HANNIBAL Season Finale Review

Article first published as TV Review: 'Hannibal' - 'Mizumono' on Blogcritics.

NBC’s Hannibal ended its second season last night with “Mizumono.” It’s hard to find a direct translation for the word in English, but various sources I checked on Google call it a matter of chance, a final sweet dish of a meal, a liquid, and a fruit. All of these seem apt to the episode, which presents a final showdown between all of the main players, the last hour in which the familiar, fragile chemistry of the show’s leads is maintained as it has been thus far, signaling major changes for next season. It’s a simultaneously delicious and frustrating ending, with much left up in the air, literally and figuratively.

Viewers have known since the season two premiere that Jack (Laurence Fishburne) had been heading for a bloody run-in with Hannibal (Mads Mikkelsen), though we don’t yet know how this war will end, even with the end of season two.

In the scenes leading up to the final confrontation, Jack and Hannibal each expect Will’s (Hugh Dancy) loyalty, but wonder whether he will fulfill those expectations, as the Will becomes the wild card in the outcome between the two mostly evenly matched opponents. There may even be a doubt in the minds the viewers, observing Will talking to both Jack and Hannibal, knowing he’s lied to both in the past, and wondering where Will’s inner intentions lie. Will is emotionally unstable, and although Jack and Hannibal both hold sway over him, he also has a will of his own that can’t exactly be controlled. Has Hannibal awakened in Will something dark that may win out over his nobility and morals?

The key to figuring out where Will’s heart lies is Freddie Lounds (Lara Jean Chorostecki). Keep in mind that Hannibal thinks Will has killed Freddie, leading Hannibal to see Will as more vicious and bloodthirsty than he is. Jack is in on this secret. And, with this important clue, the audience should have confidence in predicting Will’s true path. And when Hannibal catches a whiff of Freddie’s scent on Will, it signals to him that Freddie is still alive, giving him just the warning he needs.

Hannibal is not omnipotent, an undefeatable villain, but he is very, very intelligent, and the slightest mistake on the part of our heroes can cost them their lives. One former main character, Beverly Katz (Hettienne Park), figures that out earlier in the season, and she dies for it. Which means it’s not surprising when Hannibal surprises those who might take him down, removing the bullets from Alana’s (Caroline Dhavernas) gun, knowing she could come to Will and Jack’s aid, and having Abigail Hobbs (Kacey Rohl), whom everyone believes dead, waiting in the house as Hannibal’s backup. Hannibal has them all set up perfectly, taking their predictable actions into account, and by doing so, he is able to not only (possible mortally on all counts) wound Alana, Will, and Jack, he is also able to hop a plane with the one woman who understands him, Dr. Du Maurier (Gillian Anderson), and escape.

Why does Hannibal leave the trio alive? Abigail seems destined to die, but if the authorities get there soon, Will, Jack, and Alana could live. They could also perish, and things are not looking good for any of them, but there’s a chance (a very good one since they really are the stars of the show and need to hunt Hannibal down) that they will live. Does Hannibal possess so much confidence in himself that he doesn’t worry about them coming after him? Or does he still harbor soft spots for all three, people he really does seem to like and has cared about over these past two years? Could these feelings be his undoing? Because Hannibal is so smart, I’m inclined to chalk his mercy up to emotion.

Jack and company will have a hard time beginning their search, even assuming they all survive. Jack is suspended as Kade (Cynthia Nixon) investigates misconduct in “entrapping” Hannibal. The fact that Jack, Will, and Alana are injured following through on the plan Kade ordered Jack not to pursue will not help Jack’s case, even if it sort of proves him right. This could also be the reason law enforcement is slow slow to respond, even after both Alana and Will call for backup and ambulances. Will higher powers help our protagonists get back in the good graces of the feds, or will they be rebels, only working for themselves? The source material (Thomas Harris’ Red Dragon, etc.), not always followed faithfully by the show’s creators, points to the former.

What if “Mizumono” had been the series finale, a possibility when it was filmed, since, at the time, Hannibal teetered on the edge of cancellation? It certainly would have been a highly disappointing end to the series. Yes, there is some sort of beauty in Hannibal defeating his enemies and getting away with it, and it’s cool that it would fly in the face of a fundamental television trope by allowing evil conquering good. But it would also suck that we wouldn’t even know if the main players lived. I guess we’d assume they’d died, losers in the dangerous game they play. The blue sky credits with the tag are cool, but ultimately not be satisfying as the end of the story, even if I grudgingly admit how unique and complete the episode would have seemed.

