Kingpin (2003) User Reviews

Let's make Kingpin a regular show

[mstcyr2 · 8/10 · 6 February 2003]

I can't believe that "Kingpin" is getting thumped in the ratings by the usual sludge that nets like Fox dumb us down with every night. I think "Kingpin" is simply too hip and too ethnic for the masses. Well, it's their loss. I think the show is riveting, intriguing and I'm really looking forward to the next episode, but I am disappointed that "Kingpin" is just a six episode miniseries as opposed to twelve or more. BTW, Marlene is somewhat of a babe, but I wish she'd quit giving Miguel advice because he is obviously the most cerebral and wise of all those competing for domination of the cartel. Since NBC owns Bravo now, maybe they'll continue new eps. of "Kingpin" on Bravo next season if the ratings merit it. That would definitely bring some life to a network that most certainly needs it.

Mark

a stylish take on The Sopranos

[Johnny10 · 8/10 · 30 July 2006]

this show has been type-casted as the Sopranos on daytime TV. But i think this show is as good or if not better than the Sopranos. Kingpin is much more stylish with the camera and music then the Sopranos is and Kingpin hardly eases up there is constant action going on on screen. This show was made to be aired on Cable for the drug and violent content and i do believe this show could of beat out the Sopranos if it was made into a regular T.V. series and if it wasn't so restricted on content, overall if you like the Sopranos then you are more than likely love kingpin and even if you don't like the Sopranos you should give it a try for the massive amount of raw energy put in this TV Show.

Not bad for network TV - contains spoilers

[mhoney-1 · 8/10 · 24 February 2003]

Although I'd like to some day, I have never seen "The Sopranos" and therefore cannot compare the two. Not having even regular cable or satelite has certainly limited what I can see on TV, which is not necessarily bad, either.

"Kingpin" struck me as something of a cross between "Traffic" and "The Godfather," with Miguel Cadena as the Michael Corleone character (soft-spoken, college-educated, etc.). The show certainly was a risky endeavor for NBC, as it focused mainly on characters with no apologies for what they do. And while this was no masterpiec of television entertainment, it was certainly, in my own opinion much more intriguing than Reality TV, and even some of the police dramas that are so popular on the Big Three (NBS, ABC, CBS).

As the title character, I sometimes thought that Miguel was perhaps too weak, not that Yancy Arias was not good in the role, but even Michael Corleone, in his calmness, killed two men, one of them a cop.

The editing seemed to usually convey the story well. While his character was not terribly important, Brian Benben's Dr. Klein offered some much-needed comic relief to an otherwise grim miniseries.

Marlene was certainly very tough and sexy, and Chato made the series interesting as Miguels older brother, who, sometimes quite surprisingly and inventively, took care of eliminating unwanteds.

As the series came to a close, however, I became less interested in the Cadena family, although both the scene where Chato killed the policemen who raped him, and the scene where their uncle strangled the senator with a garote were both very exciting. I became more and more interested in the DEA's part in the series, after Delia Flores got mixed up in the investigation into "Truck" Thompson and his narcotics officer cousin, Rolando Porter.

Unless there was enough of an audience to suggest this become a regular series, I think that in the end there seemed, somehow, to be a lack of closure for the characters.

An Excellent Series, but Where's the Rest?

[Astraether · 9/10 · 7 February 2004]

As a fan of "The Sopranos," I was perhaps a little reluctant to watch "Kingpin," since I felt that nothing could really surpass "The Sopranos" in my affections. Nonetheless, a friend had bought me the miniseries DVD for my birthday, so with no other excuse at hand, I watched it.

And I loved it. There are only six episodes, each an hour long, but it took me only 'til about the second before I was hooked. The acting is excellent, and I'm left wondering why I haven't heard of or seen these actors before. Each character was sympathetic and interesting; even the ones you're probably "supposed" to hate, and it was difficult deciding who exactly to root for. I especially liked the relationship between Miguel and his brother, Chato -- one of trust and closeness instead of the deceit and backstabbing that's all too common in shows along the same lines.

