As I slowly roll through the Emmy nominated shows of 2020, I’ve managed to actually finish one! I decided to start with the Netflix miniseries created by the television genius that is Ryan Murphy, Hollywood. As I heard Darren Criss say in several interviews, this show “gives Hollywood the Hollywood treatment.” Indeed!
This showcases post-WWII Hollywood glamour, and zeroes in on Ace Studios along with the struggle of several up and coming actors, writers, and directors. Peppered with a few actual figures from the time, such as Rock Hudson and Henry Wilson, everyone else represent amalgamations of several figures from the time. We first follow Jack Castello, a struggling actor who turns to pimping himself out under the supervision of Ernie West.
Jack meets struggling writer, Archie Coleman, who joins him in the pimp world before meeting Rock Hudson. He’s also trying to get into the acting biz, and ends up connected with Henry Wilson who takes advantage of Rock in more ways than one. We also meet Raymond Ainsley, an up and coming director who gets selected to direct the picture Peg, written by Archie! While there are many points of conflict throughout the series, Ace Amberg’s wife, Avis, is running the ship while he’s in a coma and she is championing this project with all her might.
Some slight changes in the initial course end up producing an excellent picture, but it’s not all smooth sailing to the finish line. That’s all I’m willing to say without giving it all away, but there are so many story lines and supporting characters that I could write about this forever. Overall, I enjoyed the ride, even though there were plenty of cringe worthy moments laced throughout. Jack’s pluck was infectious, while Rock was sort of a lovable goof, but Dick Samuels was one of my favorites for sure!
I can understand why this show got mixed reviews, but perhaps they were taking it too seriously? I mean they mention “Dreamland” almost non-stop for several episodes, so why does anything need to make sense?! Ryan Murphy is creating a better 1940s than most people got, and it’s nice to see what could have been. Despite the lukewarm reception, the show did get a decent amount of Emmy love, with nominations for Jim Parsons, Jeremy Pope, Dylan McDermott, and Holland Taylor. With all that love though, I feel like Patti LuPone got robbed! She was a main focal point of the entire narrative! She was progressive and stood up for herself! Oh well, I suppose she can get her time at the Golden Globes or SAG Awards next year. As far at the show goes, if over the top glam interests you, or anything Ryan Murphy for that matter, then you should surely check Hollywood out!