CBS’s latest crime-drama appears in the form of “Golden Boy,” a predictable and utterly unbelievable plot centered around underdeveloped characters. Though the program has good intentions, creator Nicholas Wootton (“NYPD Blue”) and his team will have much to accomplish if “Golden Boy” is to live out its namesake with critics.
It follows the story of fresh-faced homicide detective Walter William Clark Jr. (Theo James, “Downton Abbey”), promoted after three years on his beat and an act of heroism. His methodical, calm and perhaps burnt-out partner Don Owen (Chi McBride, “Pushing Daisies”) acts as Clark’s foil and is only two years away from retirement (he’s too old for this stuff).
Clark, who grew up stealing groceries for he and his sister to stay alive, seems eager to ride his newfound fame to the top and bust cases wide open single-handedly, using powers of deduction usually reserved for Sherlock Holmes.
However, when clashing with fellow homicide detectives Tony Arroyo (Kevin Alejandro, “True Blood”) or Deb McKenzie (Bonnie Somerville, “NYPD Blue”) or committing a little B&E, it becomes clear that Clark needs some guidance from his partner. Using a common metaphor about good and evil dogs vying for metaphysical food, Detective Owens acts as Clark’s sage-like guide and the keeper of his conscience.
The plot structures around a flash-forward/flash-backward storytelling device, where Clark—as police chief—tells his life story. “Golden Boy” centers around one basic premise: good versus evil. The dog metaphor, at least throughout the pilot, frames the show and illustrates the mental and moral work Clark will have to do before becoming a truly great homicide detective and eventually chief of police.
What sounds like a fulfilling and engaging story manifests as a convoluted and contrived pilot episode. James as the cocky-for-a-reason detective is utterly ineffective, keeping the implied dualistic nature of his character a mystery. While the audience can see the attempt to manifest the fighting dogs within him, James ends up looking erratic and uncomfortable, not easily slipping into the role of hard-core cop or the loving brother taking care of his down-on-her-luck sister.
McBride offers the only solace to viewers, though his screentime and lines are so limited it’s as if Clark is partnered with himself. Though it may seem like a blessing that this is not the typical buddy cop drama, McBride acts as more of sulking realist than an appealing character and his chemistry with James is nowhere to be found—despite the unmistakable scent of “father figure” all over him.
Choosing the 45-minute run time for the show, the pilot had ample time to create a fantastic story structure for episodes to come—which was entirely squandered. Focusing on Clark’s sister and her abusive relationship, the age-old rivalry between Arroyo and Owen, antiquated cold-cases and finally a fresh murder, the pilot of “Golden Boy” simply demands too much from viewers. It becomes more difficult by the second to keep the story straight, with only the occasional erudite mutterings of Detective Owens, the show’s only constant so far, to ground audiences as Wootton’s show jumps from plot point to plot point.
Yes, this is network television, so expectations should not be overly high. Then again, though, just because a network show doesn’t have the budget of “Mad Men” or “Game of Thrones” does not excuse this program of being little more than a dusty crime procedural—now with more flashbacks.
Perhaps, as with many shows, “Golden Boy” is simply in that phase of pilot episode awkwardness. Without a doubt, James could improve his character and develop him into more of a human being and less of a homicide-investigating demigod. Furthermore, McBride has typically had a wonderful charisma to him, which viewers can only hope appears sooner rather than later in this series.
Regardless, the flaws in the show make Wootton’s latest attempt a flop. Lack of characterization, poor storytelling and all-around laziness will ensure that this new procedural will not be the “Golden Boy” of CBS.
