Political Animals (2012) User Reviews (36)

Deliciously entertaining

[norks27 · 8/10 · 22 August 2012]

In essence, I approached the show for one reason - Sigourney Weaver, but, there is so much more. For one, Ciaran Hinds has never disappointed and after a potentially flaky start which left me spinning I grew to adore the rambunctious 'Bud Hammond'. The scenes between Weaver and Hinds where joyful with some wonderful dialogue and fizzing one liners.

This is not a show which aims for gravitas or to seek out reality, this is hyper-real entertainment that strives to 'do the right thing', entertainment with a principled backbone, (provided you have a liberal sensibility). Issues are touched upon, played with, but not dissected, but you are no less satisfied. It's some kind of hybrid blend of 'Dirty Sexy Money' with elements of 'The West Wing'.

Sigourney Weaver anchors the show with a warmth and integrity that allows for the improbable plot devices to work, or, at the very least, be forgiven. The cast around her revelling in the task of matching her formidable screen presence.

There are flaws, sub plots that don't quite find there rhythm, improbable scenarios, yet I forgive these for the sheer enthusiasm on display. I usually prefer conspiracy driven TV, all earnest and hand wringing in its complexity, this, on the other hand, is a refreshing spritzer for the long hot summer. Sit back, relax, enjoy.

TJ seeks another 'fix', I for one seek another fix of Sigourney Weaver and co.

It's all in the mix?!

[Sfver · 8/10 · 16 July 2012]

Now this is how a tale should be told, (I had to double check that this was a limited series, as it seemed chock full of plot points that, although quite well paced, in lesser hands would have been dragged out for another 10 episodes).

Even though the tale starts at the end of one story then skips ahead to the second chapter of another, one doesn't get that disjointed feeling of disconnect that usually lets you know that they are hurrying you (and the story), along in order to get to the 'juicy' parts. The story throws in all the usual tropes in a political drama: sex, secrets, back room dealing, cheesy campaigning(no murder/cover-up though), but it does it all without seeming like its treading water, going through the motions, being exploitative or preaching to its audience.

In short, a well written piece of entertainment!

Why only 6 episodes?!?

[xobabygirlox-323-877985 · 8/10 · 10 April 2021]

I really wish there was more to this series! It was getting so good!

Besides watching for Sebastian Stan, I saw a few names of people I love and decided to watch it. I'm not sure why I didn't watch it when it aired but whatever.

This was definitely a good short show. I would recommend it to any Sebastian fan as long as you are an adult or mature enough because it's definitely for adults.

Great First Episode

[mlally_graves · 10/10 · 16 July 2012]

This was a great first episode of Political Animal. The characters were cut from reality although ex-husband, ex-president character (Bud Hammond) was a bit over the top. I like Ciaran Hinds but he shouldn't come off like a joke if you want us to be sympathetic. Really enjoyed Sigourney and Carla Gugino (reporter). Ellen Burstyn, as always, rings true and looks gorgeous. Looking forward to seeing how the director takes this great first step and develops it into TV mini-series history. Lots of potential here if they don't become too predictable. Sigourney Weaver always plays great strong women and I'm happy to see that continue here. The writers have also made her fallible and vulnerable with respect to her family so she escapes a one-dimensional characterization.

Stunning Sigourney!

[Rabh17 · 10/10 · 19 July 2012]

I've always had a warm spot for Sigourney Weaver. She's a forceful, powerful woman that can carry the screen center-stage without being the usual Hollywood Android Sex-Doll.

And this little Political Soapbox mini-series-- though predictable -- gives me a believable, deeply-emoted chronicle of a Political Woman. And yes, the plot-line can be described as formulaic, and the characterizations a bit over the top...but then sometimes 'Formula' Works.