Agent Flores and Miguel's wife, Marlene, were also both very appealing, as strong, independent female characters who have their own complexities and motivations, rather than being overshadowed by the male characters. And I can't forget the particularly comic relationship between the doctor played by Benben, and his "thug" friend, Junie. The show provided a number of unexpected and unique twists on an old theme.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the show never took off. Maybe it was too expensive to produce, maybe it didn't get enough support from NBC, or maybe (and I hope this isn't the case), it slipped because it was not a predominantly white cast; most of the characters were Hispanic/Latino. That seems a particular shame, if it is the reason "Kingpin" never succeeded, since its cast was truly talented and I would have liked to see some of those actors get a definite career boost.

Still, at least it's available to rent, and I highly recommend giving it a shot. Even if you're a hardcore "Sopranos" lover, like I am, don't let the comparison deter you! They're similar in that they're about criminal families, but they each have a very different feel and flavor, and you'll only be robbing yourself of something new to enjoy.

I just wish there were /more/ of it to enjoy!

Best show on Network TV

[aredneck92 · 10/10 · 3 April 2004]

This show was the best show on tv. Too bad NBC didn't have the guts to keep it on tv. The show was great. The actors did an excellent job. The writers for the show came up with someone to keep you wanting to watch tv. This show is better than Sopranos. Yes it is a little edgy for network tv, but with the time slot that it was on made it ok. For the network tv they cut a lot out of the show that is shown on the DVD set. The DVD set shows how the producers wanted the show to be. Hopefully HBO will pick this show up and air it. Then it will have a network that won't be afraid to show it. For anyone that likes the Sopranos or Godfather will love this show and I highly recommend it. Miguel is cool and smart while Chato takes care of the dirty work.

An underrated marvel

[AlexanderExtazy · 14 July 2014]

I was surprised to read on Wikipedia that the show was cancelled just after 6 episodes. I wasn't too excited about watching it but from the first episode I managed to continue all 6 within the entire night.

I'm unhappy about the fact that it was underrated, but I got a good taste and sense of how Mexican cartels think and act just by seeing this show.

Viewers also see how the various operations across the continent is affected by the decisions of one organization; it was very unexpected to see in this show.

However, I hope in the near future they would continue filming this show for a continual and I'm sure it would succeed no matter what.

Ay Carumba!

[paul bishop · 7/10 · 13 February 2003]

This is a hoot -- a Mexican drug family with few redeeming qualities, corrupt politicians, and fumbling DEA officers. If there's one problem it's that there's almost too much going on -- were it a series, the action would take longer to play out. Picture it as a drug cartel family soap opera. The first episode alone was hilarious --a wacko cousin of the Kingpin doesn't like it when Kingpin's wife shoots her mouth off, so he plans to tear off her blouse and whip her! And this is when he isn't feeding the body parts of his victims to his pet tiger! Needless to say, he gets it in the end because he's a threat to the family business. But there are lots of other nutso people running around, causing trouble. The only weak spot is Brian Benben as a plastic surgeon/drug dealer who's too goofy to take seriously. Overall, though, the whole thing is murder, mayhem and kitsch with a unique latin flair.

Wow, I'm actually watching network TV

[meezerfan123 · 10/10 · 9 February 2003]

After years of only finding good dramas on HBO and Showtime, I'm finally watching network TV and enjoying it thanks to this show. The show is both well written and acted. Sheryl Lee is a pleasant surprise - I think I've only seen her before as Laura Palmer on Twin Peaks and had no idea she was so talented. Brian Benben's morally conflicted plastic surgeon is equally intriguing. This is one miniseries that definitely needs to return for a full season!

As Good As Network TV Could Get When Aired

[mail-2217 · 9/10 · 7 September 2012]

I originally watched this on NBC when it aired. The more 'R' rated is slightly better.

