upped back to $50 million and an admission of guilt thanks to Billy pressing it, and he even managed to get Wendell arrested after recording him. I like this show a lot, and I really do hope we get more of it.
Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Nina Arianda as Patty
I found this finale to be a very fitting conclusion to the first season of this show, and it’s both puzzling and concerning to me that, after reports that this was Amazon’s most-binged show and Billy Bob Thornton earned a Golden Globe nomination, this show has yet to be renewed for a second season. I think this year more than proved its quality, crafting a talented and packed ensemble with a handful of supporting characters who really stood out. To me, the best ones were Brittany, who played a tremendous role in this episode, and Patty, who barely appeared in it but still got in a few fantastic lines, namely asking in astonishment if the defense were under the impression that they won. After Donald made his triumphant exit from the shadows to come testify, he didn’t suffer as vicious and swift a takedown as Billy afforded Brittany. He did, however, suffer a stroke on the stand, and the final scene painted an ambiguous portrait of his fate, both eager to die and to get revenge on Billy one last time by sending him to jail for fulfilling his wish. Lucy turned out to be the real downfall for the case, destroying Donald’s credibility entirely. It’s crazy to see how quickly a $162 million judgment was reduced to $25 million and then upped back to $50 million and an admission of guilt thanks to Billy pressing it, and he even managed to get Wendell arrested after recording him. I like this show a lot, and I really do hope we get more of it.
Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Nina Arianda as Patty
Friday, December 9, 2016
What I’m Watching: Goliath
Goliath: Season 1, Episode 7 “Beauty and the Beast” (B+)
The first season of this show – which will hopefully be renewed for a second year – is only eight episodes, and so this hour had a lot to cover to accelerate things from the place they were at to being all the way in the middle of the trial. I enjoyed Billy’s comment to the police about there being no law against having a dead snitch in your trunk, and I also liked that Patty opted to tell Billy a story rather than reassure him that he would be okay when he started collapsing in the parking lot. Patty’s story to the job about stabbing herself when she was trying to extract the pit of an avocado was so singularly her and great. The biggest fall from grace in this show was suffered by Lucy, who got stuck on just one word and got herself thrown off the case entirely, dumped by Donald, and fired. It’s no wonder people hate Donald – he really treats them awfully, and the cold, calculating Callie is no better, stealing Lucy’s story about her brother and then telling her that she’d never have it when she was firing her. I’m curious to see where Michelle will end up on all this, and it seems that Donald may be out on his own after Wendell took the stand and forced Billy to call him to testify. Brittany is not in great shape, and being called by Callie as the defense’s main witness is very bad news which may poke a giant hole in Billy’s whole case.
The first season of this show – which will hopefully be renewed for a second year – is only eight episodes, and so this hour had a lot to cover to accelerate things from the place they were at to being all the way in the middle of the trial. I enjoyed Billy’s comment to the police about there being no law against having a dead snitch in your trunk, and I also liked that Patty opted to tell Billy a story rather than reassure him that he would be okay when he started collapsing in the parking lot. Patty’s story to the job about stabbing herself when she was trying to extract the pit of an avocado was so singularly her and great. The biggest fall from grace in this show was suffered by Lucy, who got stuck on just one word and got herself thrown off the case entirely, dumped by Donald, and fired. It’s no wonder people hate Donald – he really treats them awfully, and the cold, calculating Callie is no better, stealing Lucy’s story about her brother and then telling her that she’d never have it when she was firing her. I’m curious to see where Michelle will end up on all this, and it seems that Donald may be out on his own after Wendell took the stand and forced Billy to call him to testify. Brittany is not in great shape, and being called by Callie as the defense’s main witness is very bad news which may poke a giant hole in Billy’s whole case.
Monday, November 28, 2016
What I’m Watching: Goliath
Goliath: Season 1, Episode 6 “Line of Fire” (B+)
Billy is certainly unconventional in the way that he does things, but he’s also facing totally unsurmountable challenges in ensuring the safety of things related to his case and his own person. Nearly getting run over when he tried to confront the man who was tailing him was almost the best thing to happen to Billy during the whole hour, and opening his trunk after almost getting plowed by the tanker to find a dead body inside was not a great development. I was surprised that Donald was so eager to meet Billy in person, especially given his aversion to light and public appearances. You’d think that Billy would be the less mature and more vindictive one in the relationship, but Donald took that honor handily, taunting Billy just to be mean. Donald is losing patience for those he does call friends and colleagues, making a big show with Wendell to intimidate Lenny into submission and shouting down Michelle for daring to question his stewardship. Callie took an aggressive step by forcibly revealing her affair with Michelle to Denise, and that had to be partially motivated by Donald’s favoring and manipulation of Lucy in the case. Billy stopping by the judge’s home to fill him in on new evidence was bold but not unlike him, and hopefully that was enough to ensure that he won’t be totally screwed given everything else that happened in this episode. I appreciated the casting of Sarah Baker from “Louie” as Lilly, Ned’s ex, whereas Jason Ritter playing Agent Farley was a bit of a stranger choice.
