Rich Man, Poor Man - Book II

The gripping sequel to the award-winning television mini-series 'Rich Man, Poor Man' stands the test of time, and also is a stand alone representation of a well-produced piece of drama. Peter Strauss returns in fine form as Senator Rudy Jordache (the original 'Rich Man' of the title) as the story continues to chronicle his life, career and family. The story proceeds to 1968 and is transfixed to this period of time as opposed to relaying the action over a period of years as per the mini- series. The introduction of Rudy's nephew, Wesley and stepson, Billy adds a new entertaining dimension to the elements over 22 episodes. The series features some very good acting performances in support which includes Susan Blakely, Van Johnson, Ray Milland, Peter Haskell, Susan Sullivan, John Anderson and Kay Lenz. However, it is the portrayal of the psychotic 'Falconetti' by William Smith that illuminates the on- screen chills in his ongoing vendetta with anything connected with the name 'Jordache'. The young guns of the cast also shine with notable turns from Gregg Henry, James Carroll-Jordan, Penny Peyser and Kimberly Beck. The series received two Emmy-Award nominations and upon viewing the cliff-hanging courtroom scenes in Washington it's not difficult to understand why, as Rudy attempts to bring to justice the corrupt billionaire, Charles Estep; the dramatics are wonderfully executed. 'Rich Man, Poor Man - Book II' was never going to hit the heights of the classic status of the preceding mini-series, but it has achieved popular worldwide recognition as a welcome, and most enjoyable, sequel of a great story.

I saw the DVD at my local library, and recalling how I liked the show when I saw it years ago, I checked it out. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing again the first part of the series. The characters were well played, believable and interesting, as was the plot. However, the second part was a disappointment. The writing seemed stilted, focusing on prurient and unlikely sexual encounters to the detriment of continuation of the story. It seemed that the supposedly upright and principled male characters lost all self control when it came to dealing with women. They had to have 'it'. I don't watch the Soaps, but I think this segment was pretty much written with that venue in mind. Too bad.

It is very strange to see Rich Man Poor Man (book one and two) after all these years. When I was a kid, i remember enjoy both parts. But I haven't seen it since the 80s... And on a french channel TEVA, they rerun part one and two. To be honest the two parts are really different : even if we find some similar characters and apparently the same storyline, it's really not the same thing.

the first chapter is a strong and brilliant story about the fate of two brothers. The second part gives me (now) a strange feeling : the estep/falconetti storyline is strong and full of suspense. It's a kind of dram/detective/soap show, but it's really enjoying.

I think you have to appreciate it as a different thing. My wife, who is watching the show (one and two) for the first time love both parts. I have to admitt that it was very difficult test for gregg henry to act after nick nolte. But it is great. And James Caroll Jordan (playing billy abbott) is one of the few characters in the TV history who is very hard to understand. One second, cool and charming (the perfect guy), next second (traitor and a bad guy...)

Of course, Peter STRAUSS is great like the rest of the cast, except maybe Kaye LENZ (but I suspect the dubbing - her french voice- to be in charge more than the actress).

I hope americain people can soon watch the show again.

Hi there fans of Rich Man Poor Man.I managed to purchase Book 2 and I must admit that watching it, I became increasingly sadder and sadder.I felt so sorry for Rudy and his family as nothing goes their way and Estep, Falconetti and co triumph.I just couldn't watch the episodes from 17 onwards.Blows after blows, I felt so involved, it was like I took all these blows.I generally like reality to transpire in films and can't say that I am a big fan of happy endings,but what's happening here is too much.It's even darker than book 1 by comparison.I mean, Rudy is such a nice guy and despite the love of 3 special women, career and money he cuts such a lonely, dramatic figure.There seems to be So I must admit that I have only one curiosity ( I know what happens between Rudy-Falconetti at the end)does Rudy manage to get back at Estep even in a small way.Please let me know.Thanks. PS It would be such a relief to know that Estep gets some punishment that would probably give me enough courage to go thru the episodes which I couldn't previously watch thru sheer frustration. . .I was also thinking that maybe if Roots wasn't running at the same time this show would have continued.Who will ever know?

Rich Man, Poor Man, Book II is mildly interesting but not really worthy of its predecessor.

The original is a classic and truly a historic benchmark in television. It, of course benefitted from the star-making effort of Nick Nolte as Tom. It also benefitted from a great story spanning decades.

RMPM, B2 is much less compelling and is overly long though much less complex.

The cast is great though. Peter Strauss is a fine actor. I generally enjoy every he's in. Gregg Henry as Tom's son Wes ably handles the role.

Penny Peyser is great as Ramona as well.

All in all, you will probably want to watch this if you are a fan of the original miniseries. I enjoyed the follow up novel by Irwin Shaw, Beggarman, Thief more.