'The Last Dance' Episode 1 Review: ESPN docuseries celebrates Michael Jordan and his fellow Chicago Bulls GOATs
The first hint of 'The Last Dance' set to go down as one of the finest docuseries comes in when David Bowie's "Let's Dance" plays in the background, while Chicago Bulls' star players Michael Jordan, Scott Pippen and Dennis Rodman are seen slam-dunking their opponents with that sort of confidence that you would find in a team that's got nothing to lose.
And best of all they made it look easy. Jordan with those well-chiseled delts, his eyes a picture of focus; Pippen, with the towering frame and steely gaze; Rockstar Rodman with the colored hair and shield-like defense. It's just hard to put those emotions in words. But they did what they did best. Win.
This isn't a documentary just about Jordan and his on-court exploits. This isn't about the greatness of the legend to have ever played the sport, and this definitely isn't a rag-to-riches story, at least not in entirety. This was about a team that slammed in wins consistently that by the end of the '97 season, they were the GOATS. And it sets the tone by asking the one question, the one that matters, right at the start: "Will they come back as the best team in the NBA in the upcoming season?"
The 10-part docuseries is more than the collection of rare footage and Jordan's recount of an eventful season. It operates in two phases — One that sees the players' early years and the other about the massive impact of the support staff on the players and the NBAverse as a whole. There's some information on drafting Bulls #1 and #2, Jordan and Pippen.
Coupled with this is the introduction of general manager Jerry Klause and head coach Phil Jackson. And there's enough spotlight on Krause and Jackson. Jackson was the man responsible for Bulls' success. He orchestrated the entire play on the sidelines and in return, he had the loyalty, respect, and love of the players. Especially, Jordan's. The juxtaposed narrative of the pilot episode showcases the chinks in the Bulls armor in the form of the Krause-Jackson strained relationship. And those who followed the sport since back in the day know of Krause's vocal exploits. Among the many things he said to the press, the grooming of Tim Floyd, Jackson's successor, and his relationship with Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf serves as some of the key highlights.
Krause's "little man problem" was on full display. To some journos who're part of the docuseries, Krause was the nicest, kindest bloke, but he just couldn't handle hate. Such was the ill-timed decisions that he was subject to comments by Jordan and Pippen, the latter mostly.
Jordan's formative years where he played for the University of North Carolina comes in as part of the storyline and also provides a first-hand look at his psyche. Jordan's mindset of never giving up, never backing down, never shying away from a challenge may fall under the conventional success story, but as much as an old-fashioned notion it is, it worked for the shooting guard. The best moment is when Jordan the sensation was dubbed "Bigger than the Pope" ahead of their exhibition match in Paris, days before the start of the '98 season.
Jordan in his prime was a man who didn't mince words. It doesn't change when he sits wearing squeaky clean white Jordan sneakers and a cigar in a hand reliving the season that changed their lives. Director Jason Hehir's constant juggling of the narrative serves well as the audience can seamlessly connect the dots of the past and the way it's shaped the future of some of the legends in the Bulls camp.
'The Last Dance' was a name conjured by Jackson when he spoke to the team ahead of the '98 season, one that would mark an end of his journey with an all-star team brimming with self-confidence and extraordinary abilities. And it is just as fitting that Hehir used that phrase to describe the one final performance this team had to give and the story behind it.
'The Last Dance' airs Sundays 9 pm ET on ESPN. It is also available for streaming on Netflix for countries outside the US.