Dark Money: Cold, Intriguing and Interesting!!
A family try to survive after accepting a substantial pay-off to keep silent about the molestation of their son.
Dark money is a tv show that addresses a really topical issue and that gives it a much more humane appearance than most other shows out there. We however are of the opinion that the reason why the show is such a massive success is not because of the topic it addresses or the message it seeks to pass, it is rather due to its relatability. The show is easily relatable not only because it is a topic that really rears it's head of recent all over the world, but because the choice of story is one that could easily confront any person in any of their daily lives. It does not really have to do with sexual abuse or a related topic. The situation could present itself in a number of instances, and the show really takes viewers deep into the issues that may attend the choices we make.
That being said, the concept of the show even though not really new or innovative, however has its own uniqueness being the choice of story and it's pattern of narrative. In most instances the show runners choose to tell a story of legal and media battles that result from sexual abuses, however in this show, the focus is the alternative. What happens where the affected parties choose to stay Quiet and take Hush money? Does the money provide the reprieve that the victims seek or does the pursuit of closure create an ever present shadow hanging over the victims?
The plot choice derived from a very common concept created a somewhat intriguing and at some points a very intriguing narrative for the viewers. From the pilot episode it was clear that the show was going to be a stellar narrative and we are very impressed with the slow pacing adopted for the show. Not only did the slow narrative ensure that there was no dearth of ideas that keep floating through the scripts and unto the screens, we also realised that the slow pacing of the show was necessary to allow the viewers enough time to reflect on the choices made by the characters and how things could easily have been different had the choice been different. Every idea had to be passed clearly, and the script was emphatic and sometimes heavy with the idea and it achieved the desired result. There could not have been a better way to narrate the story without being emphatic on certain ideas and the viewers were easily captivated by the cold narration, the character relativity to the story and the strength of the conflict as it weighed on the minds and the conscience of both the viewers and the characters.
We cannot talk about the brilliance of the show without mentioning the Incredibly talented cast. Ceesay Babou just doesn't seem capable of putting any foot wrong currently. His delivery of the role was impeccable and a lot of fathers out there could easily relate with the choices he was faced with and the ultimate decision he made and the sacrifices he made on behalf of his family and the public's perception of his choices.
Jill Halfpenny was as invigorating on screen as she was to the life of the show. Her character had to be emotional and easily relatable especially as it regards the victim. Her outward overtures later on in the series may have come out as hypocritical, but it is one which is expected. She is a lady and she is obviously expected to be the emotional anchor that the victim has, while Ceesay had to be the family's shield. Delivery was on point on her part as well.
Olive Gray on her part was just a breath of fresh air. Her presence in the show represents the feeling of insecurity and the responsibilities expected of an older sibling. The manner in which she handled the truth was handled and scripted to perfection. It could not have been done in any other way.
Max Ficham(Isaac Mensah) like the character he portrayed in the show is a massive child talent. His delivery of the script is masterful. Every reaction to a conversation is delivered with a stroke of genius. This is a star for the future, one we really hope will be given the chance to exhibit his talents unrestrained.
Asides the script and the narration, the conflict is really interesting. It has always been that way with a show or movie where the characters are meant to grapple with the realities of their choices. In this instance, even to we the viewers, we found it hard to really envisage a different choice than the one taken by the family. The disposition of the victim to the issue of the assault really did not give the family much room to wiggle. In fact, every person that they told was a breach of the trust that Isaac reposed in them. However the moral aspect to the conflict was what brought the show home to the audience. Should the family have accepted the pay off? Was the Hush money really worth their silence? This was also the one thing that tested the limits of the bonds of family and capable of breaking it.
This show is worth the watch, the attention and every data spent. It's a big recommend from us at FCA to our readers. Due to the sensitivity of the topic and the origin of the show, there is really not much positive promotion going for it, as there are allegations that the show is being smothered just like Wandering Earth suffered at the hands of the western divide. But the choice is yours, decide for yourselves if the show is as nondescript as they say it is, or if it's a good showing.
FCA's AppR: 7.7/10
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