MOB CITY a Dark, Intriguing Place

Article first published as MOB CITY a Dark, Intriguing Place on TheTVKing.

Not long after AMC kicked showrunner Frank Darabont off of The Walking Dead, a show he developed, rumors swirled that he would make a television comeback. For fans of the zombie series or the movies Darabont has made, which include greats like The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption, it's with great satisfaction that we tune into his newest creation, Mob City, which premiered this week on TNT.

Like The Walking Dead, Mob City is an experiment. Six episodes are being produced for the first season as TNT tests the waters with something totally unlike its normal slate. Mob City is a period piece, mostly set in the late 1940s with flashbacks to earlier times, that explores the world of crime in Los Angeles. It's a serial drama, weaving many characters together with interesting, twisty plots. It's also done a bit in the noir style, which you don't see a lot of on television today.

Overall, I'd say this experiment works. The first two instllaments (the initial season will air over three weeks in two hour blocks) are very good, introducing us to characters who we quickly come to care about, but aren't always sure of their motivations. There's a healthy level of mystery to the plot that will draw viewers in, even before they decide if they like the program or not.

Mob City is a little slow-paced, but not as much as, say, Boardwalk Empire, another period piece that does decently well over on HBO. There are a few shootouts and dead bodies in the first night alone, with more to come. The danger and threat level, especially for a limited show, is relatively high, even if several of the main characters are based on real people whose ending may be known. At least those historical figures aren't so famous that everyone knows their tale before the show can tell it.

The cast is truly excellent. Darabont keeps a few of his Walking Dead buddies, with Jon Bernthal playing the lead, Joe Teague, a mostly-good cop who has connections to the mob world, Jeffrey DeMunn as Hal Morrison, head of the task force tracking the mob, and Andrew Rothenberg in a recurring part working for Hal. Robert Knepper (Prison Break, Heroes) does what he does best, playing demented villain, while Gregory Itzin (Covert Affairs, 24) tackles a familiar part as a crooked politician. Neal McDonough (Justified, Desperate Housewives) proves he can do hero as well as he has done bad guy in the past, and Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes, Gilmore Girls) meshes well as Joe's war buddy, now working for the other side.

Believe it or not, while those are the most familiar faces to me, that isn't even all of the wonderful actors starring in this show. Edward Burns (Saving Private Ryan) and Jeremy Luke (Don Jon) play infamous mobsters Bugsy Siegel and Mickey Cohen, respectively. Alexa Davalos (Reunion, Angel) is perfect as the token girl in the cast, a strong woman who tempts Joe to cross the line. Jeremy Strong (Zero Dark Thirty), Mekia Cox (Undercovers), Mike Hagerty (Wayne's World), Daniel Roebuck (Lost), Ernie Hudson (Ghost Busters), and comedian Dana Gould also have recurring roles. With such a deep bench, all of them fantastic, there will be no shortage of wonderful character moments, even after a few of them tragically die.

In the first episode, Joe is approached by a stand up comedian named Hecky Nash (Simon Pegg, Shaun of the Dead, Star Trek), who wants Joe to protect him as he tries to blackmail the mob. Joe agrees, but upon learning a key thing about Hecky, which I won't spoil because it takes awhile to come out, turns on him, a fact Joe is not able to reveal to his bosses, even as he tells them everything else. Yet, Joe isn't about to get himself onto the mob's payroll, and they don't appreciate his refusal, thus beginning a delicate dance between the two sides, with Joe in the middle.

I really like the flashback stuff. In episode one, we see the origins of Bugsy and Sid. While their scene doesn't really inform too much in the present storyline, it is pretty cool. Better, the second hour gives us insight into McDonough's William H. Parker, which is much more relevant. Taking that break, giving us the back story, is useful when used sparingly in this manner.

Now, there are a few gratuitous scenes. The aforementioned opening to the pilot, "A Guy Walks Into a Bar," involves some violins and a baby carriage that make the moment memorable, but don't necessarily scream realism. Later, there's a bit with Sid in a confessional booth at a church that seems purposely designed to shock and offend. Maybe these aren't necessary, but they do put off a tone and style that will set Mob City apart, and do fit the comic book-noir mashup that seems to be happening.