Hannibal is incredibly well crafted. I absolutely loathe that the Jack / Hannibal fight is revealed in the season premiere, the one glaring misstep the series has made in two seasons, but the way this hour unfolds is truly excellent. It maintains its artistic cred with slow shots of rain falling and a split Will, while still delivering action in the battles to the death. There are moving moments, such as Jack interacting with Bella (Gina Torres) and Bella talking about Jack, and there are shocking twists, such as learning Abigail is still alive, only to see her killed quickly after.

There isn’t a single wasted or boring moment, the dark motif bringing the characters more sharply into focus and letting the show rest on the talent of the actors and the rich dialogue. It’s definitely the best series on network television, and not just because it also pushes into both more bloody and more sophisticated territory than any predecessor, though that helps.

Hannibal, thank goodness, has been picked up, and will return in 2015 to NBC.

Amazing HANNIBAL and the "Kaiseki" Misstep

Article first published as HANNIBAL Review "Kaiseki" at Seat42F.

NBC’s HANNIBAL began its second season last night with “Kaiseki.” The word refers to a multi-course Japanese meal, as well as the skill it takes to prepare such a repast. This seems appropriate, as the hour gives us dish after dish of tasty, chewy drama, all; delivered with the beautifully artistry of a television master. It remains not only one of the best written and acted series on the air, but also one of the best visual and auditory productions overall.

Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) is right where we left him – sitting in a jail cell, about to be tried for the murder of several people, more concerned with exposing the truth about Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) than defending himself. To be fair, if Hannibal’s nature is brought to light, Will will get off scot free. But given the care and attention to detail Hannibal puts into covering his tracks and framing Will, that isn’t an easy task.

Jack Crawford (Laurence Fishburne) humors Will, having Beverly (Hettienne Park) swab Hannibal’s DNA and go over his clothing with a fine-toothed comb. But Hannibal is cooperative and seemingly open, making sure Jack never for a moment suspects Will’s accusations are more than the ravings of a mad man.

In fact, everyone seems convinced that Will is crazy. Beverly will consult with him, continuing to recognize his genius, but she’s wary. Dr. Alana Bloom (Caroline Dhavernas) is concerned for Will and shows it by visiting him, taking custody of his dogs, and looking for a plausible defense, but even she thinks he murdered. Her position is that he’s mentally ill and that’s what’s responsible for the horror, not Will himself, but she still doubts him, even though fans know that Will is innocent. Probably.

All of this would make for some really suspenseful drama, waiting for the other show to drop, if “Kaiseki” didn’t screw up the very first scene in the episode. When the premiere opens, Hannibal is slicing some meat and we catch Jack’s reflection in the knife. Then, the two engage in a fight to the death, both slashing and tumbling, before the screen flashes ‘Twelve Weeks Earlier.’ Don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful moment, as most of HANNIBAL is, but it’s poorly timed in the narrative arc.

Practically anyone who watches HANNIBAL is already at least vaguely familiar with The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal films or books, which will (renewal gods willing) make up seasons five and six of this show. As such, we know Hannibal’s misdeeds will be exposed, and we also know that all five of the main characters will survive for quite some time, none being killed off before those seasons. However, this has never detracted from the enjoyment of the show because no one but Bryan Fuller, the brilliant mind behind it, can predict when those revelations will unfold.

“Kaiseki” spoils that. Assuming time in the story matches time in the real world, twelve weeks spells twelve episodes, taking us up to the season two finale. We now can see exactly how the confrontation will play out, and will be able to see it coming. A large part of the pacing is screwed up.

Now, it’s likely this is done for practical reasons. HANNINBAL is a low-rated show, and even with the international partners that help fund it, there’s no guarantee NBC will keep it going. An opener like that will hook those who might complain of slowness, and showing us the end at the start has become a common TV staple. The problem is, it’s now a detestable, predictable trope, and HANNIBAL is way better than that. As someone who doesn’t even watch previews at the end of episodes any more to avoid being spoiled, it really makes me angry they would do this. The only thing that would salvage it a little is if the twelve weeks unexpectedly pass by mid-season, or halfway through season three, rather than leading to the conclusion of this year.

