A Man in Full One of my very favorite television genres is Jeff Daniels conducting business while chewing scenery. Whether playing a news anchor in “The Newsroom” or a detective in “American Rust,” he always carries himself with such studious charisma. David E. Kelley’s “A Man in Full” presents Daniels with a new challenge: tapping into his inner Colonel Sanders, he meets Logan Roy as Charlie Croker, an Atlanta real estate mogul with a broken bank account. However, despite the efforts of Daniels and a few other performers, “A Man in Full” is a rather middling miniseries. Even direction from luminaries like Regina King and Thomas Schlamme isn’t enough to save this ho-hum social class drama.
Based on Tom Wolfe’s 1998 novel of the same name but translated into the 21st century, “A Man in Full” focuses on the Southern-fried Croker (Daniels), who lives lavishly like every other wealthy business tycoon, real or fictional: He flies around in private jets, has a much younger wife (Sarah Jones), and, most importantly, bleeds money like the bank isn’t coming to get him. On the heels of his ostentatious 60th birthday party, where his closest aristocratic business friends gather to watch none other than Shania Twain (a wild cameo) perform some of her greatest hits, the bank comes a-knocking, wanting their loan money back—$800 million worth, in fact.
Shortly after the festivities, Croker meets with Planners Bank; his opponent, Harry Zale (a fierce Bill Camp), squeezes him out, telling him he’s bankrupt and must start paying back what he owes. Within that boardroom is his old prodigy-turned-loan-officer Raymond Peepgrass (an engrossing Tom Pelphrey)—a real name nobody decided to update for some reason––who has it out for Croker. As his troubles compound, Croker scrambles to find investors for his monolithic business.
Croker’s woes play out amidst a mayoral election season, in which his former business colleague runs against Wes Jordan (William Jackson Harper), a young Black mayor vying for his second term. Right when Croker needs his corporate attorney Roger White (Aml Ameen) at his side, he instead tasks him to help his secretary, Jill Hensley (Chanté Adams), with a racially-charged trial involving her peacekeeping husband Conrad (Jon Michael Hill), convicted of assaulting a violent police officer over a parking violation that lands him in at a hostile correctional facility.
I went into “A Man in Full” thinking it would fill the “Succession”-level void I’ve been yearning for since its conclusion. Alas, it’s nowhere close to that. Thematically, it plays like a Georgia-set “House of Cards” meets “The Chi,” as Kelley’s roundabout dissection of the working- and upper-class disparity within Atlanta isn’t anything particularly novel or interesting. Kelley fills the proceedings with a few comical moments that were, per my research, adapted from Wolfe’s text—like Croker trying to show an investor horse breeding on his plantation. But these cheekier moments never cohesively tie into the distressing depiction of the American judicial system and the Black male experience that remains far too close to reality.
Kelley’s navigation through these social issues suffers from a dizzying overabundance of characters, many of whom are ultimately too uninteresting and rote for a tale far too true to life. While he pours his signature dramatic flair into his character writing, he conjoins too many relevant, timely themes with moments of surrealism, blurring the vision.
Considering “A Man in Full”’s novel is so closely tied to 1990s politics—specifically the collision of old-fashioned (white) agrarian values with the growing recognition of anti-Blackness in the justice system—the series does its darndest to translate those social issues to the modern day. However, Kelley treats his characters with perplexing shortcuts in the process, flattening such complex issues into a surface-level take on haves versus have-nots. The writing asks you to immediately invest in its characters as if you’ve been following them for years; every conversation assumes we know the ingrain of every party’s relationship with each other. It’s unclear how Croker relates to the people in his orbit, which makes the always-heightened conflict ring false.
Ameen serves as the miniseries’ strongest bridge, giving an engaging, passionate performance as the only thoroughly interesting character. What starts as a favor to Croker snowballs into something more as the challenges of Conrad’s case force him to lean into a criminal justice lawyer and pour his passion into getting Conrad out of the system. The episodes that lean into those aspects, directed by King, are done with such grounded realism that it makes all the money-related threads feel monotonous by comparison. These interested me more than, say, the show’s many subplots, like the mayor’s re-election campaign or Peepgrass’ sly rise to seize Croker’s power and the pathetic aspects of his small life.
At the end of the day, for such a marquee series with a massive star like Daniels, there’s little Daniels to actually enjoy. His thick Southern drawl drips with conviction, and it’s hard to turn away from his irresistible charisma. Unfortunately, he’s a small speck in this wider portrait of Atlanta that, while evergreen, rarely feels all that full in itself.
The entire series is now available for streaming on Netflix. For a seamless viewing experience, check it out on iWatchOnline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the main actors in “A Man in Full”?
A: The series stars Jeff Daniels as Charlie Croker, Sarah Jones as his younger wife, Bill Camp as Harry Zale, Tom Pelphrey as Raymond Peepgrass, William Jackson Harper as Wes Jordan, Aml Ameen as Roger White, Chanté Adams as Jill Hensley, and Jon Michael Hill as Conrad. Jeff Daniels, known for his roles in “The Newsroom” and “American Rust,” brings charisma to his portrayal of Charlie Croker. Sarah Jones, recognized for her performances in “For All Mankind” and “Damnation,” plays his younger wife. Bill Camp, known for “The Night Of” and “Joker,” portrays the fierce Harry Zale. Tom Pelphrey, famous for “Ozark” and “Iron Fist,” plays the engrossing Raymond Peepgrass. William Jackson Harper, celebrated for “The Good Place” and “Midsommar,” takes on the role of Wes Jordan. Aml Ameen, from “Sense8” and “The Maze Runner,” plays corporate attorney Roger White. Chanté Adams, known for “Roxanne Roxanne” and “The Photograph,” portrays Jill Hensley. Jon Michael Hill, recognized for “Elementary” and “Detroit 1-8-7,” plays Conrad. Source: IMDb.