And for all the people who, for some reason, are all in a snit over the 'Language'...Do you actually Believe that when Politicians are behind closed doors and under stress, do you actually BELIEVE that their speech is neatly choreographed in front of Nuns or something? I mean, I know that's what they WANT us to believe, the whole 'Family Values' thing, the 'Girl Scouts & Sugar Cookies' thing...But people-- even your Pastor or your Priest CURSE under stress. And Heck-- Politicians, ALL POLITICIANS, can talk a seaman into the gutter and Back. I know. I worked for the Mayor of New York back in the 80's. And I LEARNED how to curse fluently and at length from that man. But on Camera, he was always sugar cookies and Nicety.

Grow up and Face Reality, Please. This is an ADULT Drama, NOT the Disney Hour.

And back to Sigourney. This is a role that lets a woman radiate 'Gravitas'...and Ms. Weaver is fully 'ON'. Bravo!

This could be my new 'Kings' and 'West wing'

[blackflame-3 · 10/10 · 9 August 2012]

Completely taken by surprise with this show. I honestly loved it.

Well written, good strong characters and lots of things going on, so no chance of it becoming a bore.

The series is definitely helped by the fact they have Sigourney Weaver playing the lead character. A perfect choice if I say so myself. I reckon if they had anybody else it may not have actually worked, so excellent casting.

I love the gritty aspect to the series if I am honest. The behind the doors language gives a far more sense of reality to the real world.

Loving the plots which shall remain a mystery to those who are thinking on whether to watch the show or not, but I would say, definitely watch it.

I hope the series does not get cancelled, I am left stunned by the US cable channels pulling the plug on many series and yet, the trash remains. Very puzzling.

Great casting, great show. If you liked West Wing you should like this.

Sogorny Weaver is a Treasure

[NanoFrog · 8/10 · 30 July 2012]

Yes. Sigourney Weaver is a treasure. It is great to see her on the TV in this series, and she is perfectly cast. The writing coupled with her great spirit allows the artistic medium to look at political issues, in particular, issues affecting women, with an eye that is impossible via the MSM. The one problem I have is seeing reporters like Andrea Mitchell appearing "as themselves" in a fictional story. I believe Ms. Mitchell lowers, perhaps even destroys her credibility by showing up in a drama like this. It is a very distasteful trend in films these days, and I would point the finger of shame at any modern journalist who does this. I am also not at all a fan of the blow hard actor, Ciarán Hinds, but considering the intent of the show, I can get used to it. Perhaps his objectionable is why they cast him. It is great to have an actor of Ms. Weaver's stature in a drama like this. She can lend her formidable presence and integrity to the issues explored by the writers. The rest of the cast is quite god. The producers set up a formidable and interesting family, encompassing most of the red hot issues of our times.

Hammond Family values

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 22 July 2012]

Political Animals which is a slightly worn valentine to the Clintons and their lives and times in the White House. It's almost a plea for Hillary Clinton to get back into electoral politics in 2016. No doubt that times were better then and despite the apoplectic fulminations of the religious right we enjoyed Clinton and his escapades in the White House. It would have been better even had we given a Democratic Congress to work in all eight years.

Sigourney Weaver plays Elaine Barish formerly Hammond, former first lady and now Secretary of State to President Adrian Pasdar who beat her out in her try to be the first female president. Cannot get closer than that. Her lying, cheating, former president husband is Ciaran Hands who in his performance lets you know why Bill Clinton was called 'Slick Willie' in his youth.

They have two sons, steady and reliable James Wolk who is his mother's right hand while keeping on decent relations with his father, not easy, he might have the diplomatic skills to be the Secretary of State. Then there's Sebastian Stan who is the best one in the series. In fact I believe he's one of the best young players around, something I've believed since I saw him guest star in a Law And Order episode several years earlier. He plays the gay second son and the pressure of being the first openly gay child in the White House was too much for him. He's a drug addict and a screw-up and causing one major distraction while Weaver and Hands as the presidential envoy are trying to deal with another hostage crisis in Iran.

