THE POLITICIAN
plays chief of staff Hadassah Gold
Netflix
WE’RE back in the world of backstabbing politics... no, not the House of Commons, but a glossier, more attractive world where there’s an ear behind every closed door.
The drama stars Ben Platt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Bette Midler and Judith Light, who bring a brilliantly funny and satirical glimpse into what it takes to be a politician.
Payton Hobart (Platt) is out of high school now and playing in the big leagues. He is fighting to unseat Dede Standish (Light) in the race for New York State Senate.
But Dede has two advantages – first, she’s been doing the job for years, and second, she has Hadassah Gold (Midler) as her chief of staff, which is like having a pit bull as your guard dog.
Payton is determined to be the ideas candidate, pushing his campaign ahead on the issue of climate change.
But let’s be honest, he might have better luck if he plays dirty like the rest of them. He wants to succeed, but what if that means exposing secrets, lies and Dede’s throuple?
Meanwhile, Payton’s glamorous mother Georgina (Paltrow) makes a momentous decision that threatens to completely upstage him.
He tells her: “You’re a distraction. I’m this big bright star standing right next to the sun. In broad daylight.”
Watch out for a brilliant scene when Hadassah has a total meltdown, as only Bette Midler can.
And Paltrow is bewitching as the stunning Californian mum who holds everyone in the palm of her hand.
A wonderful dig at the megalomaniacpacked world of politics, you’ll root for no one but laugh a lot.
OTHER VOICES:
COURAGE
RTE Two, 11.45pm Prepare to have your socks blown right off with this programme featuring two masters at work.
Sean nos singer Iarla O Lionaird of The Gloaming and virtuoso guitarist Steve Cooney joined up last month to play in The National Gallery of Ireland for the Other Voices: Courage show.
Viewers tonight can see the
Iarla O Lionaird duo, who have forged a unique musical partnership over many years, perform stunning contemporary versions of traditional Irish pieces.
Their interpretations of songs from the sean nos tradition have set a new standard of artistic integrity and creative innovation within the traditional structures of the Gaelic tradition.
The pair’s friendship has grown out of their love of these melodic and poetic art forms.