Overall, I really enjoyed the first two episodes, and I look forward to seeing what Darabont and his highly talented team will do with the rest. It's definitely already the best series on TNT. Mob City airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.

COVERT AFFAIRS Fools the World

Article first published as COVERT AFFAIRS Fools the World on TheTVKing.

USA's Covert Affairs recently ended its fourth season. This year has been one of big change and high stakes, climaxing in a very important showdown. The finale, "Trompe Le Monde," which roughly translates as "fool the world," is a satisfying conclusion to that story, ending a major chapter for the series.

Annie (Piper Perabo) underwent much growth in seasons one through three, and she needed all of that development in order to be prepared for her ultimate mission in year four. Trapped in China, Annie is captured by Henry Wilcox (Gregory Itzin), who sells her to the Chinese in exchange for his own escape. But it isn't long before Annie breaks loose and heads after Henry, solo, with little support.

This is a huge test for Annie. In a foreign country with no easy exit route, she's cut off from not only her loved ones, but the help the CIA can usually provide. She does this for an extended period of time, letting the world think she is dead. Not many people have the emotional strength or the intellectual cunning to stay isolated and carry through a complex, long-running feat as Annie does.

The final scene between Annie and Henry is intense! Both the actors involved give amazing performances. They really do seem like great enemies, even as Henry doesn't really hate Annie, at least not fully. There's a real spark between them, not at all romantic in nature, but still a compelling chemistry. Very well done.

The China trip has taken its toll. Even as Annie shoots Henry dead, there is no look of relief or satisfaction on her face. She takes no pleasure in killing, even someone who deserves it as much as Henry. Instead, she appears exhausted, ready to rest. She's certainly earned a break, and after Auggie (Christopher Gorham), who never abandoned her, secures her passage, she sets off for home.

Which begs the question, what is next for Annie? By the end of "Trompe Le Monde," as every viewer knew would be the case, Annie makes it away from Asia, her goal accomplished. After such a trying journey, she can't possibly be expected to jump right back in at work, nor will she collapse into Auggie's arms, even if he did prove his love and worth. She needs time to recuperate.

Even after the healing takes effect, which will likely occur between seasons, one wonders what Annie might have to face. It's hard to imagine a more exciting, nail-biting arc than this one, and having gone so big, Covert Affairs has no choice but to reign it in a little. Perhaps there might be some lighter, fun installments to give everyone a chance to take a breath before launching into another epic tale?

Annie isn't the only one whose story is depressing in "Trompe Le Monde." One CIA leader, Braithwaite (Craig Eldridge), hangs himself in his office when he realizes he made a big mistake. While Covert Affairs does not shy away from action and death, it's still startling to see something happen in the government offices that is so tragic and depressing. Whether you cared about the character or not, and most won't, as even though he appeared in twelve episodes, he wasn't a big player, the sight of the dangling legs is still an effective picture.

In the short-term, there is much to be worked out at the CIA, besides removing bodies. Presumably Henry's misdeeds will now be brought to light, which should reset a few things, clearing the name of good people who didn't deserve to be punished. Arthur (Peter Gallagher) may have the opportunity to go back to work. Joan (Kari Matchett) has a baby to tend to, but also possibly an office to re-occupy. That is, if Calder (Hill Harper) steps back, which he seems willing to do, but politics could conspire against him.

It's likely Covert Affairs will work these machinations into the story, while still keeping the focus on Annie. This would be nice, as sometimes the supporting characters don't get enough story; Joan and Peter were barely in "Trompe Le Monde." If Annie can be involved in this game of musical chairs, it might be a fresh direction to go in, at least for a few episodes.

Covert Affairs will return to USA in 2014.

COVERT AFFAIRS Under Cover

Article first published as COVERT AFFAIRS Review Season 4 Premiere on Seat42F.

Grade: 86%

USA’s COVERT AFFAIRS is back t0night with “Vamos.” Annie (Piper Perabo) and Auggie (Christopher Gorham), now a couple, try to figure out what Henry Wilcox (Gregory Itzen) knows about Arthur (Peter Gallagher) that will bring him down. It’s a race against time, as Henry promises action will be taken by the end of the week. And it’s a challenge to see if Annie and Auggie can be romantic and still work together.

