The Loudest Voice

The story was "good" leading up to the final episode- but a whole second series/season could be done to satisfy the curiosity of what occurred afterwards... the few paragraphs posted at the end, really don't do much to appease an audience that watched this play out in real time; a "great" story would be one that covers the behind the scene frantic-antics that FOX had to put into motion to recover from this.

The acting was phenomenal. Everything was perfectly done- it just left you hanging with an empty void that could have been satisfied with 3 or 4 more episodes that showed how FOX handled the rest of the story.

Some are complaining that this is one-sided and "Anti-Fox." Well, for one, it is more about Ailes than about Fox. It follows his individual journey, which is mostly entangled in his creation of the Fox News division, but which also includes some.....messy personal stuff. Crowe immerses himself in the role as he always has, pulling off a great performance. The supporting cast is excellent, and Seth McFarland is wonderful to see in a dramatic (and slightly comedic, of course) role. Annabelle Wallis, to whom I never warmed at all in "Peaky Blinders," is very good in a strong supporting role. The other female cast members do a great job, even if Sienna Miller's role as Ailes' GF and future wife seems to make a sudden heel-turn, I later feel it was inevitable. They do a great job immersing us in the day-to-day chaos of the news cycle that the network is trying to dominate and conquer. I love the intensity of Ailes' interest in (as in obsession with ) Obama and his administration, and the delve into the rather grim childhood that he wrongly nostaligizes. They lay the groundwork for the Trumpism-to-come quite well, and I can say this even though I am not quite done with the series. One feels for and yet wants to shake those in his orbit or question and doubt him but cannot quite resist his toxic but compelling force. It depicts a moment that became a movement.....a. very unfortunate one.

Russell Crowe gains a quarter of a metric ton, loses a bushel of hair (he now has a toilet seat hairline), and rediscovers his acting chops! Built for comfort not speed. The scythe-sharp one-liners chortled by the rubenesque Crowe make this show a must watch. Well, along with strong support from Sienna Miller, Naomi Watts, and Seth McFartlane. The latter being an unexpected surprise. I'm sure he's quite humored by the parallels between the new and improved Crowe and Peter Griffin. They also nailed the white as plucked poultry complexion of Fox News as well. Back to Crowe though, easily his best since Romper Stomper. Which was also not unlike plucked poultry. Whether you interpret the show as satire, muckraking, the stone truth about Fox, or all of the above, it works. Keep eating, Crowe!

Don't be turned off by a few negative reviews that simply complain about liberal bias. This is a well-rounded show about one of the most influential people of the last two decades. I think it does a great job of showing his genuine love for his family, his country (or his own idea of America), his immense skill, confidence, and determination, while also shows his (very) dark side. I don't think it's biased when we know for a fact he abused women and created a whole new level of spin in the media (not saying there's none of that on the left) while also treating some of his employees badly. It's a great character study and a pretty good insight into the mind of conservative elites. Sorry, there are no car chases or gun fights, but it should entertain anyone with an interest in politics and modern media. I think Crowe is a shoo-in for an Emmy, and several others involved will probably get nominated as well.

I'm not American, I didn't know who Roger Ailes was. I only became aware of his existence a little before he died, just another fat cat with long arms and powerful connections who finally got what he deserved. I came into this for the cast and, to be frank, I was really curious. I like the story, the pace, the writing, I believe there is a fine balance between the informative and the political aspect. But really...the most important thing to say here is that Russell Crowe is CAPTIVATING!!! He is a seasoned actor, but the guy here is doing an astonishing job for which he deserves some kind of recognition. Bravo!!