“The Politician“ is an easy target when it comes to dragging a TV show. Aesthetically, the show is almost seizure-inducing. Dripping with the fingerprints of Ryan Murphy, it practically drowns in its own gaudy kitsch. It’s not surprising, though, since Murphy was essentially given free rein and handed a blank check by Netflix. But rather than fun and impressive, the razzle-dazzle is, here, distracting and overwhelming. That, along with the melodrama turned to eleven, perpetual cliffhangers and plot twists, and the ham-fisted insertion of virtue signaling politics, it all is just exhausting.
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But the show is not without redemption, and that comes straight from Ben Platt. Platt’s portrayal of Payton Hobart, simultaneously charming, all manic and grinning, and terrifying, in his callous ambition and ruthless dedication to achieving his goals regardless of the means. But Platt, with his big, sad eyes, portrays deep vulnerability, allowing for some modicum of audience connection.
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There’s that, and there is also the fact that every character is queer in some way, and yet it not a defining characteristic of any character. Cheers to getting inclusivity right!
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Nevertheless, here’s what’s in store for Season 2 of “The Politician”
Payton Hobart (Ben Platt) fights to unseat Dede Standish (Judith Light) in the New York State Senate race. As a long-time incumbent and greatly admired Senate Majority Leader with no-nonsense Chief of Staff, Hadassah Gold (Bette Midler) at her side, Dede’s re-election was supposed to be easy, but Payton – who sees this as the next step on his path to the Presidency – must decide what kind of politician he ultimately wants to be in order to succeed, even if that means exposing secrets, lies, and a throuple. Meanwhile, his mother, Georgina Hobart (Gwyneth Paltrow), makes a momentous decision that threatens to upstage him and everything he’s hoping to accomplish. But if Payton wants to rise above petty politics and succeed without compromising his character, he must find his voice and strengthen his political message to inspire and excite the voters. Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, “The Politician” offers a comedic and satirical glimpse into just what it takes to be a politician.
“The Politician” returns on June 19th, 2020.