It's sort of a Mexican version of The Sopranos. If you like that sort of thing you'll probably like this as well.

I have to say that for network TV it's as good as it gets. I think it's problem was that it was too far ahead of it's time. It was certainly ahead of anything else at the time on 'network' in terms of complexity and realism. The proof is that the DVD holds up very well and in fact, with the state of things in Mexico, seems even more relevant now.

I cannot for the -life- of me understand why this didn't have a good long run... except that, again, I think the US wasn't ready for it. I think if it had been made today, on HBO, it would do great.

I took it down 1 because you may sense some 'Network TV' flavor, but that's only if you're expecting something as truly gritty as Breaking Bad... which is almost 20 years after.

To this day, the portrayals of Mexicans in various roles hasn't been approached. These are some of the most memorable characters I have ever seen on TV.

I also want to praise the music editor. The music selections were -miles- ahead of the competition. For a lot of people, Kingpin was their introduction to some a wide variety of great artists such as Leila Downes.

KingPin

[vbalbuena · 10/10 · 18 November 2005]

All I have to say is, that this is the best movie I have seen, a movie that actually reflects on what happens when politics are involved. This has nothing to do with Mexican or American, it's all politics people. The same thing takes place here in the United States, but we just don't know it, if it happens in Mexico, it happens in the US too. If the government really wanted to stop drugs from hitting our streets, they have the resources to do so, but why won't they do anything. Why destroy what puts food on there table, if the government stopped everything we wouldn't have the need for so many jobs to supposedly contain the issue. The governments point of view is to create jobs and there you have it, they have to turn a blind eye to keep the unemployed line down. This is my thought!

"Kingpin": "The Sopranos Lite"

[tdepp-2 · 5/10 · 27 February 2003]

I watched nearly all of Kingpin and found it OK. Not great, not terrible, just OK. Comparing anything on TV to The Sopranos is like comparing my daughter's 7th grade themes to John Steinbeck or E.B. White. Migi and Marelene could be interesting character ala Tony and Carmela. There is built in tension with their Mexican and American ethnicity, their lust for power but desire to be "respectable," etc. But these character lack the depth and humanity that the bad guys (and girls) have on The Sopranos. Paulie Walnuts on The Sopranos is a thug but an interesting and funny sort of thug who has mother issues. Chato Cadena is just a thug. That, in my opinion, is the biggest difference in the shows.

Excellent

[simyeyes · 20 June 2003]

I watched ever episode and loved it. I love "Mafia" theme shows and movies. It was more realistic than most people would realize. I loved the cast choices. I think it had lots of potential for a series on TV. We need a primetime "Mafia" series again that is broadcasted on NBC, CBS, FOX or ABC (not HBO).

The Mexican verison of The Sopranos? ****spoilers?****

[MrWhite2 · 9/10 · 3 February 2003]

This show is kind of like the Mexican version of The Sopranos. I would say this show is more like the Mexican version of The Godfather movies though. The main character is exactly like Al Pacino's character in The Godfather movies, Michael Corleone. Like Michael Corleone, the main character Miguel Cadena is patient, violent when he needs to be and donates money to the Catholic church. This is a extraordinary mini series. If you like Mafia movies or the hit televison series "The Sopranos" that airs on HBO, you'll love "Kingpin". The show is about a Mexican mobster, Miguel Cadena (Yancey Arias) who takes over the family business after he has the acting boss (Jacob Vargas - Traffic) shot up beyond recognition by guys with Uzis, and the original boss who was on the run, shot twice in the forehead by a .50 Desert Eagle automatic. The show also stars Sheryl Lee (John Carpenter's Vampires, Twin Peaks) as Miguel's coke-addict wife who aside from being his wife is also his and his other associate's lawyer. The mini-series also has the story from the D.E.A.'s point of view, including a young female D.E.A. agent who was severely wounded by a bullet she got from a crooked Mexican cop working for Miguel's old boss. This show is really entertaining, and really plays like an HBO series. Watch all six episodes on NBC which show on Sundays and Tuesdays at 9:00, untill February 18. Grade: A