COVERT AFFAIRS is the latest drama in television to defy the old fear, often referred to as ‘The Moonlight Curse,’ and stick their leading guy and gal in a relationship before series’ end. As this is only the start of season four, COVERT AFFAIRS could potentially have a lot of life in it, going by the standard run of a USA show, and so it’s risking a lot to get rid of that “will they, won’t they?” tension and commit to them being together.

Yet, now that it’s become the popular trend to do it, and by and large this trend is proving the fate of the curse is the exception, rather than the rule, it could be risky not to have them together. Fans are growing frustrated of television writers who stretch out the chemistry for years, never letting it boil too hot, lest the characters might actually face their own emotion.

This is the era of character-driven stories, and in order for a show to fulfill its potential, the people on screen must grow and develop and change. Love is a powerful, driving emotion, one of the most important, and so it cannot be ignored, especially by a central protagonist. Thus, it is not only time, but necessary, to see if Annie and Auggie can work as a pair.

The primary problem between them, already evident in “Vamos,” is that Annie doesn’t listen to anyone or consider their opinions. She is head strong and rebellious. This is fine (sort of) when she is disobeying Joan (Kari Matchett) and the CIA because it’s not personal, and as long as she gets the job done well, they forgive her. But when feelings are involved, as they are with Auggie, it may present a problem.

Auggie likes Annie for her confidence and determination, but he hasn’t had that betray him so directly until now. He has faced it as part of his job, but not as a boyfriend. Being left alone in a foreign city or having her reluctantly agree with him, only for her to do the opposite that second he isn’t looking, isn’t the makings for a long-term bond. These are things they will have to work to overcome.

That being said, it’s great to see them out in the field together. Auggie doesn’t get out of the office enough, and in their current arrangement, it’s more believable that he will accompany her, especially when it’s not a stated mission. He is valuable support , and if she can learn to rely on him a little more, they will be a dynamic duo.

Annie is now working for Henry Wilcox, and that will be a problem, both for her, and for her friends. Henry has never been shown to be anything but up to no good. He is essentially threatening Arthur in “Vamos.” Who knows what he’ll ask Annie to do to help him take down his enemies? This is the makings for a difficult road for Annie, one where she will be torn in her actions between doing the right thing and fulfilling her obligations and protecting herself and others.

Of course, Annie put herself in this situation. She may have done it for the right reasons, but this is a decision she has made. Unfortunately, that makes everything a little contrived and a little predictable, which is what keeps COVERT AFFAIRS a bit inferior to, say, SUITS, which has more complicated characters. But it’ll still be fun to watch Annie run around and kick butt, the main draw of the show.

I’m not sure I completely buy Annie’s helping Arthur so vehemently. Is she doing it just out of loyalty to Joan or because of the guilt she feels for not always doing right by Joan? If so, this isn’t something we really see in this episode, which is a shame. Maybe Annie just wants to uphold justice, and that’s fine, but again, motivation isn’t really explored, and I feel like that’s a wasted opportunity.

There are a couple of other things that happen in “Vamos,” including a big “surprise” development for two main characters, and a step backwards for the good guys. I feel like this premiere is in keeping with the established quality of the show, and fans should be pleased, even if one can justifiably wish it kicked it up just another notch, such as not making who is bad and who is good so obvious, playing more in the shades of grey.

COVERT AFFAIRS airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on USA.

"Letter Never Sent" to Covert Affairs

     In the season finale of USA's Covert Affairs, "Letter Never Sent," Annie (Piper Perabo) takes a much needed vacation to Stockholm. Danielle (Anne Dudek) finds out that her husband has been cheating on her, and Annie allows her to come, too, only to learn once they get there that Danielle has been communicating with an old flame in the area. But then Joan (Kari Matchett) asks Annie to complete a simple mission, which soon goes horribly wrong, and Annie and Danielle are running for their lives. Meanwhile, Auggie (Christopher Gorham) looks into a cure for his blindness, and Jai (Sendhil Ramamurthy) is called in for questioning.

