A Review of ‘The Green Veil’ on The Network

Written by John Edward Betancourt

John Leguizamo as Gordon Rogers in ‘The Green Veil’. (Photo Courtesy of The Network.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for ‘The Green Veil’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that American culture is obsessed with Americana, and it does make sense as to why. After all, post-World War II America was a prosperous time. Courtesy of a booming economy, one that created the middle class and seemingly the perfect society. Wherein flawless nuclear families gathered round the dinner table in suburbia a la the Norman Rockwell painting that appeared in the Saturday Night Post. All of which spoke to an amazing era in our history. One filled with peace, equality, and emotional prosperity. But therein lie the problem with our love affair with Americana, in that. It accomplished none of those things.

For in reality that era was not as magical as so many believe. For it was a time of inequality, where BIPOC individuals didn’t get to enjoy the freedoms that all Americans deserve, regardless of the color of one’s skin. Not to mention, gender and orientation oppression was a problem then as well. Since bias and prejudice was present against LGBTQIA+ individuals and women… were property in many ways. Not to mention, toxic masculinity ran rampant during this time and set the stage for decades of generational trauma, because Americana was a dream that never came to life but so many of a prior generation hide behind its promise, to ignore their issues and their toxic contributions to the world.

In fact, the conflicted nature of this era is so problematic that we barely talk about it now, at a time when we can easily reflect upon its impact on American society. But thankfully, the conversations are starting to happen, in creative ways to make the subject matter palatable and help the lessons to stick, as evidenced by a brand-new show from the streaming service, The Network. For The Green Veil is a story that plunges us back into that era to meet the Rogers family. Who on the surface, appear to be that perfect slice of Americana. Since the family is composed of hardworking FBI agent, Gordon Rogers and his lovely wife Mabel, and their adopted daughter, Abigail… but there is so much more to this family, so much that is dark in nature.

For Gordon is a prototypical Americana man, and has no problem imparting psychological abuse upon his adopted daughter and wife, to the point where attempts to deflect his seething anger and dark expectations of the perfect family are met with even more severe abuse and it’s quickly obvious when one watches this show that everyone in this family… is miserable and broken and do not know how to handle this life and well, there is little they can do. For the era is the era and this is how it was and that leads to a harrowing journey through the underbelly of Americana. One from which it feels there is no escape. Which at first glance does not seem to bring about a creative/impactful way in which to explore this, since we are in the thick of it.

But therein lies the brilliance of this story, since writer/director Aram Rappaport has set this story, amid the backdrop of alien abductions and shady racist dealings involving the kidnapping of indigenous children. All of which gives us more to focus on, more to chew upon, and more that reflects the wild nature of the era… so we can better absorb what that era of American history was actually like, and that brings about… a fascinating series. One that draws you in with its unique concepts and examinations and also… engages the viewer courtesy of amazing performances. With John Leguizamo (Gordon) leading the charge, since he exudes the ugly of the era with a frightening honesty, but that is of course… necessary. For this really is a series that is eager to point out this side of history, so we can address its lasting impact so perhaps… we can build a better future and a better nation.

Watch ‘The Green Veil’ on The Network.

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