The rest of “Kaiseki” is brilliant. I love the tension between Hannibal and Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier (Gillian Anderson) when he asks her to lie to Jack for him, though the extent of her falsehood is unclear, since how much she knows isn’t revealed. The scene in which Dr. Bloom files a complaint about Jack’s lack of judgment, which the CIA investigator (Cynthia Nixon, Alpha House, The Big C) just wants to make go away, is stellar. Hannibal ‘jokingly’ confessing to Will’s doctor, Frederick Chilton (Raul Esparza), is fun. The moment between Jack and Alana in Will’s house is touching. Finding out Hannibal still considers Will a friend is intriguing. Will’s visions are beautiful, and him recovering a memory is a triumph. Plus, there’s a really cool new killer obsessed with color palettes introduced, which Jack will investigate with the help of Hannibal, who has taken over Will’s job.

The characters are so well defined, and each have moving scenes with others. The cast is fragmented, to be sure, but most people get the chance to interact with most others one on one, pulling us into their dark, twisted world in the best of ways, the subtext as interesting as the dialogue.

I just wish “Kaiseki” hadn’t played to popular bends, and then it would have been perfect.

HANNIBAL airs Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.

Amazon "In The" (ALPHA) HOUSE

Article first published as Amazon "In The" (ALPHA) HOUSE on TheTVKing.

Amazon's first original series, Alpha House, brought its freshman run to a close this past week with "In the Saddle." For a company initially known as an online book and media store, this is a triumphant moment, an accomplishment of original programming. After viewing all eleven episodes, it seems to me that Alpha House would have comfortably fit on Showtime or the like, proving Amazon can produce quality content.

Created by Doonesbury comic strip scribe Garry Trudeau, the show follows four Republican senators who share a house when they're in Washington D.C. These guys battle Tea Party upstarts, scandals, and re-election campaigns as they try to hold onto their positions and who they are.

Although Doonesbury can be seen to have a liberal bend, Alpha House does a good job at humanizing the Republican side of the aisle. Sure, some of the characters aren't that likeable, but that's true for both political parties that are displayed, and each of those featured in the show are seldom defined by only one thing, the good mixed with the bad. Perhaps the person may be selfish or a phoney, but they may also be someone who has values, even if they've forgotten them, or someone who can be counted on as a friend.

Gil John Biggs (John Goodman) represents everything a GOP leader should be in "In the House" and the episodes leading up to it. He laments the loss of bi-partisan cooperation, and to make up for it, instigates an enjoyable lunch with an opponent, Carly Armiston (Cynthia Nixon). Then he plans for a funeral for a colleague he can't stand, doing his best to stage a touching tribute, which turns out to be not be very easy.

If only our actual representatives were more like Gil John. He has his faults, but at the end of the day, he does want to help people, and feels best when making a difference. He is willing to play nicely with others and compromise. He hangs onto lost morality, such as supporting communities and infrastructure. And he stands up to those who would besmirch the party he's proud to be a part of. If there were a Republican presidential candidate like Gil John, the GOP would quickly gain back some of the lost youth vote.

Of course, actual lawmakers from both parties made cameos at the funeral scene, so that's showing that they can work together for a TV show, if nothing else.

But reality is much more ridiculous, and that still bleeds through to Alpha House. For instance, Senator Robert Bettencourt (Clark Johnson) is attending a debate on the road to re-election. All of his primary challengers are insane, with stereotypes poking fun at Herman Cain and others. Bettencourt just sits back and lets them talk, knowing his best chance at winning is to give the public the chance to see just how crazy the others are.

The sad thing is, this doesn't always work. We've got real-life examples of those with extreme beliefs stealing away positions after rough primaries. If Bettencourt's strategy were full-proof, we'd be in good shape, but it's not. I think he's unlikely to lose because he's one of the four main characters, but that's the only reason for his job security.

There's plenty of hypocrisy evident on the political stage today, and Alpha House tackles this with the part of Senator Louis Laffer (Matt Malloy). Obviously gay, but sticking to his religious beliefs, Laffer has a doting wife, Louise (Amy Sedaris), and a daughter, Lola (Willa Fitzgerald), who is a bit sex-obsessed after growing up in the nearly sex-less household. However, even as Laffer rallies against gay rights, it's hard to fully hate him because one feels bad for the situation he's in, not able to be true to himself.

