So the hype has been pretty high for the new all-at-once series “Hand of God,” starring Hellboy Morrow aka Ron Perlman. Since Perlman is one of those actors I’d pretty much watch reading a laundry list, we tuned in to the pilot last night. (ETA: It’s on Amazon, free with Prime.)
Um. Okay.
First overall thought is that the production values could use a little improvement. Writing’s a little shaky, editing was noticeably bad in spots. Pacing was erratic. Just maybe a little too much control in showrunner/star Perlman’s hands… one more artfully-lit shot of him being moody and I think we might have turned it off. One or two casting clunkers - Andre Royo is kind of a thin, annoying type and has been handed too big and influential a role, sort of like Gilbert Gottfried playing the President. Dana Delaney just comes off as a mid-to-late stage Gemma at the “I’m getting bitchy” point.
Story, etc.? Pretty seriously WTF.
Anyone know if this is meant to be a one-shot series, or continue?
A powerful judge whose family has owned the Southern California city (“San Vincente”) since it was sagebrush starts hallucinating/getting instructions from God after a double family tragedy.
Very mild spoiler:
His daughter-in-law was raped while his son was forced to watch; the crime is unsolved after seven months. The son has just shot himself in the head and is probably brain-dead, party as a result of grief and shock from the rape. God is directing Perlman’s character on how to get justice.
Agree about Royo. He was excellent as “Bubbles” in The Wire, but he’s not up to this. We struggled through the first episode, and that’s enough for us. I used to have the hots for Dana Delaney, but she’s not bringing it. Unengaging, goofy premise, and when I look at Perlman, I can’t help but think that not only are scientists right about Homo Sapiens mingling with Neanderthals and others, the genes still survive in the persons of Perlman, Charlie Watts, and Neville Brand, among others.
Oh, I suppose every actor I admire has a stinker somewhere. I just like Perlman… and one of my favorite hoots is to watch him in what’s almost the only movie from his early career where he wore his own face, The Ice Pirates.
We’re going to give it a few more episodes, but I really can’t figure out who thought Royo was right for that role. Such a mismatch.
Hand of God was one of two pilots for competing shows that Amazon had produced. Viewers at the time watched both and selected which went one to get produced as a series.
We’ve watched 4 or 5 now. Hubby says it reminds him of Frailty with Matthew McCaunaghey (I am sure I mis-spelled his name).
It’s dark. With just enough WTF to leave you wondering if he is getting messages or??
Did I mention it’s dark? Very disturbing at times. If God’s in the mix, he’s Old Testament.
