Winning Time
“Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” on HBO and HBO Max, offers a new portrayal of the Lakers dynasty and the team’s impact on the NBA. The show is based on the book “Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s” by Jeff Pearlman.
Objective
The show is more than halfway through its first season, which has 10 episodes. It is hard to tell whether the show provides criticism or evokes nostalgia from the 1980s. The writers struggle to portray its two central and iconic characters. This includes Jerry Buss, played by John C. Reilly, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson, played by Quincy Isaiah. Both players have a lot to do with bringing the team back as interest in the NBA was waning. Both characters are portrayed as unlikeable, but a resolution may come as the show progresses.
Fourth Wall Breaks
The fourth wall breaks, as the writers try to let viewers become more sympathetic to the players. This is thanks to series producer Adam McKay as he uses these fourth wall breaks often in his series. They help to convey a lighter tone to viewers and portray several monologues characters deliver. Overall, the series has a vibrant mood, helping to raise entertainment for viewers.
Along with fourth wall breaks and character portrays, the show shoots with film stocks, making the shot grainy to resemble 1980s sports broadcasts. The cinematography helps to portray nostalgia as social commentary and drama take a back seat. The show often stretches the truth at times, but viewers need to be reminded that it is satire as much as a reenactment.
Cast
A notable advantage, the show has an incredibly stacked cast. This includes Jeanie Buss, Pat Riley, Paul Westhead, and Jack McKinney, just to name a few. This seems to be one of the better sports shows to premiere lately. It has a lot to offer for basketball fans and typical film buffs alike. Here is the trailer for “Winning Time.”