The least likeable person on the show is Senator Andy Guzman (Mark Consuelos), who, funnily enough, is extremely true to himself. Meaning, he's really only in the profession to increase his own standing, willing to say whatever it will take to keep the spotlight and the love of the people. I'd like to see Guzman get his comeuppance, and it's likely he will in at least some small way should a season two be ordered.

Alpha House is populated with many more character - senators, wives, and their staffs. All of the screentime is split between a multitude of people, making for a very full story and a larger-scope view of the setting. The cast includes wonderful turns by Julie White, Wanda Sykes, Haley Joel Osment (yes, that Haley Joel Osment), Yara Martinez, Alicia Sable, Kobi Libii, Brooke Bloom, Ben Rameaka, and others. It's a very complete show that could easily fill many years of story if given the chance.

Most importantly, it's funny. If the funeral got a little too depressing for you, and it shouldn't after Armiston and Guzman's eulogies, "In the House" brings Bill Murray back from another bit at the end, his senator sitting behind bars. The final episode opens with a death, but one that will make you laugh. There's a cute scene of Gil John rolling on the floor with a dog, and an amusing one where he hides his laughter to make it seem like crying. This show is made by someone who loves politics, wants to fix it, knows how to poke fun at it, and just plain understands people. It's very well made, and I greatly look forward to further installments.

All eleven episodes of Alpha House's freshman run are currently available on Amazon.

'The Big C' not really on 'Thin Ice'

Showtime's The Big C begins its third season with "Thin Ice." Cathy (Laura Linney) gets some great news from Dr. Sherman (Alan Alda), in that her tumors have shrunk considerably. But it's hard to completely give in to her joy when she is worried about Paul's (Oliver Platt) fragile health, so Cathy starts a second, secret life, going by the name Alexis. She also arranges for Sean (John Benjamin Hickey) to serve as guardian to Adam (Gabriel Basso), should something happen to her and Paul.

It's quite a relief that The Big C did not kill off Paul. Yes, he is dead briefly, but his recovery is a welcome one for audiences, who don't want to see Cathy drowning in sorrow. If she loses her positive attitude, she may loose her battle with cancer, too. So Paul is back, as bumbling as ever, and far less concerned with his own mortality than Cathy is.

Which is kind of a bad thing for Cathy. After all, had Paul died, at least she wouldn't have to worry about him anymore. Instead, not only does she have to concern herself with her caner, and who will take care of Adam, and Sean's lack of heat in his house, but also Paul, who is self-destructive. It's a lot for anyone to handle, and so it isn't a big surprise that she needs some outlet away from all of these headaches. In fact, the only surprise is that it's taken her so long to come to that realization.

But Cathy's new persona gets her into trouble. While hanging out at a bar, she signs up for a broom ball team. Practicing at home on her filled-in pool hole, she tumbles through the ice and almost drowns. Is this a sign to Cathy that she needs to back out of her fantasy? Maybe find some healthier, less stealthy way to relax and escape from her responsibilities? One where a family member can watch over her?

Cathy's fall also awakens a new idea about death to her family. Prior to this, they worry about cancer and bad hearts. But Cathy's brush with dying in "Thin Ice" shows that accidents happen, and one's life can end at any time. Hopefully this will sober Paul up a bit, and help him to take his situation more seriously.

Sean has been maturing a lot, and this continues in "Thin Ice." Still upset at losing the baby and Rebecca (Cynthia Nixon) leaving him, he takes his role as guardian to Adam very seriously. Even though Adam is nearly grown, and Cathy and Paul are still kicking, Sean wants to be a caring adult to his nephew. It's gratifying to see this change in him, and a sort of stability suits the formerly homeless man.

Also, Andrea (Gabourey Sidibe) returns home from Africa, clad in ritual garb and wanting to go by a new tribal name. Likely, this is more a way to cope with her betrayal by Myk (Boyd Holbrook) than a true commitment to heritage, and will not last long. But whatever helps Andrea and makes her feel better is certainly worth doing.

Watch The Big C Sundays at 9:30 p.m. ET on Showtime.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To catch up on The Big C with DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here. Read every review of The Big C I've ever written. Article first published as TV Review: The Big C - "Thin Ice" on Blogcritics.

The Big C celebrates "The Last Thanksgiving"

     This week's episode of Showtime's The Big C is called "The Last Thanksgiving." Who's last Thanksgiving will it be? Cathy's (Laura Linney)? Because her cancer treatment seems to be working. Lee's (Hugh Dancy)? He isn't getting the same results as Cathy. Mykailo's (Boyd Holbrook), at least to spend with Andrea (Gabourey Sidibe)? Nah, they work out their romantic issues before the closing credits.

