I love Patrick Swayze as much as the next guy... assuming that the next guy is generally aware of Patrick Swayze, has seen him in a few movies and usually enjoyed his performances and finds his battle with cancer as inspirational as anyone else's battle with cancer. I'll even go so far as to say I'm really enjoying Patrick Swayze's performance in A&E's new series The Beast. But ... man, aside from that this show is getting all kinds of dull! In the beginning we got this promise of Swayze's character getting this new partner, but what he didn't know was this his new partner was recruited to be a double agent put in to spy on him. We're four episodes into a thirteen episode run and that hasn't happened yet. Instead, we get these tag scenes at the end of each episode that cra-a-a-awls that storyline along. Other than that it's another generic FBI procedural. Only one that's terribly acted, and almost as badly written. Except for Swayze. 99% of the time he's on the screen he's rocking it and owning it. The other 1% ... well he's giving an odd smile that makes it look like his face is breaking.
Travis Fimmel, as his new partner Ellis Dove, talks all street and bad-ass but he just comes off as a lame rip-off of Aaron Paul's performance as Jesse Pinkman in AMC's Breaking Bad. And you don't want to be comparing yourself to one of the most brilliantly flawless pieces of television on the air right now if you aren't at least good. But Fimmel isn't good. He growls through most of his lines like he's got something to prove and shows the emotional versatility of a goldfish.
This latest episode surrounded our erstwhile lead duo with Victoria Tennant as a distraught mother, only I was more distraught with her line deliveries than I was with her situation. In fact the whole infected plague thing was rather silly. I know with 728 procedurals on the air right now it's difficult to come up with unique crimes, but this one was a weirdo for sure.
Still, out of it we got to see Swayze's Charles Barker emotionally invested in the little boy, and devastated in self-loathing that he didn't make the connection to another little boy who didn't make it. An emotional payoff we didn't get to share in really because we only saw the kid for a few moments in a video, learn his name when distraught mom was proving that she knew her son's name, and find out he's dead via a phone conversation. Thanks for the thrice disconnect.
I'm not saying I need to like The Beast, though that very human part of us wants to root for Patrick Swayze the man by supporting and liking Patrick Swayze the actor's latest project. It's just not that easy to do. After I've invested four hours of my life into your show I should be hooked on your characters, care about your ongoing storylines and give a rat's ass when newbies brother rips him off. But I don't. I'm yawning a little bit.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-06-2009 @ 7:31PM
Gordy said...
I see you got roped in with the cancer drama...poor thing. That story dropped the day they opened set for this new show. Coincidence, I think not--that's the PR biz.
The Beast looks like it sucks, so, I didn't bother watching it.
Now, if Mr. Swayze wants to reprise his role as Miss Vita Boheme on the big screen [or Logo], then we can talk. That's the only decent acting he ever did...it's a shame it killed his career FWIW.
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2-07-2009 @ 12:43AM
Annie said...
How can anyone say ONE bad word about Patrick Swayze ? Try to do what He HAS done..Then SPEAK.
I think anyone who has not taken care of a loved one with ANY Illness , Most of all cancer , should just Keep their mouth shut..Cancer is the most heartbreaking news a person can hear and to not know what lies ahead is horrific . My Mom had colon cancer and I took care of her for the last 2 yrs of her life. It was worth every second for me , like I got to know her all over again, just in a different place in her life. She had many other health related issues before the cancer. The most rewarding gift a person can give "IS TO SOMEONE ELSE". I Admire and Award Patrick for not giving into this awful cancer and choosing to go on with his life and still write from his heart . MY GOD..To do a series?
What is wrong with you people out there that are so bold to speak such nonsense when you have not even "been there, done that ? I Pray he is able to do another season of The Beast. I Love the show..and for all you who have no one to love and care for , healthy or ill....Well!!!!! What a loss for you...You probably would not step up to the plate IF you did . Stay on the couch with your beer and chips and no brains..You would be of no use to them anyway.
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2-07-2009 @ 3:59AM
rhaiTz said...
So because he had a cancer the serie is good ? :)
He's not the only one who had/has a cancer and he has money to help him, not everyone has this advantage
To do a serie ? yeah because it's so hard to get well paid and do what you love :>
And (i didnt follow the cancer story) if the cancer story did drop around the time the series was announced it's clearly a PR thing, not saying it's not real, just that the PR took advantage of it
Out of character stories shouldnt change anything about the quality of the serie, either it's bad or it's good, he could be on his death bed or jetting around that it shouldnt change the quality wich is in the case of the beast a pretty bad quality series according to most review
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2-07-2009 @ 12:55PM
tony said...
I think we need to give the show more time. they have to establish the relationship to make the payoff seem stronger and any other storylines more believable. I'm enjoying Swayze's character and strong acting skills and well, just waiting to see where this all goes.
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2-13-2009 @ 11:44AM
Jerry said...
The Beast Rocks.
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3-12-2009 @ 7:49AM
jackjames said...
Hi all... I am new to baynet too.Of course, I quit reading and posting on the some blogs & forums. I won't go into details becuase I am sure most of you know why...
it will take a little time to get use to this interface, but I think I can manage...
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3-12-2009 @ 7:49AM
jackjames said...
Hi all... I am new to baynet too.Of course, I quit reading and posting on the some blogs & forums. I won't go into details becuase I am sure most of you know why...
it will take a little time to get use to this interface, but I think I can manage...
nice
Reply