Joe vs. Carole

I'm a massive fan of the original Tiger King Series. I was worried this series would be corny but I was surprised how quickly became immersed in this new Tiger King world. Its quirky but nuanced. The acting was really great. Especially the Joe Exotic character. It has a uniquely American aesthetic. The editing is on point. I really enjoyed it.

Overall the series mostly just recapped the reality TV show/was visual pablum ... and didn't really add much to the overall Joe Exotic drama ... but I have to say it! John Cameron Mitchell really stands out in the title role! I couldn't see Kate McKinnon as Carole. I just saw Kate playing Carole. But JCM literally BECAME Joe. We had to keep reminding ourselves that he wasn't Joe ... so kudos to him for the role! He smoked it!

Kept watching and binged the season to see what "dramatic effect" whey would add. Did like the back stories on Joe and Carole but the Netflix documentary is unmatched to this. Yeah, it might have been peak Covid and puzzle season, but the real thing documentary trumps this show big time.

So I wasn't sure how they would add anything new to the circus that was Tiger King. Or better yet, flesh out the characters (based on real people) into a full fledged "working show".

But it kinda works well for a scripted comedy/drama, and better yet, it's pretty entertaining too.

Kate as Carole is really funny (but she's always funny anyway) and brings a good amount of seriousness and truth to the dramatized version of Carole Baskin. I enjoy that she doesn't play her as an overblown skit or cartoon parody.

The real shocker to me was John Cameron Mitchell as Joe. I mean wow... I would have never have predicted his casting... but damn does he shine. I grew up with Hedwig, and his other directorial outings too.

The mannerisms used and especially the vocal work Mitchell does for this part... I mean he actually becomes Joe Exotic.

I laughed, binged, and saw some surprisingly tender scenes. Would definitely recommend the show.

I think a lot of people will agree that Kate McKinnon and John Cameron Mitchell nailed Carole Baskin & Joe Exotic. They got the look and voices down to a T. As far as the show goes. Don't go into it expecting it to be as good as the docu-series. If you do, you're going to be disappointed. The documentary was pure gold, the show, not so much. Dont get me wrong, it's still a decent show. It just doesn't compare to the docu-series. 6 stars.