SofaChip’s Advance Review of NBC’s “The Philanthropist” with James Purefoy and Neve Campbell
“You have to understand, I am so not the heroic type. Reckless – yes. Superman – hardly.” – Teddy Rist
He may just have to change his opinion of himself.
He stands like this naturally - so posh. Psh!
The Philanthropist is a new show landing on NBC on Wednesday, June 24th at 10 p.m. et/pt. Before it makes the grand landing, NBC let me watch the pilot episode so that I could let you guys know whether this show is a ‘hit’ or a ‘miss’. And since I don’t like to keep you guys on your toes, I’ll let you know right now: it’s gonna be a hit!
The cast includes James Purefoy (yummy!), Neve Campbell (yaaay!), Michael Kenneth Williams, Lindy Booth (so adorable!), Krista Allen, and Jesse L. Martin.
The jist: Purefoy plays Teddy Rist, a businessman who could swim in a safe full of his money a la Scrooge McDuck. But a trip to Nigeria changes his outlook on life when he saves a young boy from drowning. And when I say it changes his life? I mean it. It changes everything.
Aren't the colors of this show so vivid? I feel inspired!
In the first few minutes of being on the screen our hero faceplants right into the ground. Nice! Despite the gorgeous scenery he’s surrounded by (and is in this entire episode) you have to realize that he’s in legitimate pain. But does it derail him? Well, that wouldn’t make for a very interesting story. Besides, renegades are shooting at him!
The episode is told to us from Rist, and is shown in flashbacks. We learn about him – like that he has an ex-wife, and he had a son who has passed away. We also learn that he has past romantic history with Olivia Maidstone (Campbell), who is married to Phillip (Martin). Both of whom work for Teddy. What’s that I small, a possible love triangle? I’d enjoy that.
I sense romantic problems! I also sense that someone is wearing too much Kenneth Cole Reaction cologne! Ugh.
What may be an even more ambitious undertaking than Rist’s journey, is getting viewers to genuinely believe that Rist does care enough that a real person with his resources would actually try to do this.
Now, I personally believe that when Rist saved the little boy, he was woken up from the immense grief of losing his child, and he sees a way to carry on with his life in a way that he can be happy with.
This show is uplifting, positive, and carries a message of hope. It’s exactly what we need more of on TV. So on June 24th please say no to the reality TV that exploits people’s lives, and say yes to The Philanthropist.
- I’m pretty sure this isn’t a stunt man!
Follow SofaChip on Twitter! You’ll get a follow in return, but most importantly – fun TV babble!
Popularity: 3% [?]
About the Author: Your above-average sweet, smart, and snarky Girl Friday. Impeccable taste. Analytical. Liberal. Friend to animals. Always found in cute shoes. Check the Sofachip 'About' page for more (classified!) info.
Celebchaos | Jun 12, 2009 | Reply
Nice preview of this show. Good to see someone saying something positive about what sounds like a really good show. I can’t wait to see Krista Allen (@DearKristaAllen on Twitter) on this show.
claireleo | Jun 13, 2009 | Reply
Look how far you’ve come! Getting advanced screenings of episodes and everything! (Although I do miss your updates on LJ.)
*gives you milanos* xoxo.
Jessica Rae | Jun 13, 2009 | Reply
Thank you, both!
hyashinsu | Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
I adore Neve Campbell – great review!
Jessica Rae | Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
Thank you, Hyashinsu! Neve is amazing.
Sable 2009 | Jul 2, 2009 | Reply
We need to know more about the characters backgrounds like how long have they known each other, do they go to bars and clubs after work for a few drinks, etc. If Neve Campbell’s character is going to be starry eyed and infatuated with Purefoy’s character then Jesse Martin’s character should be given a hot secretary (a Kim Kardashian type) to have an ongoing fling with on the side. Viewers want to see romance and hot looking couples hooking up not just a guy running through the jungle.
Sable 2009 | Jul 16, 2009 | Reply
After watching the 7/15/09 episode of The Philanthropist Nigeria Part II I was disappointed that the show was so grim and sad. Why can’t philanthropists have any humor and joy? The characters all seem so down and depressed. During commercial breaks I switched over to a Seinfeld episode just so I could laugh. I think the characters on The Philanthropist are way too serious and robotic. Jesse Martin’s character would have been more interesting if he were single and dating rather than stuck in a boring marriage.
Jessica Rae | Jul 16, 2009 | Reply
I agree that shows need to have a balance by bringing it a little comedy to a mostly dramatic show. But I think The Philanthropist is trying to do something different. I respect the show, but I’d appreciate some levity. I hear ya, ‘Sable! If you’re looking for some more comedic shows, I’d recommend ‘The IT Crowd’ which is a British show, and seasons 1 and 2 (both short) are on Netflix Instant Watch.