     Turns out there are not one, but two deaths before the end of the episode. The first is the turkey that Sean (John Benjamin Hickey) brings home, but only Cathy can bring herself to slaughter. The second is newly engaged couple Sean and Rebecca's (Cynthia Nixon) unborn child.

     For a series about death, The Big C tries to avoid getting too gloomy too often. There is a major death at the end of season one, but mostly, the series focuses on survival. Not so in "The Last Thanksgiving." This may be because Cathy and / or Lee might be dead by next year. OK, so only Lee might be dead, as Cathy is the main character. But also because of two departed souls who aren't even part of the cast, but make a real impact. The baby's effects are obvious, of course, and Adam (Gabriel Basso) humanizes the turkey by naming it. Sean claims this is why he won't kill the bird, but does anyone really believe Sean would manage to go through with it?

     "The Last Thanksgiving" is also about love. Cathy and her family are closer than ever. Mykailo and Andrea are only just blossoming romantically, but already show a lot of potential, and are quickly becoming a more important part of the cast. Rebecca and Sean deciding to tie the knot cinches the argument. But all of this love is likely fleeting. Can Rebecca and Sean stay together after losing their child? Will Andrea keep dating Mykailo when it comes out that he is a petty thief? And how happy will everyone be once Cathy passes away, which seems an inevitable move for The Big C, even if it is postponed until the series finale.

     This episode is strong compared to some of the others. Any series with a good enough cast can do a great "box" episode, one in which the major players are confined in a relatively small space, in this case the Jamison house, for almost the entire half hour. It's a popular sitcom trope, and is usually welcome when done well. The Big C proves they can handle it this week. Sure, there are a few scenes outside of the main setting, but not many.

     The only weak point of "The Last Thanksgiving" is Paul's (Oliver Platt) decision to be cut in on Mykailo's illegal scheme. With the success of Weeds and Breaking Bad, perhaps criminals have become glamorized. But The Big C has enough going for it on its own without resorting to such tactics. It's been done. Stick with what works for your show; no need to borrow from others.

     The Big C airs Monday nights at 10:30 p.m. ET on Showtime.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To catch up on The Big C with DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: The Big C - "The Last Thanksgiving" on Blogcritics.

The Big C is "Losing Patients"

     Showtime's The Big C returns for a second season with "Losing Patients." In the premiere, Cathy (Laura Linney) questions whether staying with Dr. Todd (Reid Scott) is the right choice after he discontinues the treatment she began. Cathy confesses to Paul (Oliver Platt) that Dr. Todd kissed her, and her husband takes the news predictably bad. Adam (Gabriel Basso) deals with his mother's illness by becoming an aggressive farter. Rebecca (Cynthia Nixon) learns of Cathy's disease, and lets it slip to Sean (John Benjamin Hickey), who is furious that his sister didn't tell him herself. And as Cathy deals with all of these emotional eruptions, as well as trying to secure a new doctor, she is visited by visions of dead neighbor Marlene (Phyllis Somerville).

     As a season premiere, this one kind of stinks. There is a lot of wrapping up of loose threads left hanging from last year (Todd's kiss, Sean not knowing), but does little to move things along, other than Cathy seeking to switch health care professionals. But The Big C forgoes big stunts for a longer series of arcs, and as an episode, "Losing Patients" is not bad at all. In fact, it captures the same spirit and tone of the rest of the episodes thus far, and so if you are a The Big C fan, it should fall right into the wheelhouse of what you enjoy.

     It is regrettable that this appears to be Dr. Todd's last episode. Scott is a talented actor, who was enjoyable in My Boys, and it is nice to see him doing something different. Because Cathy's next doctor will be played by the great Alan Alda (M*A*S*H, The West Wing), and there would never be any more romantic development between Cathy and Todd, the character is no longer necessary. But that doesn't mean he won't be missed.

     Choosing to keep Marlene around is both strange and wonderful. Strange, because using ghosts as part of the main story, especially when the conceit doesn't begin until season two, isn't really the vibe that The Big C puts off, so it is a little out of place. Wonderful, because Somerville was one of, if not the, best parts about season one, and so her suicide is a heartbreaker. It does not cheapen Marlene's death at all that she appears again. Somerville has been reduced to special guest star status, so how often and for how long she will be around is unknown at this point. It is unlikely she will stick for the entire series run, unless The Big C only goes for two years.

