“The Politician”

Created by: Ryan Murphy

Rated: TV MA

Runtime: 2 seasons

Alas, the second season of “The Politician” from television mastermind, Ryan Murphy, is available to binge-watch on Netflix. For those who have not seen the series, it stars Ben Platt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lucy Boynton, Bob Balaban and Zoey Deutch, with season two bringing even more big names into mix such as Jessica Lange and Bette Midler. The show is a political satire about an ambitious young man named Payton Hobart (Ben Platt) who dreams of becoming the world’s greatest politician. The first season takes place during his high school years, as he runs against one of the most popular girls in school for class president. The second season takes place later in New York City, as Peyton runs for state senate. Of course, with all politics, there is always a scandal, and this show has many — especially with season two.

Ryan Murphy is arguably known as the greatest, Emmy-winning television writer, director and producer of the decade, since he is the creator of “Glee,” “American Horror Story,” “Scream Queens,” and “Pose” to name just a few. He is known for mixing dark humor, drama and horror with edgy narratives that stand out from other network and digital television series. Anyone who has seen “The Politician” can probably agree that this show is very eclectic, but also very addicting with its crazy storyline. Nonetheless, it is kind of a ridiculous narrative, but at the end of day, all politically charged narratives have become a bit ridiculous, and Murphy does a great job of calling them out in a very sly way.

Now, the second season of “The Politician” is a little bit messier than the first season, but in my opinion, it is more entertaining. I use the word “messy” because there are a few loose plot holes that we never get to see filled in, but I refuse to spoil anything for viewers reading this. But, it is more entertaining because it takes place in a bustling New York City, which gives Murphy a chance to display some iconic fashion looks and a more eccentric aesthetic. The second reason it is more entertaining falls within the performance of Bette Midler. I mean, thank goodness for Bette Midler. She saves this season from plummeting. Not only is her character wildly mischievous, but she is genuinely hilarious, resulting in her character becoming a new fan favorite. I always say that casting is key in any successful film or television show and I have to admit that I would have never thought that Midler would have fit into a show like this one, but Murphy has made it work perfectly. Murphy’s other favorite to cast in nearly everything, Jessica Lange, gives quite a fantastic performance too, as the politician running against Payton for state senate.

All in all, the second season of “The Politician” has quite a bit to offer, if you can look past a few of the minor teleplay/narrative flaws. The coolest thing about this show is that you will more than likely dislike all of the sneaky characters, which results in you falling in love with each and every one of them anyway. If you have never seen this show, now is a great time to watch it, for both seasons only have less than 10 episodes, and it is a quick binge. I mean, what else do we have to do this summer? Last I checked, nothing. I give the second season a 7.5 out 10 for entertainment value.