Kingpin

this show has been type-casted as the Sopranos on daytime TV. But i think this show is as good or if not better than the Sopranos. Kingpin is much more stylish with the camera and music then the Sopranos is and Kingpin hardly eases up there is constant action going on on screen. This show was made to be aired on Cable for the drug and violent content and i do believe this show could of beat out the Sopranos if it was made into a regular T.V. series and if it wasn't so restricted on content, overall if you like the Sopranos then you are more than likely love kingpin and even if you don't like the Sopranos you should give it a try for the massive amount of raw energy put in this TV Show.

After years of only finding good dramas on HBO and Showtime, I'm finally watching network TV and enjoying it thanks to this show. The show is both well written and acted. Sheryl Lee is a pleasant surprise - I think I've only seen her before as Laura Palmer on Twin Peaks and had no idea she was so talented. Brian Benben's morally conflicted plastic surgeon is equally intriguing. This is one miniseries that definitely needs to return for a full season!

I can't believe that "Kingpin" is getting thumped in the ratings by the usual sludge that nets like Fox dumb us down with every night. I think "Kingpin" is simply too hip and too ethnic for the masses. Well, it's their loss. I think the show is riveting, intriguing and I'm really looking forward to the next episode, but I am disappointed that "Kingpin" is just a six episode miniseries as opposed to twelve or more. BTW, Marlene is somewhat of a babe, but I wish she'd quit giving Miguel advice because he is obviously the most cerebral and wise of all those competing for domination of the cartel. Since NBC owns Bravo now, maybe they'll continue new eps. of "Kingpin" on Bravo next season if the ratings merit it. That would definitely bring some life to a network that most certainly needs it.

Mark

As a fan of "The Sopranos," I was perhaps a little reluctant to watch "Kingpin," since I felt that nothing could really surpass "The Sopranos" in my affections. Nonetheless, a friend had bought me the miniseries DVD for my birthday, so with no other excuse at hand, I watched it.

And I loved it. There are only six episodes, each an hour long, but it took me only 'til about the second before I was hooked. The acting is excellent, and I'm left wondering why I haven't heard of or seen these actors before. Each character was sympathetic and interesting; even the ones you're probably "supposed" to hate, and it was difficult deciding who exactly to root for. I especially liked the relationship between Miguel and his brother, Chato -- one of trust and closeness instead of the deceit and backstabbing that's all too common in shows along the same lines.

Agent Flores and Miguel's wife, Marlene, were also both very appealing, as strong, independent female characters who have their own complexities and motivations, rather than being overshadowed by the male characters. And I can't forget the particularly comic relationship between the doctor played by Benben, and his "thug" friend, Junie. The show provided a number of unexpected and unique twists on an old theme.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the show never took off. Maybe it was too expensive to produce, maybe it didn't get enough support from NBC, or maybe (and I hope this isn't the case), it slipped because it was not a predominantly white cast; most of the characters were Hispanic/Latino. That seems a particular shame, if it is the reason "Kingpin" never succeeded, since its cast was truly talented and I would have liked to see some of those actors get a definite career boost.

Still, at least it's available to rent, and I highly recommend giving it a shot. Even if you're a hardcore "Sopranos" lover, like I am, don't let the comparison deter you! They're similar in that they're about criminal families, but they each have a very different feel and flavor, and you'll only be robbing yourself of something new to enjoy.

I just wish there were /more/ of it to enjoy!

I agree with one of the other reviewers here - I actually REALLY enjoyed the whole show a lot and thought that Yancey Arias was terrific in his role - I think we will see a lot more from this young man!

But the last episode left me very unsatisfied. If this was SUPPOSED to be a 6 part mini series then the ending was one of the worst I have ever seen - if it's supposed to become a series - well then OK.

I also read yesterday that NBC "cancelled" Kingpin which obviously suggests that it was supposed to go on. I can't imagine why they would have canccelled it since I didn't meet a single person that I know who didn't think that this was an awesome show.