Destined for big things

PICK DAY

THE POLITICIAN

Netflix IT’S back to high school for Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, but this time politics is on the agenda.

If you were a Glee fan you’ll remember the insanely ambitious Rachel Berry who would stop at nothing to tread the boards of Broadway.

It’s not hard to draw parallels as Ben Platt plays the single-minded leading man of this comedy drama, Payton Hobart.

The wealthy student from California has known since the tender age of seven that he wants to be president of the United States. Scrap that, he’s known that he is going to be the president.

And there’s a ruthlessness that is quite terrifying to watch as Payton – and his team of trusted advisers – sets about his quest. First step is to navigate the politics of Saint Sebastian High School, get elected as student body president after a sparkling campaign, then win a place at Harvard and reach Washington.

Watch out for Gwyneth Paltrow, now married to Falchuk, as Payton’s movie star-esque mother, while Jessica Lange plays the slightly unhinged grandmother of a sick student.

And just because this isn’t Glee, that doesn’t mean people don’t occasionally burst into song.

The music may feel somewhat levered in, but Platt’s singing voice is worth it.

Heavily styled with cartoon-like characters, there’s plenty of comedy and satire here – although the plot does turn quite dark at times.

But with all eight episodes ready to watch, some twists and turns will be enough if you just want to see whether Payton gets what he wants.