Billy is certainly unconventional in the way that he does things, but he’s also facing totally unsurmountable challenges in ensuring the safety of things related to his case and his own person. Nearly getting run over when he tried to confront the man who was tailing him was almost the best thing to happen to Billy during the whole hour, and opening his trunk after almost getting plowed by the tanker to find a dead body inside was not a great development. I was surprised that Donald was so eager to meet Billy in person, especially given his aversion to light and public appearances. You’d think that Billy would be the less mature and more vindictive one in the relationship, but Donald took that honor handily, taunting Billy just to be mean. Donald is losing patience for those he does call friends and colleagues, making a big show with Wendell to intimidate Lenny into submission and shouting down Michelle for daring to question his stewardship. Callie took an aggressive step by forcibly revealing her affair with Michelle to Denise, and that had to be partially motivated by Donald’s favoring and manipulation of Lucy in the case. Billy stopping by the judge’s home to fill him in on new evidence was bold but not unlike him, and hopefully that was enough to ensure that he won’t be totally screwed given everything else that happened in this episode. I appreciated the casting of Sarah Baker from “Louie” as Lilly, Ned’s ex, whereas Jason Ritter playing Agent Farley was a bit of a stranger choice.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
What I’m Watching: Goliath
Goliath: Season 1, Episode 5 “Cover Your Ass” (B+)
This show has some decent dramatic storylines, but I think the best part of this episode was the extremely entertaining deposition scene. Lucy has turned into a bit of a tyrant now that she has been chosen by Donald as his new muse. Michelle wasn’t having any of her freaking out before the deposition, and Callie wants to kill her. Billy objecting to the first thing that Lucy said and not even letting her get started was hilarious, but she hit back with her own disability claim to shut him down. When Lenny shut off the feed to get rid of Donald, Callie swooped in to completely derail things and discredit Ned by throwing him off his game in a big way with the revenge porn video. The discovery of a second and not quite identical suicide note with an extra line in it was extremely interesting, and the subsequent digging up of the time capsule added a whole new layer of intrigue. At the very least, they managed to convince Gina that her husband didn’t kill himself, which should count for something. Brittany continues to be a tremendous asset to the case with her befriending of the cop who stopped Billy, and her parole officer should really believe that she has a viable job that she also happens to be good at. Lucy’s new relationship with Donald is definitely peculiar, and it seems that she’s now in potential danger with people who want to hear from Donald following her to deliver messages. Donald is an enigma even to Wendell, a man who can call him out on the weirdness of his clicking and communicating, and I think it will be a while before we can truly understand him.
This show has some decent dramatic storylines, but I think the best part of this episode was the extremely entertaining deposition scene. Lucy has turned into a bit of a tyrant now that she has been chosen by Donald as his new muse. Michelle wasn’t having any of her freaking out before the deposition, and Callie wants to kill her. Billy objecting to the first thing that Lucy said and not even letting her get started was hilarious, but she hit back with her own disability claim to shut him down. When Lenny shut off the feed to get rid of Donald, Callie swooped in to completely derail things and discredit Ned by throwing him off his game in a big way with the revenge porn video. The discovery of a second and not quite identical suicide note with an extra line in it was extremely interesting, and the subsequent digging up of the time capsule added a whole new layer of intrigue. At the very least, they managed to convince Gina that her husband didn’t kill himself, which should count for something. Brittany continues to be a tremendous asset to the case with her befriending of the cop who stopped Billy, and her parole officer should really believe that she has a viable job that she also happens to be good at. Lucy’s new relationship with Donald is definitely peculiar, and it seems that she’s now in potential danger with people who want to hear from Donald following her to deliver messages. Donald is an enigma even to Wendell, a man who can call him out on the weirdness of his clicking and communicating, and I think it will be a while before we can truly understand him.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
What I’m Watching: Goliath
Goliath: Season 1, Episode 4 “It’s Donald” (B+)
This case is getting even more interesting, though a lot more of the intrigue is coming from those on both sides of the legal team. Lucy spoke up in court in a way that seemed rather unprofessional and managed to irk Callie in a big way, but she seems to have earned an official endorsement from Donald. That has put her on a major power trip, intimidating her colleagues who used to be on her same level into helping her and not caring about who she steps on while she’s on her way to the top. That final scene with her being summoned down the elevator to Donald’s backroom where she found him entirely naked and ready to get intimate with her was weird to say the least, and it seems that he’s set his sights on her as his new favorite. When Callie turned him down, she went a different route and slept with Michelle, an event that probably shouldn’t be too surprising on this sex-filled show and which was, unfortunately for both of them, seen by Billy when he showed up reading to beat up the guy who was having sex with his daughter. Kevin Weisman’s Ned is proving to be a difficult witness, and quite a frustrating one too, calling Patty names and getting her to storm out of the room after Billy calmly threatened to beat him to a pulp. Brittany’s story is pretty compelling, as personal troubles are intermingled with professional responsibilities, and the one thing that’s clear is she doesn’t feel like explaining it all to Patty.