     Nixon should be upgraded to main character, because she really provides a necessary service to the show. Sean is a strange fellow, and many of his homeless for morality bits have already been covered. Rebecca gives him new elements to play off of, and provides some nice drama when she comes between Sean and Cathy. She's not a very likeable person, but most of the characters are, so she provides a good balance.

     The Big C still suffers from meandering and cheesiness, something the first season struggled with. It's definitely the weak link in the Showtime half hour dramedy line up. However, the actors involved are fantastic, and any weaknesses may potentially be overcome. It's not terrible, just not excellent. For now, it's worth sticking around and waiting to see if that changes.

     The Big C airs Monday nights at 10:30 p.m. ET on Showtime.

     Please click here for all of my The Big C reviews.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To catch up on The Big C with DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

Too Big to Fail is too good to fail

     HBO's newest TV movie is Too Big to Fail, a tale of the 2008 financial crisis in the United States, based on the book of the same name by New York Times financial columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin. Events follow real life, as Henry Paulson (William Hurt, Damages, Into the Wild), Timothy Geithner (Billy Crudup, Almost Famous, Watchmen), Ben Bernanke (Paul Giamatti, John Adams, Sideways), and their staffs try to prevent the next great depression. After bailing out Bear Sterns, Paulson is determined not to do the same for Lehman Brothers. He gathers the heads of the major investment banks, trying to push them into a private sector solution. When deals fall through, Paulson lets Lehman go bankrupt, and the economy goes from bad to worse as a result. The government employees scramble for another solution before a chain reaction cripples the country.

     Adding to the realism are actual news clips from the time, showing the real politicians and reports as the financial system gets worse and worse. These are not actors, played up for dramatic effect. These are real people reporting real stories. And Jon Stewart, ripping John McCain a (deservedly) new one.

     Is it a fair and balanced look at the fall of 2008? That's debatable. The writers have an opinion and a slant, as any dramatic work must, and so there is some bias towards certain parties. But there is also some grey area and debate, and so Too Big to Fail tries hard, and mostly succeeds, to at least give most everyone the benefit of the doubt. Or at least consideration that issues are complicated.

    The sprawling cast is top notch. There is a lot of star power, many in small roles, such as Ed Asner as Warren Buffett. Yet, not a single actor stands out as being inferior to the others. If anything can be said about HBO's films, it's that they do not shirk on casting. Each actor and actress shows a depth that really brings the characters, which are closely based on real people, to life in an authentic way. Most are matched quite well in looks, aided by expert makeup, though Crudup probably least physically resembles his counterpart, of the primary three.

     The bankers themselves are played by Tony Shalhoub (Monk, Wings), Evan Handler (Californication, Sex and the City), and Bill Pullman (Torchwood, Independence Day), among others. They are not really the blatant villains, as one might expect. While the companies they represent do take a large portion of the blame for what they have done, the men who run them generally come across as hard workers, willing to make sacrifices. They want to save their companies, but they are also willing to make a move that benefits the system as a whole, which in a roundabout way, does save their companies.

     That doesn't mean the bankers are heroes, by any stretch of the imagination. Obviously, it is because of them and their companies that the chain reaction of disaster begins. They also pocket American tax payer bailout money, which they will only take without strings, and continue to pay out huge bonuses. The public is justified in their anger at them. But because the film is made up mainly of closed door meetings of individuals, these things are sometimes downplayed, making them seem like decent guys. Hallway rants by Paulson allude to another side of the story.

    Actually, the people who come off the worst in the film are James Woods (Shark), as the head of Lehman who hesitates to try to make more money, not realizing it's too late to save the bank, and Congress, especially John McCain and the GOP. They are all slow to act, and work against what Paulson insists is necessary. It's a battle to get them to do what has to be done, and because of them, the whole system almost goes belly up several times.

     Also looking bad are the British, who have a chance to help, but sabotage a good deal that may have saved the system at the last minute. Furthermore, they begin to freeze credit after Lehman's collapse, worsening the situation. While Europe will be deeply hurt by what happens on Wall Street, they show an unwillingness to believe that America can take them down, too.

