Political Animals (miniseries) explained

Genre:	Comedy drama
Composer:	Blake Neely
Opentheme:	"Future Starts Slow" by The Kills
Country:	United States
Language:	English
Num Episodes:	6
Network:	USA Network

Political Animals is a six-episode American comedy drama miniseries created by Greg Berlanti. The series aired in the United States on USA Network from July 15 through August 19, 2012. Sigourney Weaver portrays Elaine Barrish, a divorced former First Lady and Governor of Illinois, as well as the current Secretary of State. Weaver and the show's production team acknowledge that the lead character has some similarities to Hillary Clinton. They say that the premise of the show is "very much about all families who have been in the White House, the price they've paid for being there and the fact that those same families will often try or continue to try to get back into the White House again."^[1]

While it was speculated that the miniseries would lead into a full season, on November 2, 2012, USA Network announced their decision to stick with their initial plan of producing it as a miniseries.^[2]

Overview

Elaine Barrish's husband Bud Hammond was a popular President of the United States during the 1990s despite his extramarital affairs. After leaving the White House, Elaine Barrish was elected Governor of Illinois and ran for the Democratic nomination for President, but lost to Paul Garcetti. The night Barrish conceded the nomination, she asked her husband for a divorce. Two years later, as Garcetti's Secretary of State, Barrish deals with State Department issues while trying to keep her family together.

Cast and characters

Main cast

• Sigourney Weaver as Elaine Barrish,^[3] the recently divorced Secretary of State and former First Lady and Governor of Illinois who fights various political opponents.
• Carla Gugino as Susan Berg,^[4] a reporter who has spent much time trying to undermine Elaine, but eventually becomes an unlikely ally.
• James Wolk as Douglas Hammond,^[5] Elaine's son, Chief of Staff, and T.J.'s twin brother.
• Sebastian Stan as Thomas James "T.J." Hammond, Elaine's openly gay son, and Douglas' twin brother.
• Brittany Ishibashi as Anne Ogami,^[6] Doug's fiancée.
• Ellen Burstyn as Margaret Barrish, Elaine's mother and a former showgirl in Las Vegas.
• Ciarán Hinds as Donald "Bud" Hammond, the former President and Governor of North Carolina, and Elaine's ex-husband.

Recurring cast

• Adrian Pasdar as Paul Garcetti, the current President who defeated Elaine in the presidential primaries but later appointed her Secretary of State. He is described as "a smart man who uses every resource at his disposal to his advantage".^[7]
• Dylan Baker as Fred Collier,^[8] the two-faced Vice President and former Director of Central Intelligence who is hiding some secrets.
• Roger Bart as Barry Harris, the White House Chief of Staff and Elaine's former campaign manager for her presidential campaign.
• Dan Futterman as Alex Davies, editor of the Washington Globe and Susan Berg's former boyfriend.
• Meghann Fahy as Georgia Gibbons, an ambitious young blogger who works with Susan Berg.
• LaMonica Garrett as Agent Clark, a Diplomatic Security Service agent charged with protecting Elaine.
• Linda Powell as Pauline Samson, the National Security Advisor to the President.
• Griffin Newman as Russ, Susan's personal assistant.
• Kristine Nielsen as Alice, the White House Chief of Staff.

Guest cast

• Igor Jijikine as Viktor Porchov, the Foreign Minister of Russia.^[9]
• Vanessa Redgrave as Justice Diane Nash, first openly gay Supreme Court Justice, personal friend, and mentor of Elaine.
• Blair Brown as Mrs. Berg, a former doctor and the mother of Susan Berg.
• David Monahan as Sean Reeves, a Congressman from Ohio and T.J.'s former partner in the closet.
• Dennisha Pratt as Newsreporter, for a station covering the story.

Development and production

On January 30, 2012, USA Network announced the development of a six-hour series to focus on a former First Family.^[10] They simultaneously announced that the pilot would be written and directed by Greg Berlanti, who would executive produce the series with Laurence Mark. Sarah Caplan was later announced to be executive producing as well. Ann Roth served as Weaver's costume designer for the first episode.

