On Sunday Night HBO aired Episode 1 of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty". It is listed as a "dark comedy" Here's what I thought:
First, this series is NOT for children. The second scene is of Dr Buss at the Playboy Mansion with lots of naked "bunnies"..so you know right away, this series is not for kid fans of the Lakers.
The very first scene relates to the HIV diagnosis of of Irvin "Magic" Johnson, so although it's listed as a "dark comedy" there are some very solemn moments as well.
To anyone that was a fan of the "Showtime" era of the Lakers, this will be fascinating! The first episode deals with Dr Buss' buying of the Lakers and of their first round acquisition of Johnson. It's a brash portrayal of Buss by John C Reilly who nails the look and supposed attitude of the owner of the Lakers throughout the 1980's.
Irvin Johnson is played by Quincy Isaiah and right away we see the "soft" side as well as the smiling persona of what is the other main character of the series.
The one shocking aspect is how harshly and negatively the series portrays the great Jerry West (played by Jason Clarke). Screaming and yelling and breaking golf clubs and throwing trophies through glass doors is not how most of the public probably thinks when they think of Jerry West, but that's what you get in episode one.
I'm sure Kareem Abdul Jabbar doesn't like the scene of him telling a young actor who wants a picture to "F___ Off" while taking a break from filming his famous "Murtaugh- co-pilot" scenes in the film "Airplane" either...but it is hilarious to watch.
This is a no holds barred unvarnished look at the NBA of the late 70's and 80's and anyone who is offended easily should probably go watch the other series I have reviewed ... "The Gilded Age".
This series is funny, it's dark, it's harsh, and if you want your Lakers served straight with no chaser- this will be a FUN series to watch.
For kids I say a definite NO to watching.
But for a adults I would totally recommend it based on that first episode.