This case is getting even more interesting, though a lot more of the intrigue is coming from those on both sides of the legal team. Lucy spoke up in court in a way that seemed rather unprofessional and managed to irk Callie in a big way, but she seems to have earned an official endorsement from Donald. That has put her on a major power trip, intimidating her colleagues who used to be on her same level into helping her and not caring about who she steps on while she’s on her way to the top. That final scene with her being summoned down the elevator to Donald’s backroom where she found him entirely naked and ready to get intimate with her was weird to say the least, and it seems that he’s set his sights on her as his new favorite. When Callie turned him down, she went a different route and slept with Michelle, an event that probably shouldn’t be too surprising on this sex-filled show and which was, unfortunately for both of them, seen by Billy when he showed up reading to beat up the guy who was having sex with his daughter. Kevin Weisman’s Ned is proving to be a difficult witness, and quite a frustrating one too, calling Patty names and getting her to storm out of the room after Billy calmly threatened to beat him to a pulp. Brittany’s story is pretty compelling, as personal troubles are intermingled with professional responsibilities, and the one thing that’s clear is she doesn’t feel like explaining it all to Patty.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Take Three: Goliath
Goliath: Season 1, Episode 3 “Game On” (B+)
The way this episode started and the way it ended represent a remarkable transition from Billy being truly down in the dumps and telling a dead client that he’s scared to him owning his arguments in the most victorious way possible. Getting turned away from the funeral was a stumbling block, but Billy thought of just the right way to get Jason away from his mother so that he could pursue his case. Threatening to sue the church and the bishop wasn’t necessary, and after having his contempt charge vacated, Patty did a fantastically blunt job of getting approval to be Jason’s guardian and have Billy take on the case. His staff of three did a superb job researching and finding Kevin Weisman’s delusional but helpful expert witness, and he sealed the deal with a succinct, irrefutable pile of evidence presented to a judge who hated him that managed to astound opposing counsel and force Callie to ask what happened on the boat. That makes any settlement talk from either Patty or Lenny come off the table completely. We didn’t see much of Michelle save for one scene in which Callie said Billy was making her crazy, and I suspect that Callie might not think she’s quite as paranoid anymore. Daniel emerged from the dark back offices of the firm to sway the judge by hinting that he was up for a major position based on his recommendation, and we still don’t know exactly what happened to make him such a recluse. I’m very intrigued to see what comes next.
