Giancarlo Esposito is known for his role as Gus Fring on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, but he has been playing memorable characters for years. In a new AMC series, he plays the lead role of Gray Parish, a taxi company owner in New Orleans who gets caught up in a crime world to solve his financial problems. The show follows Gray as he navigates his way through dangerous situations and tries to reconnect with his family after the death of his son.
The series begins with Gray evading the police in a high-speed chase, showcasing his quick thinking and driving skills. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Gray is struggling financially and facing foreclosure on his home. When an old friend from his criminal past approaches him for help with a dangerous job, Gray reluctantly agrees in hopes of making enough money to turn his life around. However, getting involved in criminal activities puts his family at risk and threatens to drag him deeper into the underworld.
The show explores themes of loss, financial desperation, and the consequences of getting involved in criminal activities. Esposito’s performance as Gray is praised for its depth and intensity, as he portrays a character torn between his desire to provide for his family and his moral reservations about the criminal world. The supporting cast, including Paula Malcomson as Gray’s wife and Arica Himmel as his daughter, add layers to the story as they struggle to cope with their own grief and uncertainties.
While the series has a familiar premise of a “one last job” storyline, Esposito’s portrayal of Gray elevates the show from being a generic crime drama. His ability to convey emotions subtly yet powerfully adds nuance to the character and keeps viewers engaged. The dynamic between Gray and his old friend Colin, played by Skeet Ulrich, adds tension and complexity to the story as they navigate through dangerous situations and conflicting loyalties.
As the series progresses, viewers can expect to see Gray’s character development as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and tries to protect his family from the dangers of the criminal world. The show also hints at the potential for other characters, such as the crime boss Shepherd Tongai, to deepen and evolve beyond typical stereotypes. Overall, while Parish may have some generic elements, Esposito’s performance makes it worth watching for fans of crime dramas and character-driven stories.
