22 reviews
The show had a few faults but not enough to warrant a cancellation after only 7 episodes, NBC never really gave it a chance to last. If the show had debuted on AMC, FX, HBO or any cable network it would have been allowed a better chance to build an audience. But nowadays networks assume that if you don't instantly have a 10% share of its time slot right off the bat that it's a failure and there's no point in even going on with the show. Which is a ridiculous way of trying to build and cultivate new shows for a channel.
The show had very beautiful ladies in the roles as the playmates, most notably Amber Heard who's drop dead gorgeous. With her appearance in The Rum Diary with Johnny Depp she should have a bright future ahead of her.
The show had very beautiful ladies in the roles as the playmates, most notably Amber Heard who's drop dead gorgeous. With her appearance in The Rum Diary with Johnny Depp she should have a bright future ahead of her.
- mattias_89
- Sep 19, 2011
- Permalink
While I do believe that there's a lot of stuff in this series to unpack regarding the social and political issues that its narrative touches on, I found it to be quite entertaining and impressively well-done overall. As such, it seems to me that most of the criticisms leveled against it are unjustified with many of them being openly biased. Having watched all the publicly available episodes of the series to date, the things that positively stood out to me the most were: 1. The magnificent and dazzling 1960s set design and the costumes; 2. The performances, especially by Laura Benanti (as Carol-Lynn Cunningham), Amber Heard (as Maureen), Leah Renee (as Alice), and Eddie Cibrian (as Nick Dalton); 3. The musical numbers and; 4. The crime narrative arc.
Regarding the set design and costumes, they are as convincing as they are immersive. They truly make you feel like you're a fly on the wall of an actual 60s Playboy Club in Chicago, even if you've never been in one. And the main actor's performances - coupled with good direction - only reinforce this immersive experience by how authentically they're able to channel the actions, feelings, and ambitions that one would expect of the characters they're playing in such a setting. For instance, Laura Benanti excellently portrays the tension between Carol-Lynn's ambitions as a "Queen Bee" of The Club and the patriarchal and sexist culture, reminiscent of the setting, that she must contend with in order to have these ambitions met. A similar tension - but one based on her queer identity in addition to her gender - is evident in the also well-performed role of Alice by Leah Renee. On the other hand, Eddie Cibrian's embodiment of White male privileges and challenges in the character of Nick as he navigates the criminal and political worlds of 60s Chicago is noteworthy for its allure as it is for its discomfort and air of mystery concerning the question of whether or not Nick is actually the "nice guy" that he seems to want people to believe he is.
But among all the great performances in the series, Amber Heard's stands out in not only reinforcing its immersive experience, but in giving viewers that one character whose life and experiences they'd want to see to the end. Indeed, Heard succeeds in balancing naiveté and vulnerability with agency and strength in Maureen - a new Bunny recruit for The Club - in a manner that is both entertaining and, quite frankly, impressive. For instance, over the course of the three episodes of the series, one notices this balance in Heard's authentically showing that while Maureen is still learning the ropes of her new job and allows herself to be helped by those around her that are willing to help her, she is also the kind of "Bunny" that stands her ground and takes active steps towards solving her problems in the best ways she knows how. By way of example, one would not miss the contrast between the fear and dependence that Heard imparts on Maureen during several scenes in the Pilot episode involving the death of a mob boss with the courage and control that she imparts on her in scenes in which she confronts the mob boss John Bianchi (Troy Garity). Not only does Heard manage to captivate the viewer and keep them guessing as to what Maureen would do next in the series this way, she also manages to do the same by giving Maureen an air of mystery and unpredictability that is not present in the other characters. This brilliant performance by Heard no doubt partly derives from her experiences playing such complex characters as Mandy Lane in All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006) and Christine in The Ward (2010) because these roles demanded such balance and mysteriousness that the Maureen character required in this series. It is no wonder then that the producers and director of the series made Heard's character so central to it that they even titled the second episode with a name she's referred to in the episode. All that said, fans of Heard would also be interested to know that this was her first leading role (albeit in an ensemble) in a crime drama series in her career and that she did not disappoint at all to the extent that she's one of the major reasons to lament that the series was prematurely cancelled.
