You know that cliché of a typical attention whore that requires everything for nothing just to be happy type of person. Well that’s not exactly what HBO delivered for their new upcoming series titled “High Maintenance”. Instead this past evening Wednesday the 14th of September I was fortunate enough to see the first two episodes of their new series at a prescreening presented by Flux.
Not knowing of the previous episodes that ran as shorts on Vimeo and other on-line plateaus in 10 minute increments. I had no idea going into this screening what was going to be shown to me. With that in mind I came in with an open mind. As I nestled myself next to my wife in this outdoor showing I began this viewing with all attention front and center to the screen before me. As the pictures began moving I was introduced from what I gather as the main character a pot dealer bike messenger in New York named “the Guy” played by Ben Sinclair who which at sometimes reminded me of a Tim Roth from Four Rooms bellhop type of Character crossed with Zach Galifianakis.
He is the main focus and the main character of what will be several intertwining stories of other characters that have a somewhat need, desire or addiction to that lovely weed or drug we like to call Marijuana.
Not saying that as a negative as personally I have inhaled. So not only do I enjoy weed but I am for it. That however is not my reasons for a good review as that would be bias. At any rate I’ve watched a lot of television and movies in my lifetime. Maybe too much. I would not say I am an expert by any means yet I would say I’m well diverse. So when it all comes down to this show “High Maintenance”,I enjoyed the stories in the First 2 episodes I watched. Unlike most television shows that touch base on drug dealing showing extremely glamorized money deals, seedy alley ways or comedic mishaps that are completely out of this world this series has probably one of the more realistic aspects of our current society, human nature and the life of a pot delivery man.
Whether it’s Samurai swords being swung by a Vin Diesel character or a sex app ass pounding booty call that makes you think you have just looked behind the Green Door. This series is full of cringes and laughter. That I will chalk up to HBO allowing their programs to always push the envelope with full creativity and freedom. As all previous HBO shows this seems to be something of a concrete decision. I know personally there were moments that made me personally feel uncomfortable. I don’t know if it was because I knew some of the characters portrayed in real life or if it has been because I have been in one of those situations. That however is a good sign for HBO keeping with the realism in their shows yet still delivering humor attesting to the fabulous writing.
That also is not to take aways from any of the actors. Nothing is worst than bad acting in something that requires spot on timing. Which in this show is necessary as one minute it’s high anxiety and without skipping a beat you are laughing hysterically. This is was such a great way of breaking it up what will be some controversial subjects that are guaranteed to gain buzz in the entertainment world. These subjects will hopefully open up the viewers eyes to a world that truly exist outside their own. It’s not often I’m watching a scene truly believing that the characters are who they are whether if someone who really likes to party or watching a gay sex scene really questioning wether or not if the actor is gay or if you are watching a porn. Throw in some cultural differences provided by the melting pot city of Brooklyn New York and add some group situations in with climatic outcomes that after some truth is revealed you will soon see how High Maintenance will want you to taking another hit every Friday.
Every situation “the Guy” is put in will be sure to be some form of entertainment just maybe not for the whole family. So as of right now I look forward to the rapid fire delivery of ups and downs of being a pot messenger in episode 3. So give it a try ,and check out your HBO listing for “High Maintenance” – Jeffery Page
