A far cry from the days of Frasier, Kelsey Grammer returns to TV as Tom Kane – the current Mayor of Chicago who has just been diagnosed with a rare degenerative brain disease. Keeping it a secret from pretty much all but his physician, Tom continues to rule the Windy City with an iron fist. As the disorder begins to have an increasingly negative impact on his life, Tom grows untrusting of those around him. Is everyone turning against him or is it just the disease slowly asking away his sense of self?
The first season of Boss kicks things off in spectacular fashion with a Gus Van Sant flavoured pilot. Introducing us to Tom and his world, Boss wastes no time in getting things rolling as the mayor attempts to continue his shady dealings to keep the streets clean all while trying to pull the wool over his colleagues’ eyes as his situation worsens. It means a startlingly bold turn from Kelsey Grammer who is back on show-stealing form. It’s truly riveting stuff that demands attention – especially when Grammer unveils his more ruthless side.
With solid, sharp writing and intricate plotting, Boss is simply one of those shows that should go on for at least five years and not cancelled after two. Regardless of being prematurely axed, this is quality TV that should be appreciated anyway.
Overall verdict: A brilliant start to what would have been an amazing show – thanks mainly to a stand out performance by Kelsey Grammer.
Reviewer: Jordan Brown