Adam Rayner
Jennifer Finnigan
Ashraf Barhom
Moran Atias
Noah Silver
Anne Winters
Salim Daw
Mehdi Dehbi
Alice Krige
Justin Kirk

Created by:
Gideon Raff

Developed by:
Howard Gordon
Craig Wright

2014-
Action, Drama, Thriller
FX
TV-MA

“Tyrant,” created by Gideon Raff (creator of the Israeli series on which Showtime’s “Homeland” is based), is a drama series that certainly contains stereotypes, but also contains a few unexpected wrinkles.

Here are some of the stereotypes (and other things you would expect from this kind of show): a violent older brother who’s the heir to a fictional Middle Eastern dictatorship, a regretful old dictator (“president”) who believes that he’s done everything for his “ungrateful” people who are deprived (according to him) only of freedom, the subjugation of women, and the “Meddling Wife” (a TV staple for any show that has an anti-hero at its center).

Here are some of the wrinkles (what you might not – again, might not – expect from this kind of show): the suggestion that the lead character, Adam Rayner’s Bassam “Barry” Al-Fayeed, has a gay son and that Barry may not be as innocent and unassuming as he seems. Futhermore, there are cross-cultural and familial dynamics on display here; that’s what creates the tension.

The first episode of “Tyrant” doesn’t have the immediate sizzle that “Homeland” has, but the ending of that episode opens the door to something potentially interesting via a revelation regarding Barry’s past. He can’t fully escape his upbringing no matter how fast he runs away.

Based solely on this episode, I expect that “Tyrant” will be a solidly done series: The pilot is well-made and has professional writing and acting. If it develops appropriately, then it could reach the level of Showtime’s “Ray Donovan.” …

After about four episodes, “Tyrant,” sadly, has plateaued. It’s good enough, but I don’t think that it will get much better. The writing just isn’t strong enough, and the acting isn’t good enough to elevate it. They’re stilted. But the look and story are strong; there’s the rub. This is a no-win situation for me; this show has just enough to keep me watching, but definitely no more than that. I guess I’ll just see how long that lasts.

“Tyrant” is a fine show for people who like international political dramas … a lot. …

Here are my final words about “Tyrant”: Nothing interesting happens, regardless of the premise; I’m never surprised or compelled. The pieces are there, but no one’s capitalizing on them. I can’t watch this anymore.

Verdict: OK

About: (Source: tyrant)

Tyrant is the story of an unassuming American family drawn into the inner workings of a turbulent Middle Eastern nation. Bassam “Barry” Al-Fayeed (Adam Rayner), the youngest son of a war-torn country’s controversial dictator, returns to his homeland after a self-imposed 20-year exile in America for his nephew’s wedding. When his father dies unexpectedly, Barry is forced back into the treacherous familial and national politics of his youth, reluctantly assuming the role of confidante and counselor to his temperamental brother Jamal (Ashraf Barhom), Abbudin’s new president. While his American wife and kids struggle to understand his reasons for staying, Barry has become a powerful force within the government, fueled by visions of bringing humanitarian freedoms to his homeland.