I have so much respect for scripture writers as well as those who are in charge of selecting the cast. This is the first time I have watched a series twice and I can tell you i have no regrets.
The aging and stubborn protagonist shrewd in business and devoid of any sought if emotion. Bent on letting the whole world know that it depends on him…but sensitive enough not to spare any resources in rescuing one of his subordinates. In his orbit are a few African Americans…yes the story does not stop short of letting you know that you are in the southern states. There is the lawyer who is at the top of the so called food chain. He is relatively set in life but dying to stretch his wings and fly. Then there is the professional driver. He does his job well and knows his boss. He is respectful and knows the ins and outs of the business. His job is simple get him to and fro and fill in the blanks where necessary. Then there is his secretary’s husband faithful, loyal and hardworking but also stuck in that dreary nine to five. As fate will have it he will meet the law in the south in quite a confrontational way and the same forces he does not trust will clash. Then there is peepgrass…what a name (Tom Pelphrey) ! He comes complete with large spectacles, Wig-like hairdo and a frustrated face that just wants a break. While the boss seems to like him and has even adopted an affectionate name for him, he is discontent and keen to rise from his position of eternal servitude.
Then there is the wife…used to be bride (played by Diane Lane who looks so much like Jennifer Lopez) who has parted ways with the protagonist but who may end up being his salvation. Lucy Lui plays the role of faithful friend (Joyce) whose life seems to have taken her to the heights of the fashion and modeling world face plastered across a few posters in the city urging the masses to buy buy buy. Her role is simple to keep encouraging the former wife to keep her head high and to realize that her former beau is nothing without her. All this while she negotiates the rough journey of aging and keeping up with the young ones slim and trim and ready to please. She is introduced to us in a gym taking instructions from a typical instructor attitude rich barking commands to a host of young ladies Mrs. former somebody in tow.
Peepgrass the disgruntled employee will prove invaluable in this tale as he interacts with the enemy feeding them morsels of truth about their foe. Then there is the accountant who comes with an agenda. Pants held high by struggling suspenders yet needing nothing to support his ambition and determination to bring the protagonist down.
The rich cast of lawyers, board members and side kicks (one of whom in an act of desperation forgets his place in the totem pole) make for a rich tapestry of characters that will keep you longing for more. The dialogue between peepgrass and his Finnish lady is rich in rolling on the ground humor and the choice of actress is beyond amazing.
