The timing of “The Pentaverate’s” release could not be worse: it is an overstuffed Netflix original starring an older white male movie actor that in no way justifies its price. The six-episode series features a ridiculous premise: Ken Scarborough, a Canadian local-news anchor, is dismissed for being too elderly and out of touch, which inspires him to look into a covert underground group that manipulates society in the hopes that the “big scoop” will get him his job back. The idea is ridiculous, the humour is horribly antiquated, and the strained attempts at diversity are all unnecessary (at least initially). The jokes are uncomfortable unfunny because they are so crude. Throughout general, Mike Myers is overused in the show.
It would be simple to dismiss “The Pentaverate” as an artistic failure wholly devoid of humour, yet that isn’t quite the case. Although the series is bizarre, outrageous, and undoubtedly embarrassing, there are also times when it is intelligent, charming, and sincere. When jokes do land, they are hysterically humorous, and some of the illustrations are brilliant. It’s not a programme for everyone (I’m not sure who this show was designed for, other than Myers himself, obviously), but it’s also not unwatchable either. There’s a heady mix of emotion, action, and parody. For better or worse, this seems to be a project that Myers is working on for himself that is specific to his humorous sensibilities.
Mike Myers has still got it…
Comedy series “The Pentaverate” is hosted by Myers, who portrays a variety of roles, including the protagonist character Ken Scarborough, five other Pentaverate members, conspiracy theorist Anthony, Rex Smith (an Alex Jones parody), and others. It’s a lot to manage, especially in sequences where Myers is playing alongside multiple other versions of himself. Sure, it may be charming in tiny doses, but I frequently found myself wishing Myers had another comedian to work with onscreen. It’s a risky bet that doesn’t really pay off.
Give credit where it is due: Generally speaking, Myers continues to be a skilled impressionist. I like that some of the characters have real-life parallels, even though not all of them are very well-developed. For instance, his media magnate character Bruce Baldwin is an Australian named Conrad Black. Ken Scarborough, who is obviously influenced by the actual local news anchors Myers grew up watching, is without a doubt the star, though. I can vouch for its accuracy because I frequently watched CHEX for local news in Peterborough, Ontario. Myers’ Netflix production might have just been titled “‘Anchor Man’ but small-town Canadian,” in my opinion.
For movie buffs and fans of classic comedy, there is also a tonne of history present here: Netflix’s interruptions that pay homage to vintage “Monty Python” routines; the inclusion of the “Ironside” theme song; and even a successful Shrek cameo. The reason “Austin Powers” was so great is because Myers is at his best when he has something to (lovingly) mock. The base of the Pentaverate has been set-dressed to resemble a James Bond movie from the 1960s, thus it is obvious that the comedian has drawn inspiration from his love of Man of Mystery. The costumes are outrageous and colourful. Although leaning more toward the more artificial aesthetic would have helped amp up some of the humour, there is a fantastic balance of cheap and goofy with colourful and detailed throughout.
The comedy series “The Pentaverate” had won me over by the time it reached episode 6, and I was a little sad to see it end. Here, Myers takes chances and exhibits some full-frontal male nudity. In addition, there is a genuine effort to “do better,” despite the crude comedy. There is a sense that Myers genuinely wants to promote being kind and good since the series is less sexist and more inclusive than his other major works. That is insufficient to raise the comedy. Even though there are some jokes and practical jokes in this, it’s still a good sign.
…But The Pentaverate proves he needs editing
In the end, “The Pentaverate” falters under the strain of its star performer. Myers requires an editor because, while he is hilarious and can write a brilliant, witty phrase, he also tends to recur too much to the same sections, many of which are outdated by 2022. A Sasquatch pooping is probