Government Cheese: A Review
In Apple TV+’s latest dramedy series, “Government Cheese,” viewers are introduced to Hampton Chambers, played by the talented David Oyelowo. Hampton, fresh out of prison, is on a mission to reunite with his family and launch his new invention, the “Bit Magician,” a self-sharpening power drill. While the performances are solid, the show’s erratic surrealism, confusing narrative, and jumbled themes leave much to be desired. Instead of a cohesive story, we get a meandering account of a man making one poor decision after another.
Created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, “Government Cheese” begins in Chino State Prison in 1967, where Hampton has just finished a stint in solitary confinement. Encouraged by his cellmate Rudy, played by Adam Beach, to find a purpose, Hampton emerges with a Bible in one hand and his “Bit Magician” blueprint in the other. However, his reintegration into society proves to be far from smooth.
After a series of mishaps lead to a prison riot, Hampton is released on time but not without consequences. Upon returning to his family in Los Angeles, he is met with hostility from his wife Astoria and son Harrison. Struggling to launch his invention and indebted to Canadian mobsters, Hampton teams up with his friend Bootsy in a misguided attempt to rob a synagogue.
One of the main issues with “Government Cheese” is the lack of a likable protagonist. Despite Oyelowo’s charisma, Hampton’s selfish actions and poor decisions make it hard for viewers to sympathize with him. The show’s episodes are often disjointed and lack humor, except for Episode 7, “The Woman on the Roof,” which provides a refreshing focus on Astoria’s character development.
While the cast delivers strong performances, the show struggles to find its identity. The story and themes feel disjointed, with big ideas about faith and religion falling flat. The 1960s setting adds an interesting aesthetic but lacks context. Additionally, the finale leaves much to be desired, leaving viewers questioning the journey they took with Hampton.
The first four episodes of “Government Cheese” premiere on April 16 on Apple TV+, with new episodes releasing weekly on Wednesdays.
