The Politician

The Politician is an engaging and audacious Netflix series, first launched in 2019, that successfully merges comedy, drama, and political satire into an intriguing confluence that keeps its viewers hooked from the opening scene to the season finale.

Created by the majestic trio behind Glee and American Horror Story - Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan - The Politician catapults its viewers into the multifaceted, high-stakes world of politics, albeit delivered in a rather elegantly wrapped, high-school package. The show centres around the youthful, ambitious, and intensely driven Payton Hobart (played by the charismatic Ben Platt) who has had his eyes set on the US Presidency since the tender age of seven.

As a wealthy student from Santa Barbara, California, Payton finds himself grappling with everyday high school politics at the prestigious Saint Sebastian High School. However, his ambitions extend far beyond simply surviving the teenage struggle. The show traces his meticulous and strategic move up the power ladder, with his first step being to win the highly coveted position of Student Body President, seen by Payton as a stepping stone onto Harvard University, and ultimately, the White House.

Beyond the problematic pursuit of power, the show offers a profound and unvarnished exploration of multiple contemporary issues such as mental health, sexuality, grief, and the ethical compromises of political maneuvering. There's also a consistently present theme of the impacts and influence of wealth, privilege and entitlement on a young person's growth, ambitions, and relationships.

While the central plot orbits around Payton, the narrative weaves its magic by creating an elaborate tapestry of equally complex and compelling side characters, each bringing with them their unique dramas, ambitions, and challenges that further enhance the richness of the story.

Zoey Deutch brings a significant amount of eccentric flair to the series with her portrayal of Infinity Jackson, a seemingly sweet, innocent, and allegedly cancer-stricken schoolgirl who, due to a twist of fate, becomes entwined in Payton's ambitious march towards the Student Body President position.

Add to this theatrical mix, Gwyneth Paltrow in the role of the stylish and empathetic matriarch - Georgina Hobart, and Jessica Lange portraying Infinity's overly protective and sinister grandmother - Dusty Jackson, and you have a stellar cast ensemble that truly elevates The Politician into a must-see show.

What sets The Politician apart from many other drama-comedy series is its unique storytelling approach. Each episode turns the spotlight on one character, deep diving into their backstory, thereby humanising these individuals and creating flesh-and-blood characters that the audience can relate to and empathize with. This way, the series adds depth and nuances to each individual while keeping the central story moving at a pacey and fascinating rhythm.

The visual presentation is also an intrinsic part of the show. The Politician consistently flaunts a visual panache that displays a perfect blend of colour and style - from the immaculately designed sets to the characters' fashion-forward wardrobes, presenting an idealized world that somehow remains brilliantly relatable.

The scripts are sharply witty and laden with dark humor that continues to become more biting as the show progresses. The dialogues seldom miss the mark and are a powerful tool in the narration, bringing in the right doses of hilarity, satire, and emotional gravity.

If you’re a fan of political satire that’s layered with drama, spearheaded by great acting, backed by smart writing, and highlighted with engaging plotlines, The Politician should be right up your alley. It's a well-written, brilliantly performed and visually stunning piece of television that doesn’t shy away from exploring somewhat controversial themes. Its blend of sharp satire with more earnest moments of youthful emotion and struggle will win you over even if you're not particularly inclined towards politics.