Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for ‘Chivalry’. It is definitely safe to say that Hollywood is at something of an incredible crossroads. After all, it is an industry in a mode of evolution thanks to the advent of streaming, and it is of course taking heat over the fact that representation isn’t a standard. Plus, it’s also facing some moral battles. Since the #MeToo movement exposed a great deal of inappropriate behavior from members of the industry, the kind where they used their standing and power to create great harm. All of which leaves us wondering if the industry will survive the onslaught of challenges, it is currently facing, and well… it undoubtedly will. Because people love Tinseltown and adore stories on the silver screen and on their television screens. Which means, that what really is going to take place is a grand fight within the hallowed halls of the studios themselves. Where a new guard eager to innovate and represent and quell old and gross habits will battle with an old guard that wants a status quo and the good days to continue until it eventually loses the battle. Since the new guard always finds its way into power. But what will those battles look like and how will they be fought? Well, it just so happens that new show on The Network looks to answer those question in Chivalry. Which is a story that introduces us to two key players in Hollywood, Bobby, and Cameron. Bobby is a red-hot director coming off of a critically acclaimed feature and Cameron, is a red-hot producer that is in dire of need of help from Bobby. For a recently deceased and equally as acclaimed director, left behind a picture in crisis. One filled to the brim with weird visuals and misogynistic themes. The kind that Bobby is tasked with cleaning up. But there are problems abound in doing so. After all, Cameron hasn’t a clue how to let go of the trash he’s helped produce on the screen and his behavior is quickly coming under scrutiny from Bobby. The kind that has crossed lines, and it will now fall to Bobby to fix everything, really, in the hopes of saving this troubled production. Which is… the perfect way to explore the battles at hand, in fact, the series wastes little time in getting down to business with that. Since its opening chapter immediately tackles the sour nature of the old guard and their desire to keep that status quo, courtesy of moments and discussions that expose Cameron’s crappy behavior. But the show does more than just slam those behaviors, it makes sure to explain WHY they are problematic and hurtful. Because not everyone out there has truly understood the issues these behaviors can cause, and that leads to some powerful and poignant moments that deeply explore the nature of this problem and perhaps how best we combat it through and through. That gives rise… to what is a whip-smart satire of the industry really. Since it also features some insider jokes and little jabs at the business as a whole, and that does mean that yes… this is a comedy at its core. Because sometimes the best way to process deep and powerful themes is to add a little laughter into the mix. Since that really does soften the blow so to speak and does help the lesson stick, and well, all of that leads to one intelligent and funny series. One that truly explores some real problems in a business that means so much to so many and offers up some simple solutions to perhaps changing hearts and minds regarding such silly behaviors, so that the industry can enjoy a more peaceful and wholesome tomorrow. Watch ‘Chivalry’ on The Network.
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