Tuned In: Fall's standout series 'Lone Star'
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There's no better broadcast network series pilot this fall than Fox's "Lone Star," the story of a con man so aw, shucks-likeable that you can't hate him no matter how harmful his actions. Credit a strong script by series creator Kyle Killen and a layered performance by newcomer James Wolk for making "Lone Star" (9 p.m. Monday, WPGH) fall's standout series.
Mr. Wolk stars as a man leading a double life. In Midland, Texas, he's Robert Allen, a businessman selling mineral rights as investments that help keep his girlfriend's parents solvent (or so they think). In Houston, he's Bob Allen, husband of Cat Thatcher (Adrianne Palicki, "Friday Night Lights"), and son-in-law of oil company owner Clint (Jon Voight).
- When: 9 p.m. Monday, Fox.
- Starring: James Wolk, Jon Voight.
In the premiere, Clint asks Bob to come work for the company, much to the chagrin of Clint's eldest son, Trammell (Pittsburgh native Mark Deklin), the only family member who senses Bob may not be as pure as he seems. Younger Thatcher son Drew (Bryce Johnson, "Popular") is more eager to welcome Bob into the family business.
Bob's con man father, John (David Keith), is thrilled to have Bob on the inside. But Bob's not so sure; he even contemplates going straight, which results in one warped fatherly lecture.
"I've always taught you, you can play any character you want but don't play yourself," John admonishes. "That's what lets you walk away when the time is right."
Despicable Dad thinks it's time for Bob to walk away from his girlfriend in Midland but Bob is genuinely conflicted, both by the prospect of losing her and how his scam may negatively impact her parents.
There's no question that "Lone Star" is a soap opera but it's a surprisingly complex soap that revels in the characters' contradictions and especially the father-son bond between John and Bob. In the pilot's most affecting scene, Bob watches as another lousy father terrorizes his convenience store clerk son at the boy's workplace. It's a feeling of helplessness Bob knows well. Even as a grown man, he continues to allow his father to control him.
First Published September 19, 2010 12:00 am
