David Oyelowo’s Charm Can’t Redeem Apple TV+’s Moldy Surrealist Dramedy ‘Government Cheese’: TV Review

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In the Apple TV+’s new dramedy series titled “Government Cheese,” we meet Hampton Chambers, portrayed by David Oyelowo. After serving time in prison, Hampton aims to reconnect with his family and introduce his latest innovation, a revolutionary self-sharpening power drill called the “Bit Magician.” Despite compelling acting, the show’s unpredictable surrealism, confusing plotlines, and mixed themes fail to captivate. Instead, it turns into an aimless portrayal of a man constantly making regrettable choices.

Originally crafted by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, the story titled “Government Cheese” unfolds within Chino State Prison in 1967. Fresh from a lengthy term in solitary confinement, Hampton finds himself urged by his cellmate Rudy (Adam Beach) to find meaning or else risk prolonging his three-year sentence for check fraud once more. Two years later, it’s evident that Hampton has taken Rudy’s words to heart. The duo engage in conversation in the machinery room on the eve of Hampton’s release. He clutches a Bible in one hand and a “Bit Magician” blueprint hidden between its pages. However, Hampton’s readjustment to society won’t be as smooth as he had anticipated.

During a conversation between Hampton and Rudy, a chain of unfortunate events triggers a violent prison uprising. Despite managing to be released on schedule, Hampton’s newfound freedom comes with an unexpected high cost. Upon returning to the Los Angeles bungalow where his wife Astoria (Simone Missick) and sons Einstein (Zane Moyer) and Harrison (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) reside, he is not met with the warm reception he anticipated. Instead, both Astoria and Harrison express open animosity towards Hampton’s return. To add to his troubles, Hampton discovers he owes money to a Canadian criminal organization and is trying to get his “Bit Magician” off the ground. In an attempt to deal with these issues, Hampton reunites with his longtime friend Bootsy (Bokeem Woodbine) in a bizarre plan to burglarize a synagogue.

A significant issue raised in “Government Cheese” revolves around the fact that Hampton is difficult to like, despite Oyelewo’s charm. Right from when he regains his freedom, he seems more focused on his next scheme, showing little concern for how his past actions – imprisonment, deceit, and theft – have led him to his present circumstances. Even as audiences hope for his success, a puzzling decision or an awkward encounter with his sons leaves us without empathy. By the end of the first episode, it’s clear that Hampton is self-centered, disregarding how his actions might severely impact or hurt his family. Essentially, Hampton is a frustrating character who seems to ruin everything he touches.

Beyond many episodes being aimless, disconnected, and lacking humor, Episode 7, titled “The Woman on the Roof,” is noteworthy. This episode deviates from Hampton’s antics and focuses instead on Astoria. In this episode, Astoria endeavors to savor a rare quiet day at home. Her plans include smoking marijuana and creating a portfolio to apply for an associate designer position at the design studio where she works as a receptionist. However, her day is repeatedly disrupted. From bothersome thoughts about a distasteful sexist coffee advertisement to Hampton’s indifferent parole officer and later a neighbor struggling with her own life, Astoria hardly experiences a moment of tranquility. Throughout the day, these diverse encounters help Astoria comprehend how insignificant she feels in her own life and what steps she needs to take to escape the cycle that Hampton has their family ensnared in. Missick’s charm on screen is captivating, and witnessing her evolve into a new version of Astoria is one of the satisfying aspects of the series.

Government Cheese” Struggles to Find Its Identity

The series “Government Cheese” boasts an impressive cast and strong performances, but its storyline and themes are disjointed and fail to cohesively develop or guide the narrative. Instead of weaving together seamlessly, the ideas seem to collide without any meaningful progression. Themes surrounding faith and religion are also underdeveloped, leaving viewers questioning their purpose within the show.

The 60s setting and aesthetic are intriguing, hinting at elements of absurdism, but the lack of historical context leaves viewers puzzled about why this era was chosen for the story. To make matters worse, the disappointing finale leaves viewers questioning whether it was worth embarking on Hampton’s journey in the first place.

The initial four installments of the series “Government Cheese” will be available on Apple TV+ starting April 16, with fresh episodes being released every Wednesday thereafter.

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2025-04-16 16:16