     On the surface, "Letter Never Sent" is a rip-roaring good time, and a hell of a finale. There is plenty of action, and plots for every single main character, which is not the status quo. However, there is something very strange brewing under the surface of the Stockholm arc. Annie just happens to be heading to the one place Danielle has an ex she's been talking to? Or does Danielle have these exes all over the world? And, of course, Annie can't go anywhere without getting drawn back into the spy business, because she's aparently the old capable field agent the CIA has. Also, Annie and Danielle make a great escape from her would-be-beau's home, and leave him a dead body in the yard to clean up and explain. Thanks, girls!

     That, aside, though, it really is a fantastic episode. Dudek is a fine actress, who is often way underused on Covert Affairs, so it's gratifying that she is drawn into the action this week, no matter how big a stretch it takes. It's also unfortunate that she looks into the cheating-for-revenge route, but it's not unrealistic, and allows for some good sisterly chemistry, including a judgy Annie who does not approve of Danielle's behavior. Danielle now gets to see just what her sister does, and is unlikely to continue to give her much trouble about the job, as evidenced by her invitation for Annie to move back in.

     Jai is an enigma for awhile. He comes to Langley to do a job, but is shoved into the background, and soon disappointed by his lot. A little scheming gets him a Special Projects job, but it doesn't seem to mean much, and few have any respect for him. Then he fails a lie detector test and comes under suspicion. Rather than redeem himself by doing the right thing in "Letter Never Sent," as viewers would expect, he goes the alternate route. Jai grows even more manipulative, turning in his father, Henry (Gregory Itzin) for illegal activities, and protecting Arthur (Peter Gallagher). This protection is not out of the goodness of his heart, but rather, a set up so he can go after Joan's job. It's wicked, and depressing, and some really, really great writing.

     Poor Auggie. Upset over Parker's (Devin Kelley, The Chicago Code) move, he tries to better his own life by having his blindness healed. But he isn't a candidate for any of the procedures that might work. It seems he feels life is passing him by, his handicap rendering him unable to do many of the things he wants to do. He can't even drive his dream car, the '67 Corvette he keeps in his garage. At the end of the episode, he gifts the vehicle to Annie. This seems to be a sign that he has given up in a lot of ways, and will no longer be trying or hoping for a cure. It's a sad moment, made even worse when he comments on how he can "literally see" the smile on Annie's face, which isn't smiling at all. Again, poor Auggie.

     On the bright side, the chemistry between Annie and Auggie has never been better than in "Letter Never Sent." Which means, after a suitable time to get over Parker, perhaps Auggie will have a new love that could brighten his world. Whether he ever gets to see again or not, Auggie has a lot going for him, and he can be happy, though it may not seem like it at this time.

     Covert Affairs will return in 2012 on USA.

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

     To buy Covert Affairs DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

"The Wake-Up Bomb" explodes all over Covert Affairs

     USA's Covert Affairs returns for a fall run with "The Wake-Up Bomb." On assignment in Venice, Annie (Piper Perabo) loses her target package. Taking things rough, she returns to the states, and indulges in a bit of alcohol. At the restaurant, she meets a charming Spanish chef (Santiago Cabrera, Heroes, Merlin). The next day, by coincidence, Joan (Kari Matchett) assigns Annie to watch the chef. It's really his brother (Matias Padin, Nya tider) who's the villain. Meanwhile, Jai (Sendhil Ramamurthy) makes a play that results in a major promotion, using his father, Henry (Gregory Itzin), as a pawn.

     Jai is turning out to be quite interesting. After being wasted for most of the first season, a fact that does not escape the character's own notice, Jai begins rebelling in season two. With his reputation way down, the only way he sees to raise it again is to trick Henry. Considering there is little love lost between father and son, and the son appears to be in the right, it's hard to blame Jai for his actions. Pretending that he is ready to testify on the hill about Henry being the leak, and quietly making sure his father knows this, Jai is named Director of Special Projects, and gets his own office. Henry actually reacts quite well when he realizes the truth, thinking Jai is finally showing promise. It's that twisted logic that proves Jai is better off without Henry's influence. Hopefully his future activities will help bring Henry down.

     Annie also has family problems, and also because of lies. Annie hopes that apologizing to Danielle (Anne Dudek), after giving her time to cool off, might reverse her sister's decision to kick Annie out of their home. It doesn't, but that's a good thing. Many series would let the status quo reset, but not Covert Affairs. Annie is setting up new digs, and it looks like while Danielle will forgive her sister, opening the door to a renewed relationship, she isn't going to let Annie back on the premises anytime soon. This is understandable, because Danielle has her kids to worry about. It's also realistic, making the case for great chemistry between the girls. Great job, writers.