The whole series is narrated and seen through the eyes of Carla Gugino who is a news reporter who got some forced insights into the Hammond family covering up a story about Stan's suicide which got out anyway.

This mini-series is interesting and no doubt topical. You'll want to see the next episodes as much as I do.

Over The Top Goodness

[apples_rule_93 · 8/10 · 12 August 2012]

This is one of those shows that is great for the whole ensemble. It would suck without the people that are in it. Everyone does a great job for the role they have. It has apparently gotten so-so reviews, and I am not sure why. Yes, it's over-the-top, but what isn't? And that doesn't mean it is bad. It is crazy in a great way. Every character has his/her hangups. As with all TV shows, it shows everything that has happened/can go wrong, and makes it seem real. This show feels real. Maybe I am biased - I would vote for Elaine. I am sure that the creators knew that, because Secretary Clinton (inspiration for the show) is a lot like Elaine. I think that, because it is a mini-series, people are so harsh on it. It would do great as a full- series because it would give time to focus on what needs to be focused on. But hey, I love it and I think everyone will.

Good start

[skc1957 · 7/10 · 19 July 2012]

Let's see what happened with this one -- a good start for a strong female lead. Sigourney Weaver is a great choice for the lead. Plays to some stereotypes but otherwise is a good addition to the line-up. Kieran is a good choice for the Bill Clintonesque former husband of the president. Any comparisons to Hillary Clinton is intentional, but what's wrong with that? Taking a real-life figure and creating a character for entertainment is a long-accepted trope. Ellen Burstyn is a great choice, too. Keep your eye on this one. If you let the characters develop beyond their stereotypes, you may actually enjoy the series.

White House or bust!

[hittocere · 8/10 · 16 July 2012]

Political Animals is a political drama based around a family that has been in the White House and a former first lady that wants to take the seat of Commander in Chief for herself. It is an easy series to follow, holds the audience's attention well, and it is full of characters that you'll want to either want to love, hate, or just plain slap.

If you ask my honest opinion of a summary for the series based off the first episode, its like watching a brilliant rendition of what it would have been like watching Secretary of State/Former First Lady Hilary Clinton run for the office of President of the United States from behind the scenes. Family scandals, adultery, nosy journalists, and backstabbing/lying politicians.

Great show, and waiting impatiently for a second episode. Great moments like the scene below. (not word for word, but you'll get the picture...)

"I didn't read your columns, but I did read your book. It was good by the way," Elaine. "...No one read my book." Female Journalist following Elaine "It may have had something to do with the title. Us Bi---es don't like to be called bi---es," Elaine with a knowing smile.

Pretty good but needed more episodes

[ldmarrian · 7/10 · 9 June 2019]

If you are looking for a quick political show to binge in a post-House of Cards world, Political Animals is honestly not a bad choice.The show mostly succeeds in combining the intrigue and melodrama of politics on the Hill with a relatively honest look at the intricacies of marriage and family.

Notably, Sigourney Weaver is able to fantastically channel an ambitious yet compassionate female lead, with a level of intellect and raw power that only she can really pull off. Importantly, the show cleverly dealt with issues such as the need for morally strong leadership, the hardships of women in power and homophobic attitudes which perhaps makes the show more relevant today, than it was in 2012. Unfortunately, the show did suffer from some soap opera like plot lines that lacked any real dept or at worst made no sense in the context of plot. However, the shows worst sin was the simple fact that it never gave you a complete story and felt as if it ended right in the middle of a season. In particular, the last episode which is full of some insane "jump the shark" like moments fails dismally at stringing together some key plot points.

Nonetheless, it was worth the watch and it managed to satisfy my cravings for an entertaining political drama. I only wish there were more of it.

"Political Animals" goes over the top and then some...