Q: What genres does the show cover?
A: “A Man in Full” blends elements of drama, social commentary, and political intrigue. The show navigates through these genres to create a unique atmosphere that keeps the audience engaged. It oscillates between intense character-driven storytelling and broader social issues, drawing inspiration from both the world of high finance and the complexities of the American judicial system. Source: Variety.
Q: When and where can I watch “A Man in Full”?
A: The series premiered in 2024 and is available for streaming on Netflix. For an optimal viewing experience, check it out on iWatchOnline. The platform provides a seamless streaming experience, ensuring that viewers can enjoy the series without any interruptions. Source: Hollywood Reporter.
Q: What is the plot of “A Man in Full”?
“A Man in Full” follows Charlie Croker, a wealthy Atlanta real-estate mogul, as he navigates financial ruin and personal turmoil. After celebrating his 60th birthday in grand style, Croker faces bankruptcy and the imminent collapse of his business empire. As he struggles to find investors and keep his company afloat, he becomes
angled in a mayoral election, legal battles, and personal betrayals. The series also explores Croker’s relationships with his much younger wife, his old prodigy-turned-loan-officer Raymond Peepgrass, and his corporate attorney Roger White. The narrative weaves through themes of social class disparity, the American judicial system, and racial tensions, set against the backdrop of Atlanta’s high-stakes real estate world. Source: Collider.
Q: Who is the director of “A Man in Full”?
A: “A Man in Full” is directed by Regina King and Thomas Schlamme, both highly respected figures in the industry. Regina King, known for her work on “One Night in Miami” and “If Beale Street Could Talk,” brings a grounded realism to the series, particularly in episodes dealing with the judicial system and racial themes. Thomas Schlamme, celebrated for his direction on “The West Wing” and “The Americans,” adds his signature touch to the political and business intrigue elements of the show. Source: IndieWire.
Q: What are the themes explored in “A Man in Full”?
A: “A Man in Full” delves into themes of financial collapse, social class disparity, and racial tensions. The series examines the lives of the wealthy and powerful in Atlanta, juxtaposing their opulent lifestyles with the struggles of the working class. It also explores the complexities of the American judicial system and the Black male experience, shedding light on issues of systemic racism and injustice. The show attempts to translate the social issues from Tom Wolfe’s 1998 novel to the modern day, though some critics argue that it falls short in fully developing these themes. Source: Variety.
Q: How does “A Man in Full” compare to other works by David E. Kelley?
A: David E. Kelley is known for his compelling dramas such as “Big Little Lies” and “The Practice.” In “A Man in Full,” Kelley attempts to blend his signature character-driven storytelling with broader social commentary. However, while his previous works have been praised for their depth and cohesion, “A Man in Full” struggles with an overabundance of characters and themes, leading to a somewhat disjointed narrative. Despite these challenges, Kelley’s talent for creating engaging characters and dramatic tension is still evident in the series. Source: Hollywood Reporter.
Q: What are some notable performances in “A Man in Full”?
A: Jeff Daniels delivers a standout performance as Charlie Croker, bringing charisma and depth to the role of the beleaguered real estate mogul. Aml Ameen also shines as Roger White, the corporate attorney who becomes deeply involved in a racially charged trial. Critics have noted Ameen’s passionate and engaging performance as one of the series’ highlights. Additionally, Tom Pelphrey’s portrayal of Raymond Peepgrass, Croker’s resentful former prodigy, adds an intriguing layer of tension to the narrative. Source: Collider.
Q: How has the series been received by critics?
A: “A Man in Full” has received mixed reviews from critics. While some praise the performances, particularly those of Jeff Daniels and Aml Ameen, others criticize the series for its lack of narrative depth and coherence. The show’s attempt to tackle multiple social issues and character arcs has been seen as both ambitious and overwhelming. Despite these criticisms, the series has been noted for its engaging moments and the potential of its director and cast. Source: IndieWire.
Q: What can audiences expect from “A Man in Full”?
A: Audiences can expect a drama that blends elements of social commentary, political intrigue, and personal turmoil. The series offers a mix of intense character-driven storytelling and broader social issues, set against the backdrop of Atlanta’s high-stakes real estate world. While it may not fully deliver on all its ambitious themes, “A Man in Full” provides a compelling look at the complexities of wealth, power, and racial tensions in contemporary America. Source: Variety.
Q: What are the future projects of the cast and crew?
A: Following “A Man in Full,” Jeff Daniels continues to take on diverse roles in both film and television. Regina King is currently working on several high-profile projects, including directing and producing. David E. Kelley is also developing new series and continues to be a significant figure in television. Fans of the cast and crew can look forward to seeing more compelling work from these talented individuals in the near future. Source: Hollywood Reporter.
Sources and Reviews
- Variety’s Review on “A Man in Full”
- Hollywood Reporter’s Analysis
- Collider’s In-Depth Look
- IndieWire’s Critique
- IMDb
- Wikipedia
“A Man in Full” offers an intriguing premise with ambitious ideas but ultimately falls short in execution. It reveals David E. Kelley as a creator who tackles complex social issues, but the series’ lack of depth and coherence hinders its impact. While the performances, particularly by Jeff Daniels and Aml Ameen, are noteworthy, the series struggles to fully engage viewers with its sprawling narrative. Nevertheless, for those interested in a drama that blends social commentary with personal and political intrigue, “A Man in Full” is worth a watch. Don’t miss the premiere now available on Netflix. For a seamless viewing experience, check it out on iWatchOnline.
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