On the heels of Tom Payne (who plays Malcolm Bright)’s rewatch of Prodigal Son due to its newfound home on Netflix, I decided to dive into a rewatch of my own. From the show’s premiere and subsequent episodes, I naturally gravitated towards the concept: an FBI-turned-NYPD profiler consulting with New York’s Major Crimes department who gains insight on these crimes by working with serial killer Martin Whitly, better known as “The Surgeon” or, in Malcolm’s case, “Dad.”
First, let’s discuss the show’s concepts and story. I’m a big fan of procedural crime shows, but I’ve never watched a show of this caliber. Malcolm Bright, played by Payne, is a consultant for the NYPD with the ability to see crimes from the killer’s perspective because he learned and divulged all things murder with his father, “The Surgeon.” The show intrigued me not only because it’s a procedural, but for its ability to tackle and address the current political climate, and also mental health – showcasing the effects of trauma on not only Malcolm, but everyone who was affected by “The Surgeon’s” antics, including Malcolm’s mom, Jessica Whitly (Bellamy Young), and sister, Ainsley Whitly (Halston Sage). The concepts of the show really allowed the audience to get inside the mind of the killers themselves, while also debating morality and the age-old question, “Are killers born or are they made?” What really intrigued me was how the show made Martin Whitly grow on you, which was brilliantly played by Michael Sheen. Dr. Whitly’s quick quips, eagerness to solve crimes alongside his son, all while he hid ulterior motives, made each week more exciting than the next as the story continued to unfold.
The cast is brilliant, and the ensemble acting is not an easy feat by any means. Malcolm Bright has an eccentric personality, to say the least, that Payne plays perfectly, and it’s beautifully complemented by Lieutenant Gil Arroyo, played by Lou Diamond Phillips. Aurora Perrineau (Detective Dani Powell), Frank Harts (Detective JT Tarmel), and Keiko Agena (Dr. Edrisa) each have their own unique and important role to play in solving crimes. Payne, Young, and Sage also have a unique family dynamic, each with their own coping mechanisms for the role “The Surgeon” played in their lives that unravels each episode. The show also featured several guest stars in its run, such as Ana Gasteyer, Alan Cummings, Dermot Mulroney, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Michael Raymond-James, to name a few. Take my word for it, you’ll want to watch these various actors add their own spin on Prodigal Son’s run.
I can’t compliment the show without complimenting the cinematography, the directing choices by each director (including the show’s very own Lou Diamond Phillips), and music (by Nathaniel Blume), which allowed the show to feel like a feature film every week. One of the many scenes that stands out for me is Season 1, Episode 4, “Designer Complicity,” where Malcolm watches his mother’s investigative tapes the night that Martin Whitly was arrested. The scene displays Malcolm’s back to the camera, almost cast as a shadow, but it switches back and forth to his reactions as he watches his mother in one of her most vulnerable moments. Then, he walks to the screen and puts his hand on it, as if to comfort his mother in such a gut-wrenching scene, masterfully played by Payne, Young, and Phillips. The scene in its entirety is one that I remember fondly, but there are many more that make the show worth watching.
Without spoiling the show too much for those who wish to take the proverbial plunge into the show, I have to say, without a doubt, that the season one finale (especially those last 5-7 minutes) was something I could have never predicted. I was utterly gobsmacked to say the least – clutching pearls and all. The show’s first season, with its 20-episode run is, in my opinion, absolutely worth it to watch those last few, heart-stopping moments of the season’s finale. Season two comes several months after the events of the finale, but not without consequences. It introduces far greater stakes for the Whitly’s than before, with more to lose. Season two complements season one with all the things we loved, but with new storylines that are sure to be gut-wrenching. If you watch the final episode of the series, you’ll catch my drift.
Unfortunately, the show was cut short, with only 13 episodes of its second season, which is why I’ve penned this Prodigal Son love letter. To the TV Gods, to the fans, to the crime enthusiasts… please give the show another chance or a first chance, even. The last episode of season two left too many things unsaid, too many storylines just itching to be told. With its new home on Netflix, it brought newfound interest in the show and allowed those who enjoyed the show to relive all their favorite moments alongside Payne, who, as mentioned before, is also rewatching the show. On Instagram, he livestreamed his rewatch of each episode every week on Mondays, 9 P.M. EST. Who knows, with all the remakes of nostalgic movies and television that allow audiences to remember the good ‘ole days these last few years, who’s to say that Prodigal Son won’t be one of them. Oh, a girl can dream.
If you’re interested, check out the trailer for Prodigal Son’s debut below. But don’t take my word for it, let the show speak for itself. Make sure to check out Nerds and Beyond for more on the show.