Besides the performances and the set design, a lot can be said about the musical numbers in all three of the series' episodes released to date. They were all very professionally done and one never really gets used to how glamorous, catchy, and fun they are.
In addition, while the writing is not outstanding for shows of its kind, the crime arc in the narrative is one of the aspects of the series that I'm sure made a lot of people disappointed that it was cancelled the way it was. I also got so personally invested in the burgeoning relationship between Alice (Leah Renee) and Frances Dunhill (Cassidy Freeman) that it felt quite painful to know that I'd likely never get to see how it progressed.
Besides its positives, several negative things about the series are worth mentioning. Firstly, I agree with feminist critiques about it being an inappropriate sugar-coating and excusing of the misogyny, abuse, and assault on women that the Playboy enterprise has always been an embodiment of - despite the few women that it has somehow benefited over the years. The series errs in trying to give a feminist twist to the practices of a company that's notorious for its violation of women's rights, especially in the time period of the series' setting. Secondly, not even the token black woman casting in the form of Naturi Naughton (as Brenda) is enough to rescue the series from what is undeniably a dire racial under-representation. Thirdly, I think that comparisons of the series to Mad Men (2007) by some were blatantly off-mark, which is a good thing. However, it seems to have had the potential to be as great a series as The Deuce (2017) but it failed in that it focused too much on painting a fantasy of what should have been (of Playboy) than in showing what actually was and why it was bad, which is what The Deuce succeeded in doing.
In conclusion, balancing its positives and negatives, I'd have given the series a 6/10 but its inclusion of Amber Heard and her magnificent performance made me settle on a 7/10. I recommend it to all fans of crime dramas and to all those looking for a fun three-episode series that's worthwhile experiencing rather than finishing, with which to kill some weekend time. I also recommend it to fans of Heard as a must-watch testament to how much she'd grown as actress at this point of her career and for the plenty of magical scenes of her that are scattered throughout the three episodes. Those intellectually interested in contemporary representations of the American mid-20th century sex scene in movie and TV would also find plenty of value in this series as well those that love music from that era.
Regarding the set design and costumes, they are as convincing as they are immersive. They truly make you feel like you're a fly on the wall of an actual 60s Playboy Club in Chicago, even if you've never been in one. And the main actor's performances - coupled with good direction - only reinforce this immersive experience by how authentically they're able to channel the actions, feelings, and ambitions that one would expect of the characters they're playing in such a setting. For instance, Laura Benanti excellently portrays the tension between Carol-Lynn's ambitions as a "Queen Bee" of The Club and the patriarchal and sexist culture, reminiscent of the setting, that she must contend with in order to have these ambitions met. A similar tension - but one based on her queer identity in addition to her gender - is evident in the also well-performed role of Alice by Leah Renee. On the other hand, Eddie Cibrian's embodiment of White male privileges and challenges in the character of Nick as he navigates the criminal and political worlds of 60s Chicago is noteworthy for its allure as it is for its discomfort and air of mystery concerning the question of whether or not Nick is actually the "nice guy" that he seems to want people to believe he is.