James Wolk was the first actor to be cast; it was announced on February 10, 2012, that he would be portraying Douglas Hammond, the son of Elaine Barrish. Three days later, it was revealed that Brittany Ishibashi would be playing Doug's fiancée, Anne Ogami. On March 6, 2012, Sigourney Weaver was cast in the lead role of Elaine Barrish. On March 9, 2012, it was announced that Carla Gugino had joined the cast as Susan Berg, a reporter who becomes one of Elaine's closest allies. Sebastian Stan joined the series on March 15, 2012, as T. J. Hammond, the other son of Elaine Barrish, and Doug's brother.^[11] One week later, it was announced that Ciarán Hinds would play the former president and Elaine's ex-husband, Bud Hammond.^[12] By April 14, 2012, Ellen Burstyn had joined the series as Margaret Barrish, Elaine's mother and a former Vegas showgirl.^[13] On May 2, 2012, it was announced that Adrian Pasdar would appear in a recurring role in all six episodes as the current president, Paul Garcetti.^{[14] [15]} The casting of Dylan Baker in the recurring role of Vice President Fred Collier was announced on May 7, 2012.

Linda Powell, the daughter of former United States Secretary of State Colin Powell, appeared in the first episode as the national security advisor to the president.^[16] Roger Bart, Dan Futterman, and Vanessa Redgrave also made appearances in the series.^[17] David Monahan appeared in the fourth episode, while Blair Brown appeared in the fifth as Barbara Berg, the mother of Susan.^[18]

By May 2, 2012, principal photography had begun in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The theme music is "Future Starts Slow" by The Kills.

International broadcasts

The show aired on the Bravo specialty channel in Canada, with episodes playing on the same day as in the United States.^[19]

Reception

Critical reception

Political Animals received "generally favorable" reviews based on an aggregate score of 65/100 from 33 critics on Metacritic.^[20] Rob Brunner of Entertainment Weekly called the series a "well-acted, entertainingly soapy drama" that "offers a fun and credible look at the complicated intersection of love, gender, and politics."^[21] The Los Angeles Times Robert Lloyd called the series "a high-class, relatively naturalistic, behind-closed-doors soap opera that plays in fairly obvious yet also fairly affecting ways with the space between public face and private pain and is made highly watchable by an excellent cast that finds the human among the hokum."^[22] Alan Sepinwall of HitFix stated: "with a cast this good, and with so many potentially juicy conflicts already in play, I'm going to take a more optimistic point of view than Elaine Barrish might."^[23]

However, there were some detractors. Linda Stasi of the New York Post simply stated: "The actors are great, but the show isn't."^[24] The Hollywood Reporters Tim Goodman commented: "what Animals is trying to do is take The West Wing and turn it into Dallas. And if you don't like Dallas, that can be a real let down [sic]."^[25] Verne Gay of Newsday was the harshest critic, calling the series "stupendously silly," adding "it's a clanking, clattering collection of collagenous clinkers—of dialogue so inept, of acting performances so preposterous, of plot points so clichéd that the only question worth posing is why someone of Weaver's stature would be caught anywhere near a turkey like this."^[26]

Awards and nominations

Year	Award	Category	Nominee(s)	Result	Ref.
	Critics' Choice Television Awards	Most Exciting New Series			^[27]
	Satellite Awards	Best Actress in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television	Sigourney Weaver		^[28]
	Artios Awards	Outstanding Achievement in Casting – Television Movie/Mini Series	David Rubin, Diane Heery, Melissa Pryor, and Jason Loftus		^[29]
	Critics' Choice Television Awards	Best Movie/Miniseries			^[30]
		Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries	Sigourney Weaver
		Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries	Sebastian Stan
		Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries	Ellen Burstyn
	Directors Guild of America Awards	Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Miniseries			^[31]
	GLAAD Media Awards	Outstanding TV Movie or Mini-Series			^[32]
	Golden Globe Awards	Best Miniseries or Television Film			^[33]
		Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film	Sigourney Weaver
	Online Film & Television Association Awards	Best Motion Picture or Miniseries			^[34]
		Best Actress in a Motion Picture or Miniseries	Sigourney Weaver
		Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture or Miniseries	Sebastian Stan
		Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or Miniseries	Ellen Burstyn
		Best Direction of a Motion Picture or Miniseries
		Best Writing of a Motion Picture or Miniseries
		Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture or Miniseries
		Best Cinematography in a Non-Series
		Best Editing in a Non-Series
		Best Music in a Non-Series
	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Miniseries or Movie	Greg Berlanti, Laurence Mark, Sarah Caplan, and Melissa Kellner Berman		^[35]
		Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie	Sigourney Weaver
		Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie	Ellen Burstyn
	Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards	Outstanding Casting for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special	David Rubin and Diane Heery
		Outstanding Hairstyling for a Miniseries or a Movie	Mary Ann Valdes, Nancy Stimac, and Qodi Armstrong
	Screen Actors Guild Awards	Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries	Sigourney Weaver		^[36]
	Writers Guild of America Awards	Long Form – Original	Greg Berlanti		^[37]