[chuck-reilly · 5/10 · 16 July 2012]

"Political Animals" is a thinly disguised and badly written drama about the Clintons (but with more maladjusted children). Sigourney Weaver plays the Hillary Clinton part as a stand-up honest states-person, so one could immediately surmise that reality is completely thrown out the window. The best thing that can be said is that old Sigourney is much better looking than poor Hillary could ever hope to be...and she's a lot taller. The actor (his name escapes me) who plays her ex-husband and ex-president (Bud Hammond) is so over the top as a drooling predatory womanizer, that he's reduced Bill Clinton to the level of a caricature. As bad as Slick Willie was, he could've never been as salacious as this clown. Carla Gugino is around as a reporter who's only interested in the most intimate details about the former first family. She'll do just about anything for an inside scoop, and her character is about as sympathetic as an understudy for Joseph Goebbels. Luckily for viewers, Ellen Burstyn is in the cast as Sigourney's mother. She looks like a million bucks and her dialog is snappy and delivered with conviction. She must've had it stipulated in her contract to be able to recite intelligent lines, because she's the only one on this show who does. Ms. Weaver tries valiantly to do something with her part, but it just doesn't ring true. She almost seems like she's ready to break out laughing at any moment. As for the rest of the story,there are profanities galore from this dysfunctional family and the requisite gay love scene for those interested in that sort of thing. Halfway through the program, one of Ms. Weaver's exasperated staff members mutters, "If people only knew how bad we're running this government..." The same could be said for this entire production. Or to paraphrase the real Bill Clinton, "It's the writing, stupid!"

Too Close to the Clintons

[jf-39385 · 10/10 · 28 June 2017]

This show hit too close to home for the Clintons so it was pulled off the air. The former president was obviously based on Bill Clinton and the Sec State was obviously based on Hillary Clinton except that Signorney Weaver's character was much better than what we got in real life.

So far so good

[phd_travel · 8/10 · 3 August 2012]

A lot of things going on in this story based primarily on Hilary Clinton. They throw in so many issues from the token gay relationship to eating disorders. It's entertaining at least. There are some things taken directly from Hilary's life eg the Lewinsky scandal.

Sigourney is the best part of the show. Her intelligent look is more appropriate than Geena Davis in Commander in Chief. That show took itself a bit too seriously.

A few casting issues. Cirian Hinds is too frightening looking to be the ex President. He is more of a character actor for the villain or some Gothic character. Other cast members are good. Carla is quite well cast as the reporter. The story lines for her sons James and Sebastian seem a bit contrived.

Overall pretty good hope it succeeds.

Politics - maybe. Respect for viewers and language - no

[texaggie71 · 17 July 2012]

At one point Sigourney Weaver's character tells another, "The American people aren't idiots." From what I observed in the opening episode of this miniseries, its creators and "writers" must believe otherwise. There is absolutely no valid reason for such vile language or explicit depictions of drug use and sex. While the actors seem to be giving it their best efforts, and the sets and production values are top-notch, there were almost no scenes that didn't beg unfortunate comparisons to "West Wing" or the movies "Dave" (which also co-starred Ms. Weaver as a disillusioned former first lady) or "American President." On the whole, I couldn't help but find it very disappointing.

Politics, media and family affairs - the show, that has it all...

[MrVanDexter · 8/10 · 18 July 2012]

"Political Animals" is a show about the connection of politics, media and family affairs. I enjoyed the pilot and can't hardly wait to see the next episode. Although the story was a bit predictable, the acting, the dialog and the settings were great. I especially loved the funny lines of Ellen Burstyn as the Ex-Presidents mom and the plot of Sebastian Stan as the troubled gay son. What a rich leading part for the talented Sigourney Weaver, still looking stunning at the age of 62. She is the woman America should vote for: smart, brave and honest. Conclusion: It's a prime time soap at its best. *** "Never call a bitch a bitch, us bitches hate that."

