Parish 2024 Tv Series Review

While we may eventually tire of Giancarlo Esposito’s portrayals of cool badasses and iconic villains, his presence continues to captivate audiences. AMC’s latest crime drama, “Parish,” may not stray far from classic genre tropes, being based on the 2014 British miniseries “The Driver,” but it offers a compelling cast led by Esposito and a lived-in atmosphere that elevates it slightly above average.

Gracian “Gray” Parish, portrayed by Esposito, is a family man grappling with financial woes and personal struggles, compounded by the tragic loss of his son. When an old friend, Colin, played by Skeet Ulrich, seeks Gray’s help to settle a debt with a Zimbabwean crime lord, Gray reluctantly gets drawn back into his past life as a professional driver for criminals. What follows is a series of dangerous encounters that threaten Gray and his family’s safety.

While the plot may not break new ground, the show’s commitment to building tension and a menacing atmosphere, coupled with violence and intense action scenes, ensures an engaging viewing experience. Additionally, the portrayal of the Zimbabwean crime family adds depth and cultural richness to the narrative, offering a refreshing departure from typical crime story backgrounds.

However, “Parish” falters in its handling of Gray’s family dynamics, often veering into melodrama that feels heavy-handed and overdone. Despite this, Esposito delivers a compelling performance, supported by standout performances from Zackary Momoh and Ivan Mbakop. Yet, the series struggles to balance multiple subplots and tonal shifts within its limited runtime, resulting in an uneven narrative that fails to fully realize its ambitions.

Overall, while “Parish” may appeal to fans of the crime genre, it falls short of reaching the heights of acclaimed series like “Breaking Bad” or “Ozark.” Its limitations in character development, action sequences, and dramatic execution may leave some viewers wanting more. Nonetheless, for audiences seeking a straightforward crime drama, “Parish” offers a familiar yet entertaining option.