Starz Has a Winner with Boss

Starz new series Boss (Fridays at 10pm EST) is an impressive political drama that profiles a whole new side of Kelsey Grammer, which can be difficult to watch at times.  The pilot starts with a very bleak scene showing Grammer's character, Chicago's Mayor Tom Kane, learning about his pending death.  Think Macbeth on Lake Michigan.  From there we go back to his day-to-day activities, which includes a lot of yelling, slamming of doors, and ear twisting (and even more with ears).  I am not sure if either of Chicago's mayors, be it former Mayor Daley or current Mayor Emanuel, will find much of themselves in this character (at least I hope not).

The intro credits provide a dark entry into Chicago, showing both the well-known spots as well as lesser known underside of the city, thereby preparing you for what is to come.  In addition to Grammer, you have an aspiring politician eying the governor's mansion (played by Jeff Hephner) and a brooding trophy wife (played by Connie Nielson), who together set you up for a roller-coaster of public victories and behind the scene treachery.  However, it is Grammer that surprised me the most with his unsmiling, violent character.  His acting has a gravitas that centers the pilot while keeping you guessing about his next move (and motives).

I expect a lot of soliloquies about the role of Chicago in American history as well as American hearts, but this is something I welcome.  Chicago has been the setting of many new shows over the past few years, including The Beast, The Chicago Code, Shameless, and most recently The Playboy Club.  Of course, all of these but Shameless were either cut mid-season or lasted only one season.  Boss has already been renewed for a second season, so this show may be around for awhile. That's great for TV, but maybe not so great for Mayor Rahm.