     Asians also have a chance to step in, but choose not to. One Asian company does help buy one of the American banks, but several deals with friends in the Pacific fall through as they back away from toxic assets. And who can really blame them?

     Paulson, who is really the central character, has a staff that includes actors Topher Grace (That '70's Show, Spider-man 3) and Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City, The Big C). They try very hard to not only help their boss fix things, but also to keep him healthy, as Paulson is plagued by a lack of sleep, and looks worse and worse as the movie progresses. They are the heroes of the story, tirelessly putting their lives on hold to save the country. Whether that is true or not, the way the trio comes across makes it very easy to root for them.

     The story itself is a gripping tale of horror. What makes it even scarier is that not only is is true, but the problems shown are far from solved. A scroll at the end tells viewers that the same conditions exist today, and the economy could still easily go over the precipice, since the government has failed to act to change anything significant in the two and a half years since the events unfolded. It's a chilling realization, not one that gives any comfort.


     Too Big to Fail will repeat numerous times on HBO over the next few weeks. If you have not caught it yet, make sure to do so soon.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     Please click here to buy the book on which Too Big to Fail is based.

Article first published as TV Review: Too Big to Fail on Blogcritics.

The Big C "Taking the Plunge"

    Showtime's newest half hour dramedy, The Big C, got off to a rocky start this past summer.  However, happily, the series improved as the episodes went by, and the show ended with an exciting finale last night.  In the beginning, it was cliche and one-note characters that harmed The Big C, but as each week unfolded, each figure got more defined, and developed personality.  There were a few bumps along the way, but some surprises twists and touching moments made this show a permanent spot on my TiVo season pass list.

     Cathy (Laura Linney) finally told her family about her cancer, and that's when things really started taking off.  A large chunk of the season was plagued by marital drama between Cathy and her husband, Paul (Oliver Platt), whom she kicked out almost as soon as she was diagnosed.  Perhaps it's a bit convenient that their union was saved so completly by Paul finding out why Cathy had been acting odd, but Paul always loved Cathy, and it's no wonder he wanted to protect her.  The show touched on Cathy having issues handing over control of anything to Paul, and asking for help.  Although they were not in evidence last night, I assume that will be the ongoing disagreement in season two.

     Cathy's son, Adam (Gabriel Basso) was handled more off-screen.  We only really saw his reaction to his mother deciding to undergo a dangerous treatment.  At first, I was sad at the omission.  But in retrospect, there was plenty of screen time given for Adam to seem completly unaffected by what should have been very emotional stuff, and so, the missing moment wasn't necessary.  Instead, Adam had a much more satisfying climax.  He accidentally discovered a key that he shouldn't have to a storage locker he wasn't supposed to go to until his mother passed away.  It was filled with gifts for his future birthdays, Christmases, graduations, etc.  While Adam had not even shown a frown through other issues, this brought him to tears, as I'm sure it did to any member of the audience with a soul.

     Sean (John Benjamin Hickey) also faced some last minute growth when his former lover, Rebecca (Sex and the City's Cynthia Nixon) told him that she was pregnant with his baby.  Homeless by choice, as part of an environmental activist philosophy, Sean had to do some major self reflection, knowing he would soon be responsibile for another human being.  Sure, Rebecca offered to raise the baby herself, but did anyone believe for a minute that Sean would accept that offer?  Cathy's gift of a house to him was the perfect step.  It didn't seem forced at all.  Still, there will be adjustment.  I chuckled when Sean went out and slept on the lawn because he just couldn't feel comfortable on the couch.  I hope this will earn Nixon a full-time promotion come season two.

     One of the biggest twists, though, came at the end of last week's penultimate episode, when Marlene (Phyllis Somerville), battling Alzheimer's, decided to put a bullet in her own face.  Her funeral was almost fun, as she planned it herself, complete with polka band and scratch off lottery tickets.  Marlene was probably my favorite character, and I felt as affected as the other characters by her choice.  At first, Cathy seemed to see Marlene's act as noble by ending things on her own terms.  Thankfully, the writers took the opportunity to show some of the consequences of her passing, and Cathy came to understand that she wanted to live.  I understand why someone facing such a grevious condition might choose to end it, but others are affected by your actions.  And some will be sad to see you again.  She will be missed.

     All in all, the show did not reach the brilliance of other Showtime hits, such as Weeds or Nurse Jackie, but it carved out it's own little niche, which it will hopefully occupy for at least a few years.

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