Yancey Arias on "The Sopranos"

[mstcyr2 · 8/10 · 10 February 2003]

As you may know, HBO is replaying "The Sopranos" in its entirety (years one through four)at the rate of one episode per week each Sunday evening. Sunday, February 9th, marked the second episode of year one and in the most timely fashion, Yancey Arias (Miguel of "Kingpin" fame) makes a brief appearance as a gay car thief (Arnaz). He almost took a bullet, but was spared the indignation so he could star another day, apparently.

After having enjoyed the first two episodes of "Kingpin," I was a bit disappointed in the third installment of the series, although it had its moments, the canine shootings not being among them. Unbelievably, at least to me, "Kingpin" finished third in its timeslot, as it appears that the networks can continue to feed the masses predictably lame, tired and predictable programming and the herd will flock to it as if it were Aunt Bea's homemade apple pie. I'm expecting a very compelling fourth edition on Feb 11, which will serve as set up for the home stretch next week. If the last three episode are real strong, I think viewers will have found memories of "Kingpin," although daring to be different is not a guarantee of everlasting popularity.

Best drama I have seen in years

[rhe1235 · 10/10 · 18 February 2003]

This mini movie was riveting, I have never watched a mini movie that went on longer than one day, and i have watched every episode! Kingpin has kept my interest from beginging to end. I wish you guys would make this show into a series, I would watch every second of it.

A great hour of tv.

[steveher · 10/10 · 4 March 2003]

This series deserves to become a regular next season or at least a regular mini-series. The great plot points for the family and extended relatives have all been laid out. There was a surprising amount of depth to the episodes, ranging from the thoughtful to the hilarious. One thoughful point was the class snobbery, prevalant in Mexico, played out between the Senator and Miguel Cadenas. There were some laugh out loud moments, from Jacob Vargas' entire character of Ernesto (killed too early) to Dr. Klein's (Brian Benben) realization that he had been mispronouncing Romolo's name all along. "It's not Romuulo, it's Rrrromolo!" The only negative can be that we're asked to root for a drug kingpin. I thought perhaps America was not ready for that, but after seeing the "admirable" qualities of the beloved Sopranos I now ask-Why not?

This is a great series

[vcheng79 · 9/10 · 26 February 2003]

Kingpin is a great mini series. Most parts are very intense and it's full of family love. The only bad part is that there seems to be two different story going on at the same time. There doesn't seem to be any connection between the two (I miss the first episode, so I don't know if they have mentioned the connection, but from the 2nd episode to the 6th, there is nothing mentioning the connection between the 2 "story")

A major flop. A tragedy.

[sde925 · 1/10 · 4 February 2003]

Kingpin has some of the worst writing of this genre. The dialogue is insipid. How the critics compared this miniseries to the Sopranos or even Shakespeare is unbelievable. For a superior show watch The Shield. I hope they do not pick up this series and reward utter dreck. Obviously studio hacks are giving this show the great reviews.

Unbelievable!!!!!

[steelduke735 · 4 December 2004]

I gotta to say I'm very impressed with this mini-series. I never knew there was a mini-series but I borrowed a DVD series from a friend of mine. When my girlfriend and I watched it, it was very packed with tension moments and action! My girlfriend happens to be a Mexican and it's another insight for me to see what kind of a life in Mexico could be like. She and I always talked about each series before beginning another one, about what it would happen next. Half the time we'd get it right but each time we were right, two things would go into a completely different direction. This is a very good series! I've got to say, THIS IS A MINI-SERIES TO SEE!!! A must have DVD mini-series!!!! I want to see this on a network program! The last DVD at the end left me hanging and wanting more!!

just as good as the sopranos

[miguepac1321 · 10/10 · 23 February 2003]

I really liked this show, I even bought the whole set on dvd I liked it so much. I think it was just as good, if not better than the sopranos,and it had a lot of twists and it was not predictable at all. Overall, I think this is one of the best shows I've ever watched.

