User Reviews

What a terrific pilot. I hope the show does well--I heard it goes up against one of the myriad CSI-type shows. Don't people get ENOUGH of that junk? The Philanthropist, by contrast, is a riveting show that will draw you in, touch you, and leave you with a sense of hope. Purefoy is visual poetry. He gives every one of his performances beautiful depth. Fantastic actor.

There's a touch of old-movie panache in the narration style, most likely because there is too much story to present in a straight-forward showing. The pilot deftly accomplishes the back story via Teddy's conversation with a barmaid. The next episode does the same through his partner's impassioned defense of Teddy with Maidstone-Rist's Board of Directors.

One of the best things about the show is how it opens your eyes to conditions around the world. We are SO blessed here in America. The Philanthropist not only drives that home, but it makes you care about people you've never considered before.

When I saw a video of the protagonist saving a child I decided to ignore it because I found the scene far too cheesy. However when I read Lucy Brown from Primeval was supposed to guest star I quickly changed my mind. To feel less guilty I also made up excuses like "The story sounds inspiring" and "Maybe we'll be able to identify to the characters". I was wrong all the way. From the beginning to the very end I couldn't believe how fake, boring and bad some scenes looked like. A black woman he meets in Africa could be Naomi Campbell. His female assistant and the waitress were just designed to appeal the male audience. I enjoyed the candy but it was just misplaced considering the context. The moments he shares with the little boy are pathetic and the acting is even worst. I also hated how the protagonist used his money to buy people, like if they were goods. His monologue with the waitress was terrible, repetitive and even the ending joke wasn't funny. However I have to admit that it got better in the jungle but that darker plot was far too short and to tell the truth its ending puzzled me. I really thought the writers took their viewers for granted, like if we were brainless or something. The last minutes were also painful to watch as cheesy scenes were revealed one after an other.

So overall the story was disappointing but at least it convinced me that watching the show wouldn't change the world. In fact it could make it worse. I also found the protagonist was miserable and don't know anyone who could relate to him. You don't have to be a selfish and egocentric billionaire to help others. You need at least a heart and determination. However I have to admit that it could inspire some people to find a purpose to their lives. After all one way to save ourself is to help others. But first things first, let's not waste anymore time with shows like The Philanthropist. Last but not least I actually waited until the very end for Lucy to appear but she didn't. Writing this review I actually found out that she performed in the next episode, Myanmar. But the pilot was so bad that I couldn't take an other second of it. As a last resort I would also like to point out that Neve Campbell's role was anecdotic. An other reason to forget it.