'The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey' Episode 1 and 2 Review: Samuel L Jackson is spellbinding
Spoilers for 'The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey' Episode 1 'Reggie'and Episode 2 'Robyn'
One of the most highly anticipated series of the year finally dropped and fans can tune into Apple TV+'S newest drama 'The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey', which follows a stunning tale of rediscovery
'The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey' is based on the 2010 novel of the same name by author Walter Mosley and follows the story of Ptolemy Grey, a man suffering from dementia who gains the chance to get back his memories, leading to a journey to unearth old mysteries and find the killer of his great-nephew. Starring the incredible Samuel L Jackson, the Apple TV+ series showed great promise, so read on to know our thought on the premiere episodes.
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The series begins with a steely Ptolemy (Samuel L Jackson) recording a voice message for Robyn (Dominique Fishback) apologizing for what's about to happen as he grips a revolver saying that someone has to pay for what happened. The story then skips back 2 months back to the time he was extremely senile with his dementia progressing alarmingly fast. Reggie (Omar Benson Miller) his great-nephew is the only one that cares for him as the old man slowly slips away. But a chance to regain his memories kickstarts a quest to find answers lost to memory.
If we had to describe Samuel L Jackson's performance in one word, it's spellbinding. From a disheveled, extremely lost, and confused man who will frustrate and care softly at the same time, Jackson is amazing. His performance as Ptolemy is extremely nuanced and you can feel every emotion he expresses. Right from his affectionate words, jovial comments to heartbreaking sobs upon finding out about Reggie's death and the clarity he expresses upon his memories returning, Jackson truly proves his caliber. Dominique Fishback who plays Robyn, the tough yet kind teenager who cares for Ptolemy has great chemistry with Jackson and their developing familial relationship is real yet endearing. The visuals add to the story and bring to life the time and place that these characters live in beautifully along with a soundscore that pairs well.
Jackson's transformation is stunning and he is unrecognizable as the senile man who clings on to his memory so hard. The depiction of his demented state is directed extremely well as he slips in and out of the past and present, muddling up faces at the same time. A gripping enterprise with noteworthy acting, the Apple TV+ show is a winner and a must-watch. This could very well be one of the best or even the best performance by Jackson yet and should not be missed out on.
The first two episodes of 'The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey' are out on Apple TV+, with new episodes to follow weekly.