Review: The Philanthropist

Someone’s moving to 10/9c Wednesdays on NBC, and his name is Teddy Rist. He’s all about living the life that only a billionaire playboy could, until a life-altering event involving a little boy changes his entire perspective, and turns his life around. The Philanthropist tells the ongoing story of his journey through Western Africa, slogging vaccine (and his undeniably handsome face) to afflicted villages, and managing his money a little better. What brought about this change in him? A little boy, who forced him to lay aside selfishness, and who saved him while on a routine business trip to Nigeria. As we see Teddy’s metamorphosis to Mr. Altruism begin to take place, we learn that he is mourning the loss of his young son, and saving the little boy starts to fill this hole in his heart. The more he thinks about it, he despises the former life he led. Schmoozing, putting on a good face for the public, and in the words of one of the characters, “getting his hands just dirty enough to go back home and tell his American friends how meaningful his life is compared to theirs” isn’t good enough anymore for Teddy.

I’ll be the first to admit that The Philanthropist was not on my top list of shows to follow this summer, but after watching the premiere, I’m practically salivating for the next episode! James Purefoy (Rome, Vanity Fair) is brilliant in his acting and portrayal of Teddy Rist. In the first five minutes, the action and adventure of Teddy’s wild ride through the jungle (sans shoes), evading rebel gunfire and snake bites (Indiana Jones, anyone?) was what got me hooked. From there, the details of his story begin to unfold as to why he’s being shot at. Voluntarily. Without his expensive Ferragamo shoes on.

We get introduced to a few other characters pretty early on. Jesse L. Martin (Law and Order, Ally McBeal) plays Philip Maidstone, Teddy’s best friend and business partner who seems to be the less impetuous, more grounded of the two. His wife, Olivia, is played by Neve Campbell (Party of Five, Scream). We find out quickly that Teddy and Olivia had a previous relationship by watching all the sideways glances and extended hand grazes that Philip quickly dissolves. (Which to be honest with you, was a little weird for me, but you can definitely the sexual tension brewing). Once Teddy has made the decision to bring vaccines to Nigeria, he’s helped along by two other cast members who I instantly fell in love with. Lindy Booth (Wolf Creek, Dawn of the Dead) plays the adorable A.J. Butterfield, Teddy’s Director of Special Projects, which turns into her immediate departure to Nigeria to assist in Teddy’˜s philanthropic heroics. Teddy’s driver Dax Vahagn, played by Michael K. Williams (The Wire, Alias), is the halcyon guardian. He respects Teddy and his new life calling, and will stop at nothing to help him out. ( It’s always those type of people who end up having the best jokes, too! )

I want to take a minute and commend the utterly breathtaking scenery and music in The Philanthropist. The camera angles make the show so convincing, and the music puts you right in the heart of Africa. In fact, at times, I wanted to be right there with him! It is very inspiring. I implore you to watch the season premiere on June 24th, 10/9c on NBC. Oh, and then let me know when your flight leaves for Africa.