“The Consultant” - A Season 1 Review

The Consultant is a show that holds your attention despite its frustrating lack of payoff. As a responsible critic, I watched 2-3 episodes before forming an opinion, and while I was initially intrigued by the show's strangeness and mystery, I ultimately found myself unenthusiastic about it. In fact, I may not even bother finishing it.

The show is a dark workplace comedy set in the world of CompWare, a game design company whose CEO is shot and killed in the opening minutes by a child who blames the devil.

As the company begins to fall apart, a mysterious consultant named Regus Patoff (played by Christoph Waltz) enters the picture and takes over the main office, insisting that the show must go on. Patoff is a deeply disturbing character, and watching Waltz bring his creepiness to life is the chief pleasure of the show.

The problem with The Consultant is that nothing ever really takes off. While the eerie settings and slow pace create a creepy atmosphere, it doesn't coalesce into a compelling story. Patoff is a symbol for something, whether it's the devil or vampire capitalism, but it's not clear what the show is trying to say.

The lack of prominent characters doesn't help matters, and while Brittany O'Grady and Nat Wolff are fine as Elaine and Craig, respectively, they're not particularly memorable. Aimee Carrero's Patti is even less prominent.

There's an interesting conundrum at play with shows like The Consultant. If it's meant to be a show about evil or the devil, it's not particularly relevant in today's world where apocalypse narratives reign supreme. If it's a commentary on the evils of capitalism, it's not saying anything particularly new.

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Pros:

Intriguing concept: The show's premise of a game design company falling apart after the CEO's murder and a mysterious consultant entering to save it is an intriguing concept that draws the viewer in.

Christoph Waltz's performance: Christoph Waltz delivers an outstanding performance as Regus Patoff, the disturbing and enigmatic consultant. He is the chief pleasure of the show and lets his creep flag fly, making for an excellent watch.

Claustrophobic and dystopian atmosphere: The show's eerie settings, slow pace, and claustrophobic atmosphere make for a creepy and discomfiting experience. The records room among the servers is particularly disturbing, and the show effectively creates a sense of dread and discomfort.

Cons:

Lack of prominent characters: The show lacks prominent characters, and the story mostly revolves around Elaine, the self-appointed "creative liaison," and Craig, a frustrated designer. Although both actors are fine, their characters are not compelling enough to sustain interest.

Slow pace: The show's slow pace is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it helps to build tension and atmosphere, but on the other hand, it can be frustrating for the viewer, and the story never takes off.

Lack of a coherent story: The show's concept is intriguing, but it doesn't cohere quickly enough into anything resembling a good story. The symbolism of Regus Patoff as a symbol for the devil or vampire capitalism is not fully developed, and the story never delivers a satisfying payoff.

Despite its flaws, "The Consultant" is an intriguing and unique entry into the world of workplace comedies. With its dark, dystopian setting and enigmatic characters, the show presents a compelling mystery that keeps viewers engaged, if not always satisfied.

One of the show's biggest strengths is its cast, particularly Christoph Waltz as the deeply unsettling Regus Patoff. Waltz's performance is a masterclass in creepy charisma, and he steals every scene he's in. Brittany O'Grady and Nat Wolff also deliver solid performances as the two employees caught up in Patoff's schemes.

The show's slow pace and lack of clear direction may frustrate some viewers, but for those willing to stick with it, "The Consultant" offers a rewarding experience. The atmosphere is thick with tension and unease, and the show's symbolism and themes provide plenty of food for thought.

Ultimately, whether or not "The Consultant" is worth watching will depend on each viewer's individual tastes. If you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed thriller, this may not be the show for you. But if you're intrigued by the idea of a slow-burning, cerebral workplace drama with a touch of the supernatural, "The Consultant" is definitely worth checking out.

Unfortunately, The Consultant falls short of being exceptional. It's impressively claustrophobic and dystopian, but ultimately it's not enough to carry the show.

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