    Of course, the highlight of almost any episode is any Annie / Auggie (Christopher Gorham) interaction, and "The Wake-Up Bomb" is no exception to this rule. Annie finally begins setting up a safe house, something Auggie has encouraged for awhile. She does slip up and tell him the general part of town it's in, even though he insists no one must know the location, including him. It isn't really a slip up, though. More, Auggie is Annie's closest friend, and the guy she trusts most. His housewarming gift of a bottle opener is as sweet as it is funny. Would the two of them hurry up and get together already? They could certainly handle more than a platonic relationship.

     The case of the week in "The Wake-Up Bomb" is pretty cool. With Annie open for a new relationship, her chef buddy seems promising. Their chemistry is great. Except, she isn't allowed to date a foreign citizen. And he is a reformed criminal with a brother who isn't so reformed. So, instead, we get an interesting story, with a few twists, and guest starring character that have a bit of depth. This raises the story to a higher level, and boosts Covert Affairs as a better series. With plots of the week at this caliber, it helps keep the show a tolerable procedural. Well, that, and above serial stories are pretty good, too.

     The only very weak point, and granted, it's a biggie, is that Annie just happens to hang out with the chef the night before he is assigned as her target. Seriously? Come on! Coincidences that big just do not happen.

     All in all, Covert Affairs is growing into a better series than it began as. If it continues this trend, it will quickly become a must-see show, something it isn't quite at yet, but on its way to. Watch is Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

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

     To buy Covert Affairs DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

The clock runs out on 24

        As the final seconds ticked out on the series finale of Fox's 24, there was a countdown clock rather than the one moving time forward, as has been the custom of the series.  It was appropriate, the "real-time" series finally coming to an end after eight seasons, nine years (there was no season the year of the writer's strike as producers did not want to deliver half a day).  Jack Bauer's (Kiefer Suthland) intonation of "events occur in real-time" was a welcome homage but back in the beginning of each of the last two hours, which was dropped long ago, and Kiefer's personal message to viewers was touching.  It is a series I will surely miss.

     The final moments of the show, as they should have, came down to Jack and Chloe's (Mary Lynn Rajskub).  Although Chloe was not part of the the original cast, she has appeared in the second highest number of episodes, after Jack, and has become a beloved character.  She has grown a long way since her annoying personality turned off viewers initially.  I think many of us agree with Jack that we did not expect her to be the one watching his back for the long haul, and yet, who else could have done such a great job of it?  Their show down midway through the finale was gripping, but their goodbye was one of the most moving moments television has yet to produce.

      Jack struggled more this season than any other with doing the right thing.  He always acted on his beliefs, even when they came into conflict with the law.  But as this season barreled towards a close, even fans such as myself found it hard to justify his decisions.  His cold-blooded massacre of many a Russian, because of their execution and cover-up of the assassination of his most recent love, Renew Walker (Annie Wersching).  Jack went into a dark place or revenge, and left the path of righteousness.  Yet, his video recording and his behavior in the last hour redeemed the hero in our eyes, though he will face a number of criminal investigations should the authorities ever catch up to him, which I assume will be the plot of the upcoming 24 movie, which while not guaranteed, is well on it's way to becoming a reality.

     One of the most interesting characters in the past two years was President Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones).  After she turned over her own daughter to the cops at the end of last season, it was easy to believe that she stood for principals rivaling even the fan favorite 24 president, David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert).  Then this season she made the mistake of listening to former President Logan (Gregory Itzin), who has been one of the show's greatest villains.  While she had noble aspirations, she allowed herself to let the ends justify the means.  Thank goodness that she decided at the last minute to let the truth come out.  It will protect Chloe, if not Jack and herself.  She fully redeemed herself in my eyes, and I hope we will learn from the movie that she earned the sympathy and continued respect of the American people, even if she has to serve a short sentence.  Unfortunately, Logan, who got away with crimes before, did not succeed in taking his own life.  Hopefully he will rot in a cell for the rest of it.