Boss

Before it even crept out on More 4 we were told Boss was cancelled after two seasons, this is usually the cue for viewers to give it a miss. But on the evidence of the first episode this would be a grave error; Boss is sheer class.

Kelsey Grammer gives a barnstorming performance as Mayor of Chicago Tom Kane. But as we meet him all is not well, to say the least, a doctor coldly informs Tom he has an incurable degenerative neurological disease, then goes on to reel off all the very nasty symptomsthat await him. So we are obviously in for an exploration of power and control and the loss of it, as the disease takes hold. But the first episode was all about Tom's power and presence as he bullies, charms, and connives his way to getting what he thinks is best for Chicago. But Boss  is not just a small scale West Wing it has a much darker side. As shown in a scene where Tom is presented a gruesome gift and casually puts it in the waste disposal. Creator Farhad Safinia's script was sharp, cynical and, at times, shocking and the show moves at a great pace. 

The first episode was dominated by Kelsey Grammar, but you get the feeling, as we progress, the other characters will also have their moments in the sun. Boss may only be with us for two seasons but, while it lasts, we are in for a treat.

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