But among all the great performances in the series, Amber Heard's stands out in not only reinforcing its immersive experience, but in giving viewers that one character whose life and experiences they'd want to see to the end. Indeed, Heard succeeds in balancing naiveté and vulnerability with agency and strength in Maureen - a new Bunny recruit for The Club - in a manner that is both entertaining and, quite frankly, impressive. For instance, over the course of the three episodes of the series, one notices this balance in Heard's authentically showing that while Maureen is still learning the ropes of her new job and allows herself to be helped by those around her that are willing to help her, she is also the kind of "Bunny" that stands her ground and takes active steps towards solving her problems in the best ways she knows how. By way of example, one would not miss the contrast between the fear and dependence that Heard imparts on Maureen during several scenes in the Pilot episode involving the death of a mob boss with the courage and control that she imparts on her in scenes in which she confronts the mob boss John Bianchi (Troy Garity). Not only does Heard manage to captivate the viewer and keep them guessing as to what Maureen would do next in the series this way, she also manages to do the same by giving Maureen an air of mystery and unpredictability that is not present in the other characters. This brilliant performance by Heard no doubt partly derives from her experiences playing such complex characters as Mandy Lane in All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006) and Christine in The Ward (2010) because these roles demanded such balance and mysteriousness that the Maureen character required in this series. It is no wonder then that the producers and director of the series made Heard's character so central to it that they even titled the second episode with a name she's referred to in the episode. All that said, fans of Heard would also be interested to know that this was her first leading role (albeit in an ensemble) in a crime drama series in her career and that she did not disappoint at all to the extent that she's one of the major reasons to lament that the series was prematurely cancelled.
Besides the performances and the set design, a lot can be said about the musical numbers in all three of the series' episodes released to date. They were all very professionally done and one never really gets used to how glamorous, catchy, and fun they are.
In addition, while the writing is not outstanding for shows of its kind, the crime arc in the narrative is one of the aspects of the series that I'm sure made a lot of people disappointed that it was cancelled the way it was. I also got so personally invested in the burgeoning relationship between Alice (Leah Renee) and Frances Dunhill (Cassidy Freeman) that it felt quite painful to know that I'd likely never get to see how it progressed.
Besides its positives, several negative things about the series are worth mentioning. Firstly, I agree with feminist critiques about it being an inappropriate sugar-coating and excusing of the misogyny, abuse, and assault on women that the Playboy enterprise has always been an embodiment of - despite the few women that it has somehow benefited over the years. The series errs in trying to give a feminist twist to the practices of a company that's notorious for its violation of women's rights, especially in the time period of the series' setting. Secondly, not even the token black woman casting in the form of Naturi Naughton (as Brenda) is enough to rescue the series from what is undeniably a dire racial under-representation. Thirdly, I think that comparisons of the series to Mad Men (2007) by some were blatantly off-mark, which is a good thing. However, it seems to have had the potential to be as great a series as The Deuce (2017) but it failed in that it focused too much on painting a fantasy of what should have been (of Playboy) than in showing what actually was and why it was bad, which is what The Deuce succeeded in doing.
In conclusion, balancing its positives and negatives, I'd have given the series a 6/10 but its inclusion of Amber Heard and her magnificent performance made me settle on a 7/10. I recommend it to all fans of crime dramas and to all those looking for a fun three-episode series that's worthwhile experiencing rather than finishing, with which to kill some weekend time. I also recommend it to fans of Heard as a must-watch testament to how much she'd grown as actress at this point of her career and for the plenty of magical scenes of her that are scattered throughout the three episodes. Those intellectually interested in contemporary representations of the American mid-20th century sex scene in movie and TV would also find plenty of value in this series as well those that love music from that era.
When I started watching The Playboy Club I wasn't very hopeful... I was expecting a dodgy half baked drama with girls running around topless... I found the pilot plot Interesting, maybe a tad cliché, but it is a pilot after all! You can't expect miracles.
Admittedly the dialogue was a little rough and amateurish but it feels like it's heading in some interesting directions and will get better over time. Strangely the secondary story line between Alice and her husband seems far more interesting to me.
As for the comparisons to Mad Men I don't think they are in any way fair. It's like comparing apples and oranges.
Personally, I think it's much more interesting than half of the television shows some channels are pumping out.
Definitely worth watching for the first few episodes to see where it goes.
Admittedly the dialogue was a little rough and amateurish but it feels like it's heading in some interesting directions and will get better over time. Strangely the secondary story line between Alice and her husband seems far more interesting to me.
As for the comparisons to Mad Men I don't think they are in any way fair. It's like comparing apples and oranges.
Personally, I think it's much more interesting than half of the television shows some channels are pumping out.
Definitely worth watching for the first few episodes to see where it goes.
- mitchwatt2
- Sep 20, 2011
- Permalink
Now I'm a huge fan of the 50's 60's era and I'm not here to compare this show to Mad Men (even if i love it). This show fails to give the illusion of the 60's, which at first glance of the previews was one of the biggest pulls the show had. On top of that, the acting and plot line are dull and slightly predictable, clichés around every corner, and, a huge pet peeve of mine is the background music. Lack of class, lack of seduction, and unrealistic. I haven't quite managed to fall in love with any characters yet, but that doesn't mean i wont. I will continue to watch this show for the first season, hoping and hoping that they can think this whole thing through.
- malcolmcmcclintock
- Sep 26, 2011
- Permalink
I watched the premiere out of curiosity, and I was surprised to find a show that is both interesting and done in a very tasteful manner. I was worried about the depiction of female characters (for obvious reasons), but they are not depicted as simple sexual objects. On the contrary, these characters are shown as intelligent, independent, and resourceful.
Only two episodes aired to this day, but the potential for character development is there. The show manages to have some social and political themes, plus there is a bit of mystery, music, and humour.
The various actresses and actors (all people I didn't know) do a good job. I especially like Amber Heard, as Maureen (the main female character), Leah Renee Cudmore, and guest star Sean Maher.
Conclusion: it is a pretty decent show (and it changes from all the procedurals who stick to their unmovable, predictable, recipe).
Only two episodes aired to this day, but the potential for character development is there. The show manages to have some social and political themes, plus there is a bit of mystery, music, and humour.
The various actresses and actors (all people I didn't know) do a good job. I especially like Amber Heard, as Maureen (the main female character), Leah Renee Cudmore, and guest star Sean Maher.
Conclusion: it is a pretty decent show (and it changes from all the procedurals who stick to their unmovable, predictable, recipe).
My expectations for "The Playboy Club" have been low, due to its overt attempt to clone the far superior "Mad Men". In spite of that, the show has kept me interested enough to watch both of the shows that have aired, and I will continue to watch for a few more episodes to see if it ever hooks me. Part of the brilliance of "Mad Men" is that it dives headlong into cliché and usually surprises the viewer with an unexpected angle on that cliché. In "The Playboy Club", the makers follow firmly in the footsteps of "Mad Men", but forget to include the surprises. It is awash in cliché, saved only by the high quality of the art direction and acting. Even the musical performances fall short. The songs may be top-notch and sung well, but the direction cripples them with a "Glee"-like artificiality and a lack of imagination. In episode two, for example, the arrangement of "In the Mood" -- a song from the thirties -- is a virtual duplicate of Bette Midler's version from 1973. How is that choice appropriate for a show set in the sixties, particularly when the production designers are so careful about visual authenticity? Why not duplicate an arrangement from the sixties, or maybe even create something new?
- MeshTheMovieFreak
- Sep 25, 2011
- Permalink
- GoddessCeCe
- Sep 22, 2011
- Permalink
I have only watched the pilot to date- I am going to watch the second episode tonight. I give this show a 10 out of 10 for it's production value. However, the story is admittedly less than masterful, led by a mix of characters that so far feel relatively underdeveloped. However, it's only the pilot episode! It took me at least 4-6 episodes to fully become a loyal fan of "Mad Men." Furthermore, this show is first and foremost supposed to be a fluffy good time. I applaud this show for having as much sex appeal as it does on broadcast TV. Because, s show is this sexy does not mean people should be extra critical of it. The pilot offers some fine moments. I was intrigued at the dorm-like community of the playboy mansion. One can only hope this show introduces new tidbits down the road. One priceless scene involves Amber Heard joining a group of the bunnies dancing in the club. The joy on their faces and their moves filled me with some joy.
Bottom line: if you dig sex appeal, if you appreciate cinematic production values, if you like the vicarious venture into a dramatized Playboy Club (the closest to the real thing most people will get), and like the vicarious company of the bunnies and/or the playboys themselves- this show is for you!
Bottom line: if you dig sex appeal, if you appreciate cinematic production values, if you like the vicarious venture into a dramatized Playboy Club (the closest to the real thing most people will get), and like the vicarious company of the bunnies and/or the playboys themselves- this show is for you!
- clarinetsaxist
- Sep 28, 2011
- Permalink
I thought from the previews that this show had some potential. What a turkey! The writing was so bad that it seemed like a first draft of a high school project. The acting was even worse. A total waste of time. Every character was plastic and most slept thru their lines and parts, except Eddie C who could have phoned his in. Having had some experience in the real world of the Playboy clubs , this wasn't even authentic. No bunny flirted with customers, you were simply a pretty waitress and the bunny mother made sure there was no fooling around and rules were strictly adhered to. This show is a joke! Early cancellation would be a mercy killing.
- georgigems
- Sep 20, 2011
- Permalink
- magdalena-jovanova
- Sep 20, 2011
- Permalink
A refreshing show who's plot is not in a courtroom, law enforcement's building, hospital, or on a reality stage (like we don't have enough of those already). Great story lines, a cast that is not over-rated, and refreshing new faces.
Emphasizing the historical aspect of the show - being the first playboy club in the nation in Chicago - the story lines tackle homosexual ideologies, racial inequalities, criminal underlying in businesses and government, and the social divide that existed in the 60's, and in many cases still exist today!
I have seen many of the new pilots this year, and non compare to the Playboy Club.
Emphasizing the historical aspect of the show - being the first playboy club in the nation in Chicago - the story lines tackle homosexual ideologies, racial inequalities, criminal underlying in businesses and government, and the social divide that existed in the 60's, and in many cases still exist today!
I have seen many of the new pilots this year, and non compare to the Playboy Club.
- ianfitzgerald
- Sep 27, 2011
- Permalink
This show definitely started off to a rocky start, but the more we see of all of the supporting cast, and all the other girl's stories, the better it gets. All of the women thus far are charming, and the new inclusion of Cassidy Freeman is fantastic (she was one of he best actors on Smallville). I'm also very intrigued to find out where the "in the closet support group" is going. I'm finding that pretty fascinating, and it's being handled very well. Both The Playboy Club, and Pan-Am seem to be geared more towards women, and there empowerment, but i'd argue that the playboy club is a little more "fun" to enjoy. I truly hope the show stays adrift, and encourage you to watch!
- jmb286-177-784931
- Oct 3, 2011
- Permalink
I actually liked the show and wished they did not cancel it! I wish another network would pick it up. It does not matter to me if it really happened or not it had a good story line. It is ashame that people do not see that despite the exploitation that is what it was like back then to some degree! whatever I will miss it! People liked Mad Men but they do not like the playboy bunny club. The characters were just getting interesting. I could not wait to find out more about the relationship of the lead bunny. I could not wait to see the relationships unfold and characters develop more. I really hope another network picks up the show and it will continue!!
- tonyamhughes
- Oct 22, 2011
- Permalink
I'm really upset that this show was cancelled. What do we have to do to get it back on the air? - I don't care where, just get it back on the air. What did I love about The Playboy Club? - The plot was great, - there was great music, - I loved the intrigue - I loved the nostalgia - I thought the depiction of Chicago in the early '60's was really good - I believed that the show had a great storyline - I believed that the show had enormous potential - I believed the show had great acting
Is there another network or cable provider that could pick this show up and continue to run with it? I think NBC made a huge mistake by dropping this show.
Is there another network or cable provider that could pick this show up and continue to run with it? I think NBC made a huge mistake by dropping this show.
