Playing politics
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 hard not to draw parallels with the single-minded leading man of this comedy drama, Payton Hobart, played by Ben Platt.
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 advisors – help him on his way.
His 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 ultimately reach Washington.
Watch out for Gwyneth Paltrow, now married to Falchuk, as Payton’s movie star-esque mother, while the legendary 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 turns quite dark at times.
But with all eight episodes available, the twists and turns should be enough to make you want to watch it through to the end to see if Payton gets what he wants.