Not many TV series hold my interest, this one did.

[krodrigues-1 · 10/10 · 17 February 2003]

Kingpin is an excellent series, it is one of the best ones that I have seen in a long time. This is reality, this is what is happening in the drug world. The actors bring reality to their characters, every single actor plays his/her part very well. I was hoping it would become a regular on TV. Why is it that when there is a great series on TV, possibly a big movie screen version, someone decides to end it. I am 100% positive that a lot of viewers are going to be disappointed when this series ends on Tuesday.

wasted actors???

[wolfgangpyro · 10/10 · 23 May 2003]

well i live in the the area that parts of this show was filmed and i have seen how the drug world works....For some reason people think that this is bad.... wel the styriotypeing is not ,wel to me, styriotyping.... if seen people deal drugs and i have seen how thing go when something goes wrong..... and if some people that are hispanic and take offence with it then don't watch it. i don't see any itallien people getting upset because they are being steriotyped by the sopranos... i thought that this show was very accurate, but a little to graphic. but you know life is a little to graphic. you will see things in life that you wish you could have never scene.... but hey thats life.... but i hope that this shows comes back for another sesion...if thier are any mistakes then sorry but im only 17 and suck at spelling.

"Kingpin" Rules!

[angelaelena · 9/10 · 7 February 2003]

David Mills has given us a fascinating look into a world that's completely unknown to most of us. He's filled this world with interesting, multi-layered characters. Yancey Arias' portrayal of Miguel Cadena is compelling and I truly believe that the character of Miguel has the potential to be one of the most memorable television characters ever created. I, particularly, like the strong female characters portrayed by Angela Alvarado Rosa and Sheryl Lee. Alvarado-Rosa's 'Delia Flores' is smart, dedicated and tough; a worthy adversary for Miguel. Marlene is equally smart, tough and determined to retain her current lifestyle. She's no Carmella Soprano. Not only is she fully aware of every aspect of the business; but as the family lawyer, she is an integral part of it. I sincerely hope this show becomes a regular series. Long may "Kingpin" reign!

Good script, good acting, far superior to most regular TV series.

[Mel Russell · 10/10 · 17 February 2003]

I don't normally watch regular TV. Most of it, to me is boring and mundane. Besides, between digital cable, VHS and DVD rental possibilities and regular movies in theaters, why waste time with stuff full of advertisements and, for the most part, dumbed down? But as a fan of the Sopranos,I thought I would look at a ripoff of that show, for at least one episode. I wasn't sure then if I liked it, but watched the next couple of episodes, and by then I was hooked. It may be like the Sopranos in that it is about a modern crime family, but except for that is quite different.

Kingpin is well written, well acted, and unlike most movies or series, actually causes you to think about it after you've watched it. I certainly hope NBC picks it up as a regular series.

Well it has a tiger

[juliankennedy23 · 5/10 · 1 January 2005]

Score 5/10 As seen on NBC and inexplicably spread over three DVDs, The six hour mini-epic Kingpin is now available to all those who blinked and missed it. Visually stunning with great sets and production values Kingpin certainly looks great. The story is another matter. Scarface minus the Godfather plus American Family then mix thoroughly with network standards and practices and you really have a mess. The story cries for more sex and violence.

The acting is a mixed bag with Yancey Arias giving a great performance as the head guy. Sheryl Lee chewing scenery as his shrewish Anglo wife and most embarrassingly Brian Benben hopelessly miscast as an indebted mule/plastic surgeon. Yep it is Nip/Tuck meets The Shield without the grittiness of either series as well as a lot of unsubtitled Spanish to wade through.

After you watch the first twenty minutes you will say to yourself hey this is really cool. Do yourself a favor and turn off the TV. It is the only way to preserve the feeling.