Kelsey Grammar is outstanding in this role as a mayor of Chicago who's suffering from an incurable neurological disease. His obsession with power includes some demoniacal activities that I hope Chicago mayors have not indulged in. However most of the story lines just aren't up to snuff to give Grammar his ovation. For one, there is way too much soft porn and nudity worked in for no reason other than to titillate. Sex may occur in Chicago, but not to this extent.
My other complaint centers on the lack of an authentic Chicago feel to the show. When Boss's wife referred to his birthplace in Bridgeport, I choked on my popcorn. No way Kelsey Grammar behaves or speaks like someone from Bridgeport. In fact, there are few characters on this show that are recognizably Chicagoan. Without the background shots, this could be about the mayor of Hollywood. Refinement is not Chicago's fine point. (If this took place in Evanston or Wilmette, the characters might be more believable although the mayor would certainly go to the gas chamber).
Coming from Chicago, the inauthentic-ness really bothered me. Not even the drug dealers rang true. If Starz intends to continue Boss, it should get some real Chicago actors who can convey the city, hire a Chicago writer. It's a city with a rich culture that would only help this series were it re-created in a more genuine fashion. If not, I suggest you re title the series-- The Godfather, for example.
An update regarding Season 2: The new season is much better than the first. The story lines and characters are more deeply presented, outside of their sexual proclivities. Producers seemed to realize the Kelsey Grammar is what makes this show so he is on camera a lot and shown from an array of viewpoints. His infatuation with Sanaa Latham's character is provocative...and sad. You often veer from hating to pitying to admiring this man. I wish the other characters were as magnetic as Boss.
This still has nothing to do with the reality of chicago, its people or its politics. Throw in a little Streets and Sanitation, a little O'Hare, a little lakefront and voila! This story is really not about the city of Chicago, it's about a King who is losing his mind and trying to hide it to keep the buzzards at bay. Definitely enjoyed this season so far.
My other complaint centers on the lack of an authentic Chicago feel to the show. When Boss's wife referred to his birthplace in Bridgeport, I choked on my popcorn. No way Kelsey Grammar behaves or speaks like someone from Bridgeport. In fact, there are few characters on this show that are recognizably Chicagoan. Without the background shots, this could be about the mayor of Hollywood. Refinement is not Chicago's fine point. (If this took place in Evanston or Wilmette, the characters might be more believable although the mayor would certainly go to the gas chamber).
Coming from Chicago, the inauthentic-ness really bothered me. Not even the drug dealers rang true. If Starz intends to continue Boss, it should get some real Chicago actors who can convey the city, hire a Chicago writer. It's a city with a rich culture that would only help this series were it re-created in a more genuine fashion. If not, I suggest you re title the series-- The Godfather, for example.
An update regarding Season 2: The new season is much better than the first. The story lines and characters are more deeply presented, outside of their sexual proclivities. Producers seemed to realize the Kelsey Grammar is what makes this show so he is on camera a lot and shown from an array of viewpoints. His infatuation with Sanaa Latham's character is provocative...and sad. You often veer from hating to pitying to admiring this man. I wish the other characters were as magnetic as Boss.
This still has nothing to do with the reality of chicago, its people or its politics. Throw in a little Streets and Sanitation, a little O'Hare, a little lakefront and voila! This story is really not about the city of Chicago, it's about a King who is losing his mind and trying to hide it to keep the buzzards at bay. Definitely enjoyed this season so far.