| This sly, amusing and devilishly clever series from Showtime owes its title to the late, great Brandon Tartikoff, who developed it during the last years of his life. Tartikoff said the TV industry is divided into beggars, who create and sell programs, and choosers, who decide which shows get made and broadcast. Only, there aren't that many beggars and choosers here. Mostly, these characters are sharks, backstabbers, vultures and opportunists. All except Rob Malone, the embattled VP of programming of fictional Luddin Global Television (LGT), where he was hired three months earlier to boost the pitiful ratings. It's not clear why a guy like Rob wants this job or what satisfaction he gets from it, but his integrity and coolheadedness stand in marked contrast to the odd assortment of the other main players. These include Lori Volpone (Charlotte Ross), the sexy VP of development who will gladly sabotage Rob for his job, and Malcolm Laffley (Tuc Watkins of One Life To Live and General Hospital) |
| the handsome VP of talent who hides his gay orientation. Then there's Brad Advail (William McNamara of Wildfire), who does his best to bleed LGT of every possible dollar; writer-producer Kendall Gifford, whose newly popular show rages against consumerism, Parker Meridian, the network star repped by Advail, and E.L. Luddin, the doddering and demanding network president. Exec producer-writer Peter Lefcourt loaded the two hour opener with diabolical intrigue, behind the scenes plotting, rumor mongering and unbridled ambition. He gives each character delicious lines and they clearly enjoy every bite. His is a cold and invidious version of the TV industry, but his characters are undeniable recognizable and he constantly uncovers the entire enterprise. Veteran director Michael Ritchie, a student of the medium, gets constantly strong performances and finds camera angles that reach to the heart of each scene. The work is complemented by Arthur Sullivan's music and Rex Raglans'production design.
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