Notes and References

1. News: Sigourney Weaver prowls U.S. political jungle . Volmers. Eric. The Vancouver Sun. July 14, 2012 . July 15, 2012 . July 16, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120716065702/http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Sigourney+Weaver+prowls+political+jungle/6934582/story.html. dead.
2. 'Political Animals': Network not going forward with more episodes . Gonzalez. Sandra. Entertainment Weekly. November 2, 2012. April 29, 2017. January 18, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170118095426/http://ew.com/article/2012/11/02/political-animals-cancelled/. live.
3. Web site: Scoop: Sigourney Weaver to Headline USA Network's Political Animals. Matt Webb. Mitovich. March 6, 2012. March 6, 2012. TV Line. August 17, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120817073219/http://tvline.com/2012/03/06/sigourney-weaver-stars-political-animals-usa-network/. live.
4. Web site: Carla Gugino Joins USA's 'Political Animals'. The Hollywood Reporter. March 9, 2012. May 3, 2012. Philiana. Ng. Lesley. Goldberg. May 2, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120502052959/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/carla-gugino-political-animals-usa-network-296639. live.
5. Web site: Jimmy Wolk To Co-Star In Greg Berlanti's USA Network Series 'Political Animals'. February 10, 2012. March 6, 2012. Nellie. Andreeva. Deadline Hollywood. February 17, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120217083428/http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/jimmy-wolk-to-co-star-in-greg-berlantis-usa-network-series-political-animals/. live.
6. Web site: TV Castings: 2 Board Kevin Williamson Pilot; 'Living Loaded' & 'Political Animals' Add 2. February 13, 2012. March 6, 2012. Nellie. Andreeva. Deadline Hollywood. February 17, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120217144239/http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/tv-castings-2-board-kevin-williamson-pilot-living-loaded-political-animals-add-2/. live.
7. Web site: "Political Animals" to Anchor USA Network Summer Lineup - Six-Hour Event Drama Premieres Sunday, July 15, at 10/9c. The Futon Critic. May 2, 2012. May 3, 2012. June 5, 2012. https://archive.today/20120605033417/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2012/05/02/political-animals-to-anchor-usa-network-summer-lineup-six-hour-event-drama-premieres-sunday-july-15-at-10-9c-31313/20120502usa01/. live.
8. Web site: Dylan Baker Joins USA's 'Political Animals'. Nellie. Andreeva. May 7, 2012. May 7, 2012. Deadline Hollywood. May 11, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120511055845/http://www.deadline.com/2012/05/dylan-baker-joins-usas-political-animals/. live.
9. Web site: Political Animals on USA and Birders. July 12, 2012. July 18, 2012. Nancy. deWolf Smith. The Wall Street Journal. March 14, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160314095300/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303919504577522470017314822. live.
10. Web site: Scoop: USA Network Greenlights Political Miniseries From Brothers & Sisters' Greg Berlanti. Michael. Ausiello. TV Line. January 30, 2012. March 6, 2012. August 16, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120816162421/http://tvline.com/2012/01/30/political-animals-usa-network-greg-berlanti/. live.
11. Web site: 'Gossip Girl's' Sebastian Stan Joins USA's 'Political Animals'. Lacey. Rose. The Hollywood Reporter. March 15, 2012. May 3, 2012. May 1, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120501064912/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gossip-girl-sebastian-stan-usa-political-animals-300666. live.
12. Web site: Ciaran Hinds Joins USA's 'Political Animals'. The Hollywood Reporter. Ng. Philiana. March 22, 2012. May 3, 2012. April 1, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120401233227/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ciaran-hinds-political-animals-usa-network-303318. live.
13. Web site: Casting News: Ellen Burstyn Joins USA's Political Animals, Parenthood Actress to Army Wives. TV Line. Vlada. Gelman. April 14, 2012. May 3, 2012. August 16, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120816234848/http://tvline.com/2012/04/14/casting-news-ellen-burstyn-joins-usas-political-animals-parenthood-actress-to-army-wives/. live.
14. Web site: 'Heroes' Star Adrian Pasdar Joins USA's 'Political Animals'. Philiana. Ng. May 2, 2012. May 3, 2012. The Hollywood Reporter. May 6, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120506164103/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/adrian-pasdar-political-animals-usa-319472. live.
15. Web site: Scoop: Adrian Pasdar Elected President on USA Network's Summer Drama Political Animals. Michael. Ausiello. May 2, 2012. May 3, 2012. TV Line. May 3, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120503131520/http://tvline.com/2012/05/02/adrian-pasdar-political-animals/. live.
