Battleground

This show is from 2011 but it captures the current political state of the country just fine. Covering a fictional senate race in Wisconsin, you have gender, sexual identity, netdism and old fashioned political ambition at play.

The pacing is brisk, the ensemble just about perfect - especially the leads - and the writing is excellent. The show, done in mockumentary style, captures the tone and humor/pathos of a political campaign. The one flaw is the amount of time in the middle episodes devoted to a fringe character, the candidate's son. Imagine if Chris Farley had a no talent child. That bad thread aside, the show works.

I can't seem to find a way to rate this series, so I guess I have to write a review instead. If you ever enjoyed The Office or similar shows, you'll really enjoy this one. I was really surprised by how well done this show really is. The acting has to be top notch to carry a viewer's interest in a program like this because virtually all of the "action" is dialogue between the characters. I immediately fell in love with Ben and Ali's characters. (And yes, I do mean Ali and not Lindsay. Her interactions with Jordan are priceless.) Even Tak was compelling to watch, as his character is complicated, even if only likable at certain times. It honestly doesn't feel like you're watching something cheaper or of less quality than a show that is made for television. If it had aired on NBC instead of Hulu, it would have gotten a LOT more buzz. If you have a few hours, you can watch the entire first season in an afternoon and it's definitely worth it. Do not miss this one!

I really hope it comes back for another season because there are still some questions I'd really like resolved.

I found this series to be engaging and funny - sort of like a less poignant update of The Candidate, only looking at the campaign and not the candidate.

The acting is top notch. Jay Hayden is completely compelling as the hired-gun campaign manager, Teri Reeves is great, Jack De Sena is good as the cynical speech writer, and Ben Werner is wonderfully awkward as rookie campaign worker.

The filmmakers use a faux documentary style that is less like The Office and more like a real documentary.

If you enjoy movies or shows about the political process, then this is the show for you.

I eagerly awaited a second year that never came. I would have loved it had Hulu made it. Still, I highly recommend watching this first season.