LUV TV show Political Animals

[pathwayterri-425-367198 · 10/10 · 16 July 2012]

LUV the TV show Political Animals. This is Reality in Stride. It was very entertaining, intellectual, and realistically funny. I'm looking forward to more episodes, series, etc. The music and songs were extremely good. This show is spot on with real personalities. I really was impressed by the Great Acting. The facial expressions were so real life, these actors are living the part. I like the way the story gets to the point and moves forward. The changes in location and scenery as the story moved forward really helped the show to be seen in a realistic and entertaining view. The music and songs were absolutely spectacular. This is a really good show and I have recommended it.

Had great potential

[Javagal1978-728-345470 · 7/10 · 25 July 2016]

I didn't hate this, but I didn't love it either. It had great potential if it was picked up for more seasons, but the first season just didn't cut it. Good acting and good performances. Sebastian Stan is playing his usual role of bad, brooding, woe is me addict, ashamed of who he is and feeling pity for himself and honestly, that's why I watch his movies. It's completely adorable and sexy and if he played other characters, I doubt I would like him as much. Sigourney Weaver is amazing as always. It's interesting to get a glimpse into political life though this show and I think it would have been good if allowed to continue.

I feel like I was sitting in the movie theater and watched this

[morris-designer · 10/10 · 19 July 2012]

This is such a good show that I enjoyed so much that I can not wait for the 2nd episode. It has the climax and the well organized plot for a political drama (esp on TV for a single episode ), it boiled my blood when I was watching it in certain plots, so that I give it a 10 star rating.

All the casts here are well known and famous ( mostly I would say they are movie stars, the major casts ) with professional acting skills and expertness. It is much better than West Wing. Although this is a political fiction, it also somehow reflects some reality in it....very exciting to watch!

Good but why!?

[sunex1 · 7/10 · 19 July 2012]

Okay, starting by saying, its fun, with good acting and I love Weaver since forever ...but...

WHY!? We have been treated to an endless batch of "Democrats are great and wonderful and have problems like everyone else but intend to make the world a better place if just allowed too".

I was raised by liberal democrats, I know them. I'm self employed and have a boatload of Republican friends and family, I know them too.

How about we do something crazy. How about we have republicans that care about Americas, care about their families, and have to do swarmy stuff to get elected, that they really didn't wish they had to to, but do anyway because the other party forces into the horrible position.

Just Say'n

Quality show

[getitartist · 10/10 · 9 October 2021]

As per usual USA has a fabulous show that ends up with out a second season. Seems all the great shows get canceled. Why?

Many strong characters, story not so much

[wcmb · 5/10 · 9 February 2014]

There are great roles here, Sigourney Weaver, Ellen Burstyn and Ciarán Hinds are excellent, but the plots are pretty far-fetched. These people behave naively and stupidly for having been involved in politics as long as they are supposed to have been. Ellen Burstyn won a well deserved award for her role. She has a lot of fun with it. Sigourney Weaver's character struggles with being both a politician and a mom which is a nice perspective and different from other political shows. There are no other shows that have a woman in such a strong role. Initially you'll think this is a veiled portrayal of Hilary Clinton, but only some of it. It easily deviates to other courses. However, the plot arcs are weak and predictable. "House of Cards" is more believable.

Entertaining and intelligent

[xyz-george1 · 10 September 2012]

Most of the time I dismiss politicians as heartless opportunists. I understand that this series does not give the whole story, but it does allow some insight why they do what they do and it may not all be sinister. Sigourney is excellent. A hard "bitch" with a brain, integrity and a heart made of glass.Her husband, the president is the real "bitch", but being a male he bathes in respect and popularity. Sounds like real life :) The two sons are hot, smart and over privileged. Tough love is one of the hardest things to do for a parent, something that Sigourney's character has yet to master. This is an excellent series reflecting, power, love, disappointment, family and personal challenges staged in the most prestigious address in the USA, perhaps the world.

Not the Clinton story

[sly_extrem · 10/10 · 30 April 2021]

Very nice and captivating series. I love the way they describe the live of a state secretary with all the ups and downs.