16. Web site: 'Political Animals': Colin Powell's Daughter Linda To Appear Opposite Sigourney Weaver In USA Series. HuffPost TV. April 12, 2012. May 3, 2012. April 15, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120415064113/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/12/political-animals-linda-powell_n_1421500.html. live.
17. Web site: 'Political Animals' Poster: Exclusive First Look (PHOTO). Maggie. Furlong. HuffPost TV. June 18, 2012. June 20, 2012. June 20, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120620091335/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/18/political-animals-poster_n_1604375.html. live.
18. Web site: 'Political Animals' Lands 'Dexter' Actor for Guest Role (Exclusive). Philiana. Ng. Lesley. Goldberg. The Hollywood Reporter. June 21, 2012. June 22, 2012. June 23, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120623234807/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/political-animals-david-monahan-blair-brown-340716. live.
19. Web site: Political_Animals: Sigourney Weaver talks 'Political Animals' . https://archive.today/20130115112506/http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/P/Political_Animals/2012/07/13/19983781.html?cid=rssentertainment . usurped . January 15, 2013 . Bill. Harris. jam.canoe.ca . 2012-07-14. 15 July 2012.
20. Web site: Political Animals - Season 1 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More. Metacritic. 20 September 2020. 24 August 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150824231528/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/political-animals. live.
21. TV Review - Political Animals. Brunner. Rob. July 11, 2012. Entertainment Weekly. July 16, 2012. October 22, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121022151822/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20611062,00.html. live.
22. Web site: Review: 'Political Animals' is a biting family drama. Lloyd. Robert. July 13, 2012. Los Angeles Times. July 16, 2012. July 16, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120716101553/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-political-animals-sigourney-weaver-20120714,0,6416103.story. live.
23. Web site: Review: USA's 'Political Animals' takes compelling look at an alternate Clinton family. Sepinwall. Alan. July 11, 2012. HitFix. July 16, 2012. July 15, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120715013205/http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/review-usas-political-animals-takes-compelling-look-at-an-alternate-clinton-family. live.
24. Web site: Over the Hill: Laughable 'Political Animals' channels the Clintons. Stasi. Linda. July 13, 2012. New York Post. July 16, 2012. July 15, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120715233719/http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/over_the_hill_COqUVSnd6wO1kxr5pt2rfN. live.
25. Web site: Political Animals: TV Review. Goodman. Tim. July 11, 2012. The Hollywood Reporter. July 16, 2012. July 15, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120715060435/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/political-animals-tv-review-sigourney-weaver-348063. live.
26. Web site: 'Political Animals' review: Stupendously silly. Gay. Verne. July 11, 2012. Newsday. July 16, 2012. July 15, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120715225155/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/political-animals-review-stupendously-silly-1.3831561. live.
27. Web site: Critics' Choice TV Awards: 'Homeland', 'Community' & 'Sherlock' Double Winners. Deadline Hollywood. June 19, 2012. June 18, 2012.
28. Web site: 2012 Satellite Awards . . . July 10, 2021.
29. Web site: 2013 Artios Awards . November 18, 2013 . www.castingsociety.com . en.
30. Web site: Critics' Choice TV Awards: 'Game of Thrones' and 'Breaking Bad' Tie for Best Drama, 'Big Bang Theory' Wins Best Comedy . Tim . Molloy . . June 10, 2013 . June 10, 2013.
31. Web site: 65th DGA Awards . . July 5, 2021.
32. Web site: Ryan Murphy Shows Land 3 GLAAD Award Nominations . . January 16, 2013 . April 3, 2017 . April 4, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170404215512/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/ryan-murphy-scores-3-glaad-award-nominations-2013-412808?page=2 . live .
33. Web site: Political Animals – Golden Globes . . July 5, 2021 . .
34. Web site: 17th Annual TV Awards (2012-13) . Online Film & Television Association . May 15, 2021.
35. Web site: Political Animals . Emmys.com . . July 13, 2017.
36. Web site: The 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards . . May 21, 2016.
37. Web site: 'Breaking Bad' & 'Modern Family' Dominate 2013 Writers Guild Awards TV Nominations . December 6, 2012 . . Nellie Andreeva . December 6, 2012.