The Last Tycoon: Season 1, Episode 2 “Nobody Recasts Like Monroe” (B-)
I want to like this show, and I think I was mostly curious about how things would look in episode two since the show is premiering a full year after its pilot originally aired. It looks and feels a lot the same, which has its positives and its negatives. The good is that it feels like it’s set in the past – at least compared to other similar projects, since obviously this reviewer wasn’t alive way back when this show is set – and its actors, particularly Matt Bomer, do a good job of playing their period parts. Unfortunately, the pacing is still rather slow, and there’s a certain gloomy darkness that hangs over the show and keeps it from really coming alive. Obviously, that has a lot to do with the times and with the highly depressed economy which is beginning to hurt even the successful movie men, who are now in danger of working for people who might be interested in doing things other than producing movies. Monroe is trying to make a big hit, but it appears there are many more problems facing him and the industry. Kathleen reacted particularly strongly to Monroe’s harsh take on the film screening, and telling him that she’d rather not be one of those things he decides to reshoot one day since it looks like it hurts perfectly summed up how Monroe deals with things he’s very passionate about. Rose and Monroe seem to have a very complicated relationship, and I suspect that’s something Pat doesn’t know about and shouldn’t find out about lest he react very angrily. Celia’s personal journey is somewhat interesting, but not enough, and the same goes for the Germany-Mayer business. This show is fine but I don’t think it’s something that I’m going to add to my watchlist at the moment.
Showing posts with label The Last Tycoon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Last Tycoon. Show all posts
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Pilot Review: The Last Tycoon
The Last Tycoon (Amazon)
Premiered June 17, 2016
I’m not quite sure why I missed this pilot the first time around since I try to pay attention to Amazon’s pilot seasons, but they’re becoming more and more frequent these days so it’s hard to keep track! I was a big fan of Matt Bomer’s during his time on “White Collar,” and I happen to think that “Boss” was one of the strong highlights of Kelsey Grammer’s career, and would have loved to see that dark, immensely intriguing show continue well past the second season it was renewed for before it even started. An Amazon debut is smart for this show, since its period setting is a gamble in many ways, but obviously it had a well-received start a year ago and is now a full-fledged show. There’s plenty here that feels very familiar, but the three main characters are dynamic enough to keep things interesting. Bomer’s Monroe Stahr is quite charismatic, and he’s not going to keep silent as he’s repeatedly told to stop featuring themes that might be deemed offensive to Nazi Germany. Lily Collins, who earned herself a Golden Globe nomination this past year for what I can only imagine was a similar role in “Rules Don’t Apply,” is full of spunk, and seems just as set on being with Monroe as she is on breaking into the business. Grammer’s role is the least exciting, though he’s good at being a curmudgeon. Dominique McElligott, who plays Kathleen, and Jessica De Gouw, who plays Minna, are familiar to me as time period spouses from “Hell on Wheels” and “Underground,” respectively, and are sure to contribute well here, as is the dependable Rosemarie DeWitt. This well-costumed and well-decorated show doesn’t feel entirely invigorating, but I’m curious enough about where it’s headed to give it another shot.
How will it work as a series? There’s obviously a lot going on here, like Pat hiring one desperate worker from the nearby Hooverville and Monroe dealing with the fallout of a suicidal employee whose wife blames him for his death. It could be clunky, but I think there’s enough style and glitz to be found here to make it worthwhile.
How long will it last? Amazon has been heavily promoting this show, which is a good thing since some of its other recent fare – which has still proven successful – hasn’t benefited from the same high-profile ad campaign. The reviews aren’t stellar but they’re not all that bad either. At this point, I’d wager that this show will be back for a second season even if it isn’t likely to continue beyond that.
Pilot grade: B
Premiered June 17, 2016
I’m not quite sure why I missed this pilot the first time around since I try to pay attention to Amazon’s pilot seasons, but they’re becoming more and more frequent these days so it’s hard to keep track! I was a big fan of Matt Bomer’s during his time on “White Collar,” and I happen to think that “Boss” was one of the strong highlights of Kelsey Grammer’s career, and would have loved to see that dark, immensely intriguing show continue well past the second season it was renewed for before it even started. An Amazon debut is smart for this show, since its period setting is a gamble in many ways, but obviously it had a well-received start a year ago and is now a full-fledged show. There’s plenty here that feels very familiar, but the three main characters are dynamic enough to keep things interesting. Bomer’s Monroe Stahr is quite charismatic, and he’s not going to keep silent as he’s repeatedly told to stop featuring themes that might be deemed offensive to Nazi Germany. Lily Collins, who earned herself a Golden Globe nomination this past year for what I can only imagine was a similar role in “Rules Don’t Apply,” is full of spunk, and seems just as set on being with Monroe as she is on breaking into the business. Grammer’s role is the least exciting, though he’s good at being a curmudgeon. Dominique McElligott, who plays Kathleen, and Jessica De Gouw, who plays Minna, are familiar to me as time period spouses from “Hell on Wheels” and “Underground,” respectively, and are sure to contribute well here, as is the dependable Rosemarie DeWitt. This well-costumed and well-decorated show doesn’t feel entirely invigorating, but I’m curious enough about where it’s headed to give it another shot.
How will it work as a series? There’s obviously a lot going on here, like Pat hiring one desperate worker from the nearby Hooverville and Monroe dealing with the fallout of a suicidal employee whose wife blames him for his death. It could be clunky, but I think there’s enough style and glitz to be found here to make it worthwhile.
How long will it last? Amazon has been heavily promoting this show, which is a good thing since some of its other recent fare – which has still proven successful – hasn’t benefited from the same high-profile ad campaign. The reviews aren’t stellar but they’re not all that bad either. At this point, I’d wager that this show will be back for a second season even if it isn’t likely to continue beyond that.
Pilot grade: B
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