Commander in Chief S1

Rating: M – Contains Medium Level Violence.
Duration: 737 mins.
Genre: Television Drama.
Actors: Geena Davis, Donald Sutherland, Kyle Secor, Caitlin Wachs, Harry J. Lennix.
Director: N/A.
Release Date: Available Now.

Geena Davis won a Golden Globe for her performance as President Mackenzie Allen in the first season of Commander in Chief, and well she should have as she makes a lovable President. A President that we would all love, and that can only exist in our dreams.

You see, Commander in Chief takes the success of The West Wing, but spices it up with a female President that has to deal with family issues, husbandry issues as well as being determined to elevate herself above the political-ness of politics.

But wait, there’s more. Donald Sutherland plays The Speaker of the House, a man whose political ambitions are far greater than Mackenzie Allen’s, and who will stop at nothing to get rid of her.

Sutherland plays a delightfully lovable dastardly evil enemy that gives the show it’s edge, it’s suspense, and lifts it far above what could have been a rather kitsch family drama.

Indeed without all the backroom, backstabbing, Commander in Chief would be quite the bore. It’s the politics we hate, suitably stirred with a mix of intriguing world and domestic issues, that make the show compelling.

But it’s too American I hear y’all scream. Not really, at least not anymore that most of the programmes you love to watch. Politically the politics of government are the same – on a base level – the world over. It’s all about using people to gain power.

Geena Davis does a great job portraying a person who struggles to stay above all the dirt that comes with the job, whilst refusing to back down on issues she’s convinced are for the best of the country.

A real peoples President.

And with a great supporting cast, a storyline that progresses – but doesn’t mind if you miss a week – and enduring themes, Commander in Chief makes for a great little drama.

Food for thought:
Does power corrupt, or does it just highlight your heart?

Rent or Buy?
At 737 minutes, it’s going to be tough to watch this one as a rental.