by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Courtesy of HBO
On the brink of what? That’s the question that overshadows HBO’S new aptly named comedy series The Brink. The show, a farce about US diplomacy and political relations, doesn’t even attempt to steer clear of controversy. An early screening of the first 2 episodes, co-hosted by Funny or Die at The Beacon Bar and Grill in Washington, D.C., reveals a bumbling diplomat portrayed by Jack Black causing political upheaval in Pakistan amid a political takeover all the while attempting to cozy up to a drunken, womanizing Secretary of State, played by Tim Robbins.
Photo credit: Merie W. Wallace, HBO
“The new half-hour dark comedy series focuses on a geopolitical crisis and its effect on three disparate and desperate men: Walter Larson (played by Tim Robbins), the US Secretary of State; Alex Talbot (Jack Black), a lowly Foreign Service officer; and Zeke Tilson (Pablo Schreiber), an ace Navy fighter pilot. These three compromised souls must pull through the chaos around them to save the planet from World War Three. The show also features Aasif Mandvi, Maribeth Monroe, Carla Gugino and Eric Ladin. The series is created by Roberto Benabib, with Kim Benabib. It is executive produced by Jerry Weintraub, Jay Roach and Roberto Benabib, with Kim Benabib as co-executive producer. Jay Roach directed the series pilot. In addition to starring, Jack Black and Tim Robbins also serve as producers, and Aasif Mandvi as co-producer.” Production.
The Brink is sure to cause a few stirs and pull a few second glances as it exploits stereotypes, embraces raunch and celebrates profanity, all in the name of a laugh.
HBO is no stranger to making mockery of US political relations. The popular show VEEP recently wrapped another season. Stay tuned for all the antics to come and take a look at what to expect on The Brink.
Season 1 – Invitation to the Set:
