To add to the unusual nature of the number of networks this show went though, over in the UK our first chance to see it was this year, when it appeared on Netflix. I thought it was decent stuff, with some really good performances but if I'm honest, I'm OK that the show didn't come back for a second season.
Despite both being employed, the Stubbs family of Orlando are struggling financially. This is primarily because Travis (Alexander Skarsgard) is investing his time and money in FAM, a direct sales organisation, essentially a pyramid scheme, led by Obie Garbeau II (Ted Levine). When Travis dies his wife Krystal (Kirsten Dunst) inherits the business and the debt. She tries to leave but is convinced to stay by Travis' line manager Cody and, using her wits and questionable morals, tries to turn the situation to her advantage.
Performances all round are good, none more so than the two principle leads, Kirsten Dunst - who has been doing more good TV work in the last few years and Theodore Pellerin, who I don't remember having seen much of before, though I did watch "The OA". He in particular gives a very vulnerable and open performance, with what might have just been a standard "geek" character in the hands of a different actor.
The story is enjoyable, if perhaps a little unfocused. Aside from our central arc, there's another story involving the Stubbs neighbours, Ernie and Bets Gomes, played by Mel Rodriguez and Beth Ditto, with the first acting role I've seen her in. You also have a rival FAM manager played by David Paymer, a disgruntled for FAM employee trying to warn Krystal of the path she's on and a down on her luck journalist, played by Melissa De Sousa. Some of these stories are only partially resolved, or abandoned completely, though the plan may have been to revisit them in subsequent seasons.
I think some of the other reviewers are a little harsh with declaring how bad the second half of the season is, it's never less than OK, but the first few episodes are really the high point of the show and, to be honest, I'm OK that the second season is not going to be forthcoming.
Despite both being employed, the Stubbs family of Orlando are struggling financially. This is primarily because Travis (Alexander Skarsgard) is investing his time and money in FAM, a direct sales organisation, essentially a pyramid scheme, led by Obie Garbeau II (Ted Levine). When Travis dies his wife Krystal (Kirsten Dunst) inherits the business and the debt. She tries to leave but is convinced to stay by Travis' line manager Cody and, using her wits and questionable morals, tries to turn the situation to her advantage.
Performances all round are good, none more so than the two principle leads, Kirsten Dunst - who has been doing more good TV work in the last few years and Theodore Pellerin, who I don't remember having seen much of before, though I did watch "The OA". He in particular gives a very vulnerable and open performance, with what might have just been a standard "geek" character in the hands of a different actor.
The story is enjoyable, if perhaps a little unfocused. Aside from our central arc, there's another story involving the Stubbs neighbours, Ernie and Bets Gomes, played by Mel Rodriguez and Beth Ditto, with the first acting role I've seen her in. You also have a rival FAM manager played by David Paymer, a disgruntled for FAM employee trying to warn Krystal of the path she's on and a down on her luck journalist, played by Melissa De Sousa. Some of these stories are only partially resolved, or abandoned completely, though the plan may have been to revisit them in subsequent seasons.
I think some of the other reviewers are a little harsh with declaring how bad the second half of the season is, it's never less than OK, but the first few episodes are really the high point of the show and, to be honest, I'm OK that the second season is not going to be forthcoming.