‘Ten Percent’ Recap: ‘Episode 1’ & ‘Episode 2’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Ten Percent’.
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Something that is truly fascinating about Hollywood, is that it is so popular and so beloved… that just about everyone has a rudimentary understanding of how it works. We know that actors and other talents have agents, who just so happen to deal with detailed contracts. Plus, we harbor basic knowledge about budgets and shooting schedules and how special effects work and what makes this so fascinating, is that this kind of shared knowledge really doesn’t exist for any other industry out there. Since few of us know how steel work is done, or what goes into practicing law. But it makes sense as to why we are obsessed with the details of the industry.

Because Hollywood brings us great joy and an escape from tough times and knowing a little more about it and the people that work within it, somehow brings us closer to what brings us joy. Which is also why we eat up television shows that focus on the agency world and the industry in general, to once again inch closer to the world that does so much for our mental health and well, the time has come to celebrate the wonder of Hollywood once again, by way of a brand-new series on Sundance Now. For Ten Percent is a show that focuses upon the Nightingale/Hart Agency in Great Britain and the adventures of the people that work there and that setting allows for the first two episodes of this series, to give us exactly what we want and need from a show in this vein.

For we are plunged into conversations about contracts and who is going to get what movie, and that kind of juicy stuff just immerses us in the experience, as do the incredible guest stars that pop up in these first two episodes. Because it is just amazing to see Kelly Macdonald and Helena Bonham Carter and Olivia Williams guest star and play themselves, since it adds to that insider illusion, and there is also a thrill that comes with watching some of the characters go to auditions and work the process. But while that is definitely fun and thrilling and satisfies our love of the industry, for a show such as this to be genuinely successful… it has to give the audience more than just the glamour and glitz and thankfully… it does.

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Because in between those insider moments… is some genuine humanity. Since we get to know each and every member of the team and what makes them tick, and how hard it is at times to be part of a business that rests so rarely and that is really what draws you into this tale. Because it adds realism to this show and allows for us to connect with so many of these dynamic agents and it also pulls us in, because there are some genuine surprises present in these first two episodes and some high stakes. Such as the fact that one of the firm’s founders, Richard Nightingale, dies unexpectedly. Leaving his firm lost and rattled. Which in turn forces everyone to figure out how to move forward without the heart of the company and they also have to navigate through the power of grief and loss at the same time.
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Which also leads to some powerful moments since we all know, such matters are painfully difficult to handle when the pressure is on. But this is their new normal going forward and what’s amazing… is that the wonder of this story, doesn’t end there. Because this is also a comedy at heart, and that means we are treated to some genuinely hilarious moments. The kind that allows for the guest stars to be goofy and have a little fun, and it also allows for the characters to be subjected to some genuinely quirky and hilarious and awkward moments for certain, and for proof… then look no further than the crazy twist that takes place at the end of ‘Episode 2’.

In the end however, this particular series is simply a delightful watch through and through. Largely because it offers the complete package to the audience since you’ll find drama and humor and meaning here. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it offers up a unique setting. One we haven’t seen in a while. Because it really has been a hot minute since we’ve been treated to a show that digs deep into the nature of Hollywood and its intricate dealings and well, if you get the chance, make sure you swing by Sundance Now as soon as you can to give this lovely little a show a look. Because this one really is refreshing and fun and a wonderful palate cleanser in just about every way imaginable, and it will be quite interesting to see where this magnificent show is going to take us in the weeks to come as everyone at Nightingale/Hart enters a bold new chapter in the company’s storied history. Until next time.  

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