Cumberbatch, Morgan rule in new roles
Two beloved actors, Tracy Morgan and Benedict Cumberbatch, are likely to win more admirers this week.
Cumberbatch suffers powerfully as a devastated father in “The Child in Time,” debuting Sunday on PBS’ “Masterpiece.” Morgan hits a career peak in “The Last O.G.,” a boisterous sitcom premiering Tuesday on TBS.
Morgan plays an ex-convict with a zany coarseness familiar to fans of “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock.” Yet he also shows a touching side as Tray, who’s struggling to be a better man after serving 15 years for selling drugs.
“The Last O.G.” takes on a bittersweet poignancy when Tray learns that he has children: Twins by former girlfriend, Shay (Tiffany Haddish), who kept that news from him. Tray’s unorthodox approach to parenting produces more offbeat comedy.
The blue-chip talent is a tipoff this show is special. Jordan Peele (“Get Out”) and John Carcieri created this modern “Rip Van Winkle” filled with bleeped dialogue and raunchy observations.
“Girls Trip” star Haddish brings a fierceness to Shay, who has moved on and doesn’t want to look back. Ryan Gaul is a delightful goof as Shay’s successful husband. Cedric the Entertainer plays the wacky head of the halfway house where Tray stays. The guest stars include Chrissy Metz (a long way from “This Is Us”) and Malik Yoba.
Above all, “The Last O.G.” is a showcase for Morgan, and he enjoys a star’s triumph.
“The Child in Time,” based on the Ian McEwan novel, follows children’s author Stephen Lewis (Cumberbatch) whose 4-year-old daughter, Kate, vanishes when they’re shopping for groceries.
The wrenching film charts what unfolds in the next three years. Stephen serves on a government commission and keeps tabs on his retired publisher, who’s in turmoil. Stephen and his wife, Julie (Kelly Macdonald), live apart but still love each other. Kate’s loss haunts Stephen most memorably in a scene where believes he has seen the child.
Macdonald gives a lovely performance and the finale supplies an unforgettable twist. Cumberbatch, known to “Masterpiece” fans for his chilly brilliance as Sherlock, plays desperation and confusion with shattering force. When he cries, you’ll cry, too.