PEARSON: Coming to USA Network (First look and review)

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Pearson – A Spoiler Free Review

Disbarred lawyer becomes a political something?

This spinoff tackles Chicago politics in a world where it seems everyone is compromised somehow. Will the Pearson we know originally from Suits be able to navigate this “new” world?

Pearson Season 1 — Pictured: Gina Torres as Jessica Pearson — (Photo by: Scott Everett White/USA Network)

The Who

If you watched Suits, you already know Jessica Pearson (played brilliantly by Gina Torres). Instead of hot shot lawyer who could make things happen, she’s now a political “someone” – hired by the mayor to… hmm… fix things? But at what cost?

Our cunning Mayor, Bobby Novak, is played by Morgan Spector. He’s a suave deal-maker that is sometimes snarky, sometimes tough, but all-the-time playing big city mayor.

Pearson Bobby Novak — Pictured: Morgan Spector as Bobby Novak — (Photo by: Scott Everett White/USA Network)

Bethany Joy Lenz comes in as Keri Allen, a “no BS” city attorney that seems to be the Mayor’s apparent right hand. (She’s a personal favorite of mine on the show so far…)

Rounding out the cast is Simon Kassianides, Eli Goree, Isabel Arraiza, and Chantel Riley. Daniel Arkin is Showrunner and executive produces.

The What

Chicago politics is neither easy or necessarily positive. Things are tough and Pearson’s job is to assist the Mayor in “fixing” various situations – situations that are complicated, foreign to her, and conflict with her need to do the right thing while mastering the art of the win.

Relationships are strained almost across the board as Pearson’s arrival at City Hall is something many never expected. Will they all be able to work together? Will the darker side of politics change Pearson? Who really comes out on top? This show definitely highlights struggle for a lot of characters.

Pearson Review — Pictured: Eli Goree as Derrick Mayes — (Photo by: Scott Everett White/USA Network)

Initial Ratings:

So Many Shows Scoring 1-10: 7.5

High points: Our characters/actors. I really enjoy watching Pearson learn/grow/change in this new role of hers. Spector pops on screen as Mayor – and he is BELIEVABLE. The conflict (sometimes internal) with our characters is done well and keeps you in the story.

Potential low points: Sometimes people are turned off by the spinoff concept – and sometimes rightfully so. If people give this show a chance on it’s own merits, I think they’ll find its good enough to stand alone. My main concern is longevity – how long can this story continue? How many situations can these characters face – and will it ever become “too” political, driving some viewers away? Politics is a tough concept in today’s world and while some of the stories here will resemble real world politics – I hope viewers remember this IS just a TV show.

Final thoughts: I was a pretty mild mannered fan of Suits – so I wasn’t sure what to expect from Pearson, but I’m pleasantly surprised. Pearson’s “I will win no matter what” attitude is somewhat a hindrance in her new role as political fixer and it helps to bring this show to life. Fans of good drama will appreciate the characters and various storylines. It’s worth a watch.

Check out the first 5 minutes for Pearson below and watch the first episode on USA Network on July 17th!