The way this episode started and the way it ended represent a remarkable transition from Billy being truly down in the dumps and telling a dead client that he’s scared to him owning his arguments in the most victorious way possible. Getting turned away from the funeral was a stumbling block, but Billy thought of just the right way to get Jason away from his mother so that he could pursue his case. Threatening to sue the church and the bishop wasn’t necessary, and after having his contempt charge vacated, Patty did a fantastically blunt job of getting approval to be Jason’s guardian and have Billy take on the case. His staff of three did a superb job researching and finding Kevin Weisman’s delusional but helpful expert witness, and he sealed the deal with a succinct, irrefutable pile of evidence presented to a judge who hated him that managed to astound opposing counsel and force Callie to ask what happened on the boat. That makes any settlement talk from either Patty or Lenny come off the table completely. We didn’t see much of Michelle save for one scene in which Callie said Billy was making her crazy, and I suspect that Callie might not think she’s quite as paranoid anymore. Daniel emerged from the dark back offices of the firm to sway the judge by hinting that he was up for a major position based on his recommendation, and we still don’t know exactly what happened to make him such a recluse. I’m very intrigued to see what comes next.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Round Two: Goliath
Goliath: Season 1, Episode 2 “Pride and Prejudice” (B+)
This episode got off to a slower start with Billy emerging from jail after being drunk and missing the hearing, resulting in the case being dismissed. Patty read him the riot act for missing it, and she really is a fantastically fiery character, later refusing to accept his apology when he showed up to disrupt her latest realty effort. Billy’s heartfelt speech at AA felt genuine, and seemed far more realistic and honest than a lot of television and movie scenes like that, mainly because he was accepting what he felt needed to be accepted while not admitting to too much transcendence. After he was late again, Billy did a tremendous job accusing Harold Perrineau’s Judge Keller of being biased and then baiting him until he combatively agreed to a bias hearing that would serve to prolong the case indefinitely, something that Daniel was not at all happy to observe. There are a lot of rumors swirling around about what happened to Daniel that makes him spend all of his time in a dark backroom operating in very shadowy fashion, and I wonder how soon that will be definitively answered. I’m continually intrigued by the Mouse, and I’m glad that she’s going to be taking on a bigger role in the case. Rachel being hit, seemingly purposely, by a van outside the courtroom deals a serious blow to Billy and Patty, who now don’t have a client but have a case that they know seems like it’s more than just a suicide.
This episode got off to a slower start with Billy emerging from jail after being drunk and missing the hearing, resulting in the case being dismissed. Patty read him the riot act for missing it, and she really is a fantastically fiery character, later refusing to accept his apology when he showed up to disrupt her latest realty effort. Billy’s heartfelt speech at AA felt genuine, and seemed far more realistic and honest than a lot of television and movie scenes like that, mainly because he was accepting what he felt needed to be accepted while not admitting to too much transcendence. After he was late again, Billy did a tremendous job accusing Harold Perrineau’s Judge Keller of being biased and then baiting him until he combatively agreed to a bias hearing that would serve to prolong the case indefinitely, something that Daniel was not at all happy to observe. There are a lot of rumors swirling around about what happened to Daniel that makes him spend all of his time in a dark backroom operating in very shadowy fashion, and I wonder how soon that will be definitively answered. I’m continually intrigued by the Mouse, and I’m glad that she’s going to be taking on a bigger role in the case. Rachel being hit, seemingly purposely, by a van outside the courtroom deals a serious blow to Billy and Patty, who now don’t have a client but have a case that they know seems like it’s more than just a suicide.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Pilot Review: Goliath
Goliath (Amazon)
Premiered October 14
Billy Bob Thornton is a great actor with a very distinctive face and style who often plays sly, devilish characters. He took that to a whole new level for this last regular TV gig, his Golden Globe-winning role as troublemaker –slash-hitman Lorne Malvo on “Fargo.” It’s only natural that anyone who saw him in FX’s stunning series would want to get him on TV full-time, and now he’s back on this direct-to-series order from Amazon, a streaming service that usually premieres a handful of pilots and asks voters to decide which should be regular shows. Based on this pilot, it seems likely that most would vote to commission it for a full run. Describing it might make it sound less solid than it is, the story of an alcoholic lawyer who gets back on track by going up against his old firm, representing the David and Goliath story in a big way. What I like most about it is its insular nature, reminiscent of “Billions,” where those who interact on a professional level on opposite sides of the table have much deeper personal connections that threaten to complicate everything. And then there’s the cast. Thornton is terrific, not nearly as angry as I would expect and still enormously compelling. Maria Bello is a great choice to play his ex-wife Julie, with “A History of Violence” coming to mind immediately as the most fitting qualifier. Molly Parker, who earned an Emmy nomination for playing a politician who wasn’t nearly as cutthroat as she wanted to be, is the perfect actress to play her partner at the firm. I recognized Nina Arianda from “Florence Foster Jenkins,” and I think she’s my favorite cast member, so unapologetically blunt and standoffish as Billy’s new partner of sorts. Olivia Thirlby, a great actress who appeared in the likes of “Juno” and “The Wackness,” seems like she’ll be terrific as “The Mouse.” I haven’t had such spectacular TV experiences with Sarah Wynter from “24” and William Hurt on “Damages,” but I think they’ll play their parts well. I’ll definitely be back for episode two of this above-average drama.
