'Clipped' Review: NBA's biggest scandal gets the no-holds-barred treatment
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: FX, in its latest series 'Clipped', takes an ambitious approach to unpacking a multifaceted narrative about privilege, race, wealth, and fame.
The six part miniseries revisits the 2014 scandal that led to the downfall of real-estate mogul and former LA Clippers owner, Donald Sterling.
While it is the juiciest scandal in the history of NBA, creator Gina Welch is more intrigued by the aftermath.
Sidelining Donald Sterling's perspective, which anyway had no weight, 'Clipped' brings the focus on his mistress/assistant V Stiviano, estranged wife Shelly Sterling and Clippers's then-coach Doc Rivers.
FX's 'Clipped' contains convincing performances
'Clipped' stands out with strong performances and sharp dialogues, letting viewers to reflect on the social dynamics at play.
Laurence Fishburne as Doc Rivers is the highlight, who is brought in to coach the team in the 2013-2014 season and suddenly finds himself at the center of this massive scandal.
Fishburne skilfully captures Rivers's leadership qualities, while showcasing the coach's depth and resilience.
Cleopatra Coleman plays the complex character of V Stiviano. She avoids the clichéd portrayal of a vengeful gold digger. Instead, she is presented as a woman uncomfortable in her own skin who seeks something bigger but lacks a clear path.
The series treats her eccentricities with compassion while acknowledging her complex motivations.
An entire episode dedicated to flashbacks throws light on her life before meeting Sterling and how she was led onto this path.
Coleman dodges the bullet of being the ultimate antagonist as her insecurities, concern for Sterling and attempts at adoption of two boys are highlighted.
Jacki Weaver as Shelly Sterling captures the emotions of an embarrassed wife who is the only victim of the entire controversy.
Kelly AuCoin as Andy Roeser and Rich Sommer as Seth Burton are remarkable in their limited appearances.
The players of the 2014 Clippers team also have a voice in the narrative, with notable performances from Austin Scott (Blake Griffin), Charlie McElveen (JJ Redick), J Alphonse Nicholson (Chris Paul), and Sheldon Bailey (DeAndre Jordan).
'Clipped' skillfully handles themes of racism and privilege
'Clipped' is at its best when it tackles the sensitive theme of racism and the tense discussions Sterling's bigotry ignited among Doc Rivers and the Clippers players.
The series turns out to be quite engaging even for those who lack interest in the NBA as it doesn't focus on the sport but on the behind-the-scenes fallout and the lives of those involved.
The series could initially feel somewhat rough around the edges. However, the following episodes are more polished, presenting a broader discussion about racism, capitalism, and the concept of success in American society.
'Clipped' is a highly recommended show for the NBA fans, and for those who crave real-life controversial stories, this FX series might just be the perfect fit.
'Clipped' is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.
