Stumptown!
Nov. 18th, 2019 01:42 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
enemyofperfectHow fond am I of this show? Enough that in my last post I couldn't just say that I liked it but accidentally started writing this entry instead. It's not a perfect show, if such a thing even exists, but it's got a great cast, it's refreshingly willing to let woman be an unmarked category, and honestly I'm having so much fun.
I learned after watching the pilot that it's based on a comic book series by the same name, but I can verify that it's possible to jump right in without knowing anything about the comics without undue confusion.[1] Fundamentally, it's a cheerful if rough around the edges romp featuring a scrappy, snarky, hard-drinking, at times self-sabotaging female PI and the collection of friends, allies, and family (found and otherwise) that keep her going.
Dex Parios, played by Cobie Smulders. Yes, it's Maria Hill.
I love Dex because she's just so irrepressible. Does she gamble with money she can't afford to lose? She does. Does she sleep with guys to ward off war flashbacks and refuse to let it turn into anything romantic? She does that, too. Is she casually revealed to be bisexual? Yes, and she kisses her female ex onscreen, because she's every bit as much of a loveable disaster when she's with a woman as with a man. She's just so great, people.
Ansel Parios, played by Cole Sibus. I can't get over his flawless hair.
I love her brother Ansel because he's a sweetheart who sees through most people's bullshit but only about half of Dex's, because he has his own anxieties and interests and a job he's great at, and because he has Down syndrome and the show is mostly pretty decent about that. With a handful of exceptions, I don't see any condescension in the way the show treats him, and that's just so nice to see.
Detective Miles Hoffman, played by the ever handsome Michael Ealy.
Hoffman is one of several love interests fielded for Dex, and I have to admit, he's kind of my favorite. I mean, he's a cop, which is kind of a shame, but he also has this great thing where he reacts to about 80% of everything with this little amused smile, and I personally really enjoy that in a character. I'm not sure we know as much about him outside of work yet -- he likes jazz, I guess? If he keeps making the moves on Dex, maybe we'll get to learn more.
Grey McConnell, played by Jake Johnson. That one guy from New Girl, yup.
Grey is another of Dex's love interests, kind of. Maybe? I'm sort of hoping not, because I would love for them to just be BFFs who could probably enjoy having sex with each other but aren't somehow obliged to by the laws of the universe. He owns the bar where Ansel works, is sort of an honorary member of the Parios family at this point, and kind of gradually grows on me the more I learn about his messed up past. Keep up the good work, Grey!
Sue Lynn Blackbird, played by Tantoo Cardinal, certified silver fox.
It's killing me to have Sue Lynn so low on this list, because I love her to an unfeasible extent. A casino owner and canny advocate for her tribe, Sue Lynn is deadpan, ambitious, and sharp enough you won't even realize you've been cut. She doesn't make it into every episode, but I love every scene in which she does. The show's a little vague about which tribe she represents, which seems like a shame, but she's still honestly my fave.
Tookie Alvarez, played by Adrian Martinez, a genuine delight.
Tookie is another character who drifts in and out as the plot demands, but I hope his role continues to expand. A taco truck owner who'll gladly inform you that he doesn't sell food, but cuisine, Tookie is probably the character who comes closest to being played for comic relief, but I love it when he gets to bond with other characters in a genuine way. He's a great guy to have in your corner, too. Fingers crossed we get more of him going forward!
Lieutenant Cosgrove, played by Camryn Manheim, who may always be Control to me.
Last but certainly not least, Lieutenant Cosgrove starts out as Hoffman's boss and seemingly not more than that -- but that's starting to change, and I'm delighted! Although sometimes she and Hoffman butt heads in true cop show tradition, I never get the feeling that she's being positioned as an irredeemable killjoy for interfering with his masculine improvisation. Also, while this isn't an area of diversity I see talked about much, I really like that between her and Tookie, we've got two characters who don't fit the usual Hollywood skinny silhouette.
So now that I've breathlessly gushed over every character, what are those imperfections I mentioned above? Mostly that while Dex is a private investigator, Stumptown is also a cop show. I'm not really a fan of the kind of favor trading that could more accurately be termed police corruption or of the episode where much drama is wrung from an officer deciding whether or not to murder someone in revenge, real life policing being what it is.
Stumptown is also unlikely to bowl anyone over with its innovative storytelling -- if it's not too hasty to say that after six episodes -- and while it manages to be startlingly humane towards a variety of often marginalized groups, I'm sure it's misstepped more often than I've noticed, so I wouldn't blame anyone who was hesitant to give it a try.
I sure am enjoying it, though, for its pleasantly diverse and thoughtful spin on a well-worn genre. And maybe you will too!
1. Although knowing the comics exist does explain the cheesy cel-shading-esque effect they throw on for transitions.(back)
I learned after watching the pilot that it's based on a comic book series by the same name, but I can verify that it's possible to jump right in without knowing anything about the comics without undue confusion.[1] Fundamentally, it's a cheerful if rough around the edges romp featuring a scrappy, snarky, hard-drinking, at times self-sabotaging female PI and the collection of friends, allies, and family (found and otherwise) that keep her going.
Dex Parios, played by Cobie Smulders. Yes, it's Maria Hill.