- lilar-184-229431
- Oct 11, 2011
- Permalink
When I saw the trailer a couple of weeks before the premiere, I didn't really know what to expect, the first thing that came to my mind was "Oh, girls in bunny costumes, and they're all HOT.. I got to watch this!"
After I saw the first three episodes, I was like WOW, the story is AWESOME, nice drama with great music. I love it.
I think that this is a great TV show that portrays the 60's in a very nice way, true or not, it's very nice. If you compare the two TV shows this season that Talk about the 60's - Pan Am and The Playboy Club - they are both perfect, different point of views, but very interesting to watch.
And hey, what's better then beautiful girls in bunny costumes!!
After I saw the first three episodes, I was like WOW, the story is AWESOME, nice drama with great music. I love it.
I think that this is a great TV show that portrays the 60's in a very nice way, true or not, it's very nice. If you compare the two TV shows this season that Talk about the 60's - Pan Am and The Playboy Club - they are both perfect, different point of views, but very interesting to watch.
And hey, what's better then beautiful girls in bunny costumes!!
I'm about to be cynical and dismissive, but since the producers of this show have been lurking in those same waters then I feel no compunctions about returning the favor.
The main character is a total Don Draper analog, and many of the social issues woven into the fabric of the ongoing serial plot are identical to the social issues exploited on "Mad Men": women's lib, race integration, closeting of homosexuals, commoditization of sex, and on and on. And that was just on the first episode!
Yes, this is all, daring, cutting edge stuff for a network drama...or at least it would have been if this show came out before "Mad Men." Let's leave out the cynically gross amount of product placement inherent by Playboy Enterprises, up to and including the very title of the show itself. (Gee, I hope "Pan Am", another show picking through the "Mad Men" gold mine this season, is a little better.)
I have to place most of the blame on the producers and the network for greelighting this. The actors are just trying to do a job, same with the writers. This thing is just flawed from the ground up. I appreciate the try, but it just comes across as a pale shadow of a successful TV drama. Hey, I know that's how the entertainment industry works: success breeds copycatism. That doesn't mean I have to like it.
The main character is a total Don Draper analog, and many of the social issues woven into the fabric of the ongoing serial plot are identical to the social issues exploited on "Mad Men": women's lib, race integration, closeting of homosexuals, commoditization of sex, and on and on. And that was just on the first episode!
Yes, this is all, daring, cutting edge stuff for a network drama...or at least it would have been if this show came out before "Mad Men." Let's leave out the cynically gross amount of product placement inherent by Playboy Enterprises, up to and including the very title of the show itself. (Gee, I hope "Pan Am", another show picking through the "Mad Men" gold mine this season, is a little better.)
I have to place most of the blame on the producers and the network for greelighting this. The actors are just trying to do a job, same with the writers. This thing is just flawed from the ground up. I appreciate the try, but it just comes across as a pale shadow of a successful TV drama. Hey, I know that's how the entertainment industry works: success breeds copycatism. That doesn't mean I have to like it.
- Scott_Mercer
- Sep 24, 2011
- Permalink
Don't waste your time with this one. Hopefully they cancel it soon. Moves to slow, no action. Maybe chicks will love it but not for guys.
I was expecting a lot more action, but it didn't happen. Their are much better shows on at this time than this one.
It is not one I will say why did they cancel and can they bring it back.
Acting is OK, but the script sucks big time. Needs more action than it has, lame show if you ask me.
hopefully they replace it with something better than this and soon.
I don't know what more I can say about this crappy show. I hope it goes off the air soon and something else replaces it.
I was expecting a lot more action, but it didn't happen. Their are much better shows on at this time than this one.
It is not one I will say why did they cancel and can they bring it back.
Acting is OK, but the script sucks big time. Needs more action than it has, lame show if you ask me.
hopefully they replace it with something better than this and soon.
I don't know what more I can say about this crappy show. I hope it goes off the air soon and something else replaces it.
- wimpy-818-580363
- Sep 20, 2011
- Permalink