The Philanthropist

A piece of Television that is worth watching. Cast is fresh & new. Purefoy is completely HOT, but makes his character believable, it wasn't until recently that I've seen some of his work (Vanity Fair); which was OH SO REMARKABLE. Campbell & Martin are great. Campbell with her elegant way (I hope to see her funny side (like in 3 to tango) in moderation) & Martin with his more 'series' role. Booth is new for me as an actress, but I look forward to seeing what she can bring. I didn't think I watch the show, but I'm glad that I did. I would give it a 10, but because of the "time slot" I'm stuck at 9 out of 10. A MUST WATCH.

I hope the show stays on air,it offers insight to some of the issues happening in the world today.James is very good on the eyes and the other cast members just fit perfectly. I truly love the story line it encourages me to read more issues on the internet concerning other countries. I enjoy the race issue the show deals with and I feel its goes beyond dealing with class and status its more about the issue within that particular environment he has gotten into. I have told others about the show because I was worried that the show might get the ax if people did not watch and most people are looking for laughter but some people like me truly enjoy shows that has meaning.

I was surprised that some people think this show is a dog and deserves to be scrapped, that the scripts are unrealistic and this stuff could never happen in the real world. I think they are missing the point. Ask yourself this: How many dramas or any type of show can you name, in television land, that even mention philanthropy? How many promote giving of oneself? How many shows inspire the normally uninspired masses to even think about what goes on outside of our fantasy land of the U.S.A.?

Sure, this show has unrealistic plots, portrays a myopic view of world issues, has obvious product placement, and other faults but that is what pays the bills. Without these things this show would never had been made or even hit the airwaves and if it changes the life of even one person, especially one from the class of nouveau riche, it will have done a service to humanity. Sure it is flawed but there is enough truth to it to bring people back and maybe change their lives. It is all about the message, not the messenger. I do so hope NBC will let this one live.

The Philanthropist is one of the best shows currently NOT on television. This show is a great example of how two different ideologies (for lack of a better word) – capitalism and philanthropy – can coexist and work together effectively. In fact, the show not only demonstrates philanthropy and giving of oneself but it also shares ideas about how to solve tough social and economic problems by encouraging job stability in war torn and poverty stricken areas. Name another TV show that does that.

We need to keep this show on the air and that is why a number of supporters of the show have started a cause on Facebook called "Save the Philanthropist through Charity". You have to search for us through the Causes application on Facebook, not the regular Facebook search box. With the support of fans, we know we can convince NBC to reverse their decision to cancel the show.

If one has to argue whose the best at what they do when it comes to helping the little guys, it'll be either Batman, Iron Man, or anyone in between and that somebody is James Purefoy, which is what we get in NBC's new drama The Philanthropist. Although both Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark have their ways of helping the world aside from their "other jobs", this new guy is much more realistic.

Purefoy stars as Teddy Rist, a billionaire with a flair for money and women, things all men desire (and who wouldn't want to walk in this man's shoes) and admire in men among men who stand head and shoulders above the rest. Taking into account of a recent deal gone on in the auspices of his company, as well as his relationship with friend and business partner, and his wife, he sets out on a journey of redemption following the loss of his beloved son a few years ago. At first he seems rather jumpy and a bit paranoid about the trip, but a chance encounter with a little African boy amidst a raging hurricane gives him a new outlook on life and thus he sets out on an adventure of redemption and genuine good within his heart.

This show works for two reasons: One is the charm and charisma of the lead character. Two, the hero of the story is more grounded in reality on par with Batman; albeit a little different (obviously) considering the fact that despite comparisons to certain superheroes/pop-culture icons, one cannot help but fathom the interesting notion of Bruce Wayne being in a similar, but different approach to righting the wrongs in society and it is because of this that The Philanthropist is a unique show. No fancy costumes or martial arts, high-tech gadgets, just a ordinary guy with a lot of cash helping those in need. A neat twist in a sea of reality TV, corporate dreck so prevalent in todays market.

As it stands, the pilot sets up the characters and their personalities really well, giving the show a sense of believability and groundedness while also tossing in a few subplots along the way with a nice, steady flow of ease with moments of humor that doesn't come at the expense of genuine character development although to be fair some of it does seem rather forced and out of place. Nevertheless, things are kept at a steady pace and you are more involved with the character and those whom he comes into contact with. The only sore spot, for me at least, is Neve Campbell. I don't dislike her character entirely, but her performance needs to be ironed out more and a little more natural. With that perk aside, the rest of the acting is overall good.

But there's another thing that I really liked about the show and that's the cinematography from the glass and steel of NYC to the back streets of African towns and lush jungles; creating a stark contrast to the corporate offices of Rist's company headquarters. All give the show a sense of culture and adventure with the suspense coming mostly of Rist's perilous trek through Africa while avoiding a life/death encounter with some local MP's and poisonous snakes on his way to deliver medicine to a village where he meets up with an old friend of sorts.

This is the most original show to come out on NBC despite canceling so many high quality series that never got the recognition they deserved. If anything, The Philanthropist shows being human and caring for others is much more important than material wealth, which in context, is something that network TV should learn if it wants to reclaim audiences that have disappeared, if not entirely, from the airwaves.