I love Dex because she's just so irrepressible. Does she gamble with money she can't afford to lose? She does. Does she sleep with guys to ward off war flashbacks and refuse to let it turn into anything romantic? She does that, too. Is she casually revealed to be bisexual? Yes, and she kisses her female ex onscreen, because she's every bit as much of a loveable disaster when she's with a woman as with a man. She's just so great, people.
Ansel Parios, played by Cole Sibus. I can't get over his flawless hair.
I love her brother Ansel because he's a sweetheart who sees through most people's bullshit but only about half of Dex's, because he has his own anxieties and interests and a job he's great at, and because he has Down syndrome and the show is mostly pretty decent about that. With a handful of exceptions, I don't see any condescension in the way the show treats him, and that's just so nice to see.
Detective Miles Hoffman, played by the ever handsome Michael Ealy.
Hoffman is one of several love interests fielded for Dex, and I have to admit, he's kind of my favorite. I mean, he's a cop, which is kind of a shame, but he also has this great thing where he reacts to about 80% of everything with this little amused smile, and I personally really enjoy that in a character. I'm not sure we know as much about him outside of work yet -- he likes jazz, I guess? If he keeps making the moves on Dex, maybe we'll get to learn more.
Grey McConnell, played by Jake Johnson. That one guy from New Girl, yup.
Grey is another of Dex's love interests, kind of. Maybe? I'm sort of hoping not, because I would love for them to just be BFFs who could probably enjoy having sex with each other but aren't somehow obliged to by the laws of the universe. He owns the bar where Ansel works, is sort of an honorary member of the Parios family at this point, and kind of gradually grows on me the more I learn about his messed up past. Keep up the good work, Grey!
Sue Lynn Blackbird, played by Tantoo Cardinal, certified silver fox.
It's killing me to have Sue Lynn so low on this list, because I love her to an unfeasible extent. A casino owner and canny advocate for her tribe, Sue Lynn is deadpan, ambitious, and sharp enough you won't even realize you've been cut. She doesn't make it into every episode, but I love every scene in which she does. The show's a little vague about which tribe she represents, which seems like a shame, but she's still honestly my fave.
Tookie Alvarez, played by Adrian Martinez, a genuine delight.
Tookie is another character who drifts in and out as the plot demands, but I hope his role continues to expand. A taco truck owner who'll gladly inform you that he doesn't sell food, but cuisine, Tookie is probably the character who comes closest to being played for comic relief, but I love it when he gets to bond with other characters in a genuine way. He's a great guy to have in your corner, too. Fingers crossed we get more of him going forward!
Lieutenant Cosgrove, played by Camryn Manheim, who may always be Control to me.
Last but certainly not least, Lieutenant Cosgrove starts out as Hoffman's boss and seemingly not more than that -- but that's starting to change, and I'm delighted! Although sometimes she and Hoffman butt heads in true cop show tradition, I never get the feeling that she's being positioned as an irredeemable killjoy for interfering with his masculine improvisation. Also, while this isn't an area of diversity I see talked about much, I really like that between her and Tookie, we've got two characters who don't fit the usual Hollywood skinny silhouette.
So now that I've breathlessly gushed over every character, what are those imperfections I mentioned above? Mostly that while Dex is a private investigator, Stumptown is also a cop show. I'm not really a fan of the kind of favor trading that could more accurately be termed police corruption or of the episode where much drama is wrung from an officer deciding whether or not to murder someone in revenge, real life policing being what it is.
Stumptown is also unlikely to bowl anyone over with its innovative storytelling -- if it's not too hasty to say that after six episodes -- and while it manages to be startlingly humane towards a variety of often marginalized groups, I'm sure it's misstepped more often than I've noticed, so I wouldn't blame anyone who was hesitant to give it a try.
I sure am enjoying it, though, for its pleasantly diverse and thoughtful spin on a well-worn genre. And maybe you will too!
1. Although knowing the comics exist does explain the cheesy cel-shading-esque effect they throw on for transitions.(back)
no subject
Date: 2019-11-18 09:54 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-11-18 04:19 pm (UTC)And I'd bet Sue's everyone's favorite, bc she's just that awesome, and even with (or maybe because of) all their history there's such a familial vibe between her and Dex.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-18 05:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-11-18 06:10 pm (UTC)So much to explore. And i'm so happy there are others who are enjoying this show. I love procedurals and I love them especially when I can have eye candy and great characters with depth (and grit :)
no subject
Date: 2019-11-18 08:48 pm (UTC)The cast are pretty easy on the eyes, aren't they? And I love all their banter and rivalry and just the love so many of them have for each other. This show has heart.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-18 05:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-11-18 06:14 pm (UTC)I want tons of stories about them cooking together and feeding one another crazy innovative cuisine and maybe even complaining a bit that no one around them (work and family) GETS how important good food is :)
no subject
Date: 2019-11-18 08:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-11-18 08:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-11-24 08:11 am (UTC)I too am loving this show so far, with all its messy characters and relationships and all their unexpected loyalties to each other.
I could use less of Grey and more of Sue Lynn though. ;)
no subject
Date: 2019-11-25 12:13 am (UTC)