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Reviews
The Philanthropist: Pilot (2009)
Movie-quality TV show
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.