How will it work as a series? The show’s title and the framing of the first episode present the show, or at least its first season, as a one-case arc, which has worked well for other legal thrillers recently. The emphasis on characters and the strong cast suggest that there is an abundant amount of material to cover and this show, from veteran David E. Kelley, is more than up to the task of keeping it interesting.
How long will it last? A straight-to-series order from Amazon is about the best recommender of this show’s lifespan since streaming services can be overenthusiastic from the start in a way that TV-housed networks can’t be since their efforts may backfire. Reviews are good and Thornton should garner awards buzz, so I’d expect this one to be back after its initial eight episodes for a second season.
B+
Premiered October 14
Billy Bob Thornton is a great actor with a very distinctive face and style who often plays sly, devilish characters. He took that to a whole new level for this last regular TV gig, his Golden Globe-winning role as troublemaker –slash-hitman Lorne Malvo on “Fargo.” It’s only natural that anyone who saw him in FX’s stunning series would want to get him on TV full-time, and now he’s back on this direct-to-series order from Amazon, a streaming service that usually premieres a handful of pilots and asks voters to decide which should be regular shows. Based on this pilot, it seems likely that most would vote to commission it for a full run. Describing it might make it sound less solid than it is, the story of an alcoholic lawyer who gets back on track by going up against his old firm, representing the David and Goliath story in a big way. What I like most about it is its insular nature, reminiscent of “Billions,” where those who interact on a professional level on opposite sides of the table have much deeper personal connections that threaten to complicate everything. And then there’s the cast. Thornton is terrific, not nearly as angry as I would expect and still enormously compelling. Maria Bello is a great choice to play his ex-wife Julie, with “A History of Violence” coming to mind immediately as the most fitting qualifier. Molly Parker, who earned an Emmy nomination for playing a politician who wasn’t nearly as cutthroat as she wanted to be, is the perfect actress to play her partner at the firm. I recognized Nina Arianda from “Florence Foster Jenkins,” and I think she’s my favorite cast member, so unapologetically blunt and standoffish as Billy’s new partner of sorts. Olivia Thirlby, a great actress who appeared in the likes of “Juno” and “The Wackness,” seems like she’ll be terrific as “The Mouse.” I haven’t had such spectacular TV experiences with Sarah Wynter from “24” and William Hurt on “Damages,” but I think they’ll play their parts well. I’ll definitely be back for episode two of this above-average drama.
How will it work as a series? The show’s title and the framing of the first episode present the show, or at least its first season, as a one-case arc, which has worked well for other legal thrillers recently. The emphasis on characters and the strong cast suggest that there is an abundant amount of material to cover and this show, from veteran David E. Kelley, is more than up to the task of keeping it interesting.
How long will it last? A straight-to-series order from Amazon is about the best recommender of this show’s lifespan since streaming services can be overenthusiastic from the start in a way that TV-housed networks can’t be since their efforts may backfire. Reviews are good and Thornton should garner awards buzz, so I’d expect this one to be back after its initial eight episodes for a second season.
B+
Sunday, August 31, 2014
What I’m Watching: The Bridge
The Bridge: Season 2, Episode 8 “Goliath” (B+)
There’s a sense that things are coming together more than ever before, and that’s not necessarily a good thing. It’s hard to remember what side of the law some of our favorite characters are on these days, particularly with Robles being taken in by Mexican police who wanted to know where Galvan has hiding. That he was ready to leave Marco in charge while he was away before the unsuccessful raid on Galvan’s location says a lot, though I think that would have presented more challenges than advantages. Agent McKenzie poisoning Sonya against Marco by telling her about his past with Galvan was very counterproductive since now she has pushed him away just as she needs him most. The Chopper is a fearsome American counterpart for Eleanor, and things don’t look good for Sonya, though her being one of the leads on the show suggests that she’ll make it through okay. Daniel continues to make poor life decisions, going after Sebastian at his son’s school. Sebastian calling the police represents just how little he considers Daniel to be a threat. I like that Adriana went to Marco for help to get him out of jail since it’s good to see these connections. Eleanor and Cesar make for a great odd couple, and I’m intrigued to learn more about Eleanor’s prospective buyer. It’s strange to see Eleanor in such a standard business setting because of how we met her, but it also underlines the fact that, when she wants to, she’s perfectly capable of blending in and flying under the radar.
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