A Varied Perspective. Advance No-Spoiler Review of Graceland - "Pilot"

Air Date: Thursday, June 6, 2013, 10/9c on USA

Cumulative Rating: ★★★★★

“You know, Mike, you are now an undercover agent for the Bureau. That means from now on, your lies are your life.” – Agent Paul Briggs

The cast of Graceland: (l-r) Aaron Tveit as Mike Warren, Vanessa Ferlito as Charlie Lopez, Serinda Swan as Paige Arkin, Brandon Jay McLaren as Dale Jakes, Daniel Sunjata as Paul Briggs, Manny Montana as Johnny Tuturro — (Photo by: James Minchin III/USA Network)

Everyone here at Your Entertainment Corner (YEC) decided to take a different approach with this Advance Review of Graceland. We thought it might be fun, and informative, if each of us wrote about what we did or didn’t like about USA Network’s newest original dramatic series. So, here’s what we all have to say.

Linda Says:

What drew me to the series in the first place is that it’s based on a series of true events that took place inside a beachfront property commonly known as “Graceland.” The government seized the house in a drug raid and subsequently turned it into a residence for the top undercover agents of the DEA, FBI, and Customs. That, in itself, sets Graceland apart from most other police procedurals. Toss in a DEA agent getting shot in a gritty, realistic scene within minutes of the opening of the pilot episode, and some of my favorite actors—Daniel Sunjata (Grey’s Anatomy, Smash, Rescue Me) as Agent Paul Briggs, Jay Karnes (The Shield, Burn Notice, V) as Briggs’ boss, Gerry Silvo, and Brandon Jay McLaren (Falling Skies, The Killing) as US Customs agent Dale Jakes—and you know I’m hooked. Best of all, however, is the camaraderie between the inhabitants of Graceland, and the comedic element added to this otherwise somber and intense show. I had a small problem with how quickly newly graduated FBI agent Mike Briggs (Gossip Girl) is thrown into the fray, but based on the other elements I mentioned, I think USA Network has another solid hit on its hands.

Rating: 4 stars

Elle Says:

Daniel Sunjata (c), with co-stars Vanessa Ferlito (l) and Serinda Swan (r) at SXSW @Night in Austin, TX, Monday, March 11, 2013. Photo: Vivien Killilea/USA Network.

What I liked: The diverse cast, the original plot, and the refreshing sight of new and unfamiliar faces. I can’t express how excited I am to see such a wonderful cast of actors who aren’t all Caucasian. The chemistry among the actors is undeniable, and I can tell this cast is going to be a force in breaking out of the police procedural mold. Not only are there persons of color, but strong female leads as well in Vanessa Ferlito, who plays Charlie, and Scottie Thompson, who plays Lauren. This makes me happy. The plot is one that hasn’t been explored yet (that I know of). Undercover cops who face life and death with each case. Yes, please!

What I didn’t like: The twist thrown in at the end of the pilot is so predictable. I was anticipating something more unexpected than the formulaic “double agent” having to remain undercover even when he isn’t… undercover. But I am looking forward to how this all plays out.

Rating: 3 stars

Greg Says:

L-R: Aaron Tveit as Mike Warren, Daniel Sunjata as Paul Briggs in a scene from the Pilot.

Mike Warren, an FBI agent fresh out of the academy, having graduating at the top of his class, is destined for Washington, DC until a series of events suddenly sends him to California. There, Mike lives at a beach house that has been nicknamed “Graceland,” and he has to quickly learn how to be an undercover agent if he wants to fit in with the other inhabitants of the house.

When the commercials hyping Graceland started airing, I admit they did nothing for me. The show felt too much like the short lived 2005 series Wanted, which was about people from the DEA, US Marshals Office, LAPD, ATF, and FBI all working together out of a warehouse. I figured if you trade warehouse for beach house, and make it about the DEA, Customs, and FBI, it would be as unsuccessful as Wanted was. Boy, was I wrong.

I must admit, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the pilot of Graceland; it left me wanting to see more. What I really like is how funny it is. There’s a scene on an airplane that was a riot to watch as Mike gets busted telling his first undercover lie.

The two female characters, however, seem a little thin to me, which is odd because Greg Eastin’s (the creator) other show, “White Collar,” has very strong female characters. I’m, therefore, looking forward to seeing Serinda Swan beginning with episode two. There is also a twist that seems so obvious, I wish they had resisted using it.

Graceland is definitely worth checking out and I look forward to seeing where they take these characters.

Rating: 4 stars

Judybopp Says:

L-R: Aaron Tveit as Mike Warren, Daniel Sunjata as Paul Briggs in a scene from the Pilot.

At first viewing, I was not impressed with Graceland at all. It has potential, however, if, and that’s a big if, the writers and actors can stop showboating and actually bring credibility to this true story. Admittedly, I was bored five minutes in.

Briggs is the leading agent in the awesome beach house known as “Graceland.” He’s got a chip on his shoulder and fronts like he’s the guy with the biggest bat swinging between his legs. Granted, he’s easy on the eyes, but I didn’t buy the tough guy routine at all. It’s overdone. Sunjata is better than this. I’ve seen episodes of Law & Order: SVU and Rescue Me, so I know he’s better than what this first installment of Graceland shows us.

Charlie doesn’t seem to deal with her undercover position well. She latches onto Mike, the newbie, quite quickly, which I find incredulous. She seems more like a loner, and for her to plop down on the beach next to Mike after his first surf lesson strikes me as odd. Speaking of surf lessons, I think the writers could have saved this for later.

I can only hope the other supporting characters get some better material because their parts are forgettable. I couldn’t even remember the other chick’s name until I looked it up on IMDB. And the only thing Brandon Jay McLaren’s character, Dale Jakes, leaves is a bad taste in my mouth. I wouldn’t drink any of his juice from the top shelf, or any shelf for that matter, if someone paid me.

Rating: 2 stars

Tune in to the season premiere of Graceland, Thursday, June 6, 2013, only on USA Network.

Follow Graceland on Twitter, Facebook, and stay current with the show on its official website.