Like many of his other shows, it is the manner of distribution that attracted me to this show. CK has a low-cost, direct model for his stuff and I am happy to pay to support that idea, and his work. With Horace & Pete there was another reason to do so – because it was supporting the idea that the television model does not need to be restricted to the network one. It does seem that for many viewers, that this is 'different' is enough to make it brilliant – I admit part of my attraction to it was this quality, but it being a cut away from the normal television show doesn't inherently mean it is a great one.
Essentially it is a stage play, albeit one delivered for television cameras and with no live audience. The plot follows the titular characters through personal narratives small and large. Dialogue driven, the show does have plenty to like; it gives its characters and cast room to be themselves, and material to work with. There are many scenes where the cast working with one another is what makes it engaging, while the natural tone helps it feel convincing. I liked that intimacy that one does get with theatre, and liked that it came through in the screen. Technically it is scrappy at times – particularly in the early episodes.
It is slow though, that much is undeniable. It does also have the feeling that mostly it is trying a bit too hard; okay it has those natural elements, but a lot of the cast do really feel like they are 'acting'. It still engages as a piece, and the novelty factor is there, but the material is not as good as many suggest. The performances are variable; mostly they are good, and a few of the leads in particular are very strong, but it is not without fault. The heavy (and underused) presence of famous faces (particularly the last episode) doesn't really work as it feels a bit self- congratulatory in a way. The weakest performance is from CK himself – he has a limited dramatic range, and surrounding himself with stronger actors only highlights that.
Horace & Pete is an interesting personal project. It has enough to recommend it for, even if it isn't as good as many clearly wanted it to be.
Essentially it is a stage play, albeit one delivered for television cameras and with no live audience. The plot follows the titular characters through personal narratives small and large. Dialogue driven, the show does have plenty to like; it gives its characters and cast room to be themselves, and material to work with. There are many scenes where the cast working with one another is what makes it engaging, while the natural tone helps it feel convincing. I liked that intimacy that one does get with theatre, and liked that it came through in the screen. Technically it is scrappy at times – particularly in the early episodes.
It is slow though, that much is undeniable. It does also have the feeling that mostly it is trying a bit too hard; okay it has those natural elements, but a lot of the cast do really feel like they are 'acting'. It still engages as a piece, and the novelty factor is there, but the material is not as good as many suggest. The performances are variable; mostly they are good, and a few of the leads in particular are very strong, but it is not without fault. The heavy (and underused) presence of famous faces (particularly the last episode) doesn't really work as it feels a bit self- congratulatory in a way. The weakest performance is from CK himself – he has a limited dramatic range, and surrounding himself with stronger actors only highlights that.
Horace & Pete is an interesting personal project. It has enough to recommend it for, even if it isn't as good as many clearly wanted it to be.