Hurricanes, snake bites, barefoot motorcycle treks through the jungle. Just another week for Teddy Rist.
You had a chance to read my advance review of NBC's The Philanthropist, but now that the pilot episode has aired, I'm curious to hear what you thought of the James Purefoy-led drama.
Were you charmed by Purefoy's billionaire playboy Teddy Rist? Or did you think his conversion from tycoon to altruistic philanthropist was far too easy and convenient? Were you captivated by the combination of action-adventure and inspirational drama? Or was it too earnest and trite for your liking? Did you cringe at the fact that the talented Michael Kenneth Williams (Omar himself!) was given precious little to do?
And, most importantly, will you tune in again next week?
Talk back here.
Next week on The Philanthropist ("Myanmar"), Teddy visits Myanmar after the Maidstone-Rist Company is outed by a human rights organization as having ties to businesses there; Teddy gets advice from Daw May Lin Wai, a revered Burmese democratic leader who has been under house arrest in the country for nearly two and meets a young girl in desperate need of help.
I thought the trek thru the jungle in bare feet was a little over the top, but I like the premise of the show and will watch again.
Over the top is putting it politely. Laughed my ass off thru the whole ep. Not sure thats what producers were going for but it was hilarious. Won't be watching next week.
I kind of liked it. Not perfect but I would watch anything with Purefoy in it really.
Purefoy's talent is wasted in this overwrought mess (and, even more so, the brilliant Kenneth Williams). This show wants to be a "real" version of Iron Man but instead comes off as sappy as Extreme Home Makeover.
I liked it a lot. Yes, I thought the whole link between Teddy's son and his spiritual awakening was too easy, and the people Teddy left behind in NYC have nothing to do (a problem I hope will be resolved at some point in the series), but I still thought it worked.
I posted more of my thoughts here, if anyone's interested.
http://gothamnights.wordpress.com
The pilot episode should have spent more time explaining who the characters are, how they met, how long they have known each other, etc. Purefoys character having casual sex with women from foreign countries where the AIDS epidemic is rampant is irresponsible and risky behavior. Neve Campbell comes off as a dull, despondent bore. She lacks personality, sexiness and a sense of humor.
I am so loving this show! Great writing, great cast! I sort of stumbled onto the show - channel surfing at the right time and was instantly hooked. I'm looking forward to seeing the many layers of each character peeled off in future shows. There is so much garbage on TV - in fact most of TV today is crap. But sometimes they get it right and come up with a Gem. Thanks NBC - best of luck to Teddy & Crew!
I actually love the show, it is very interesting, I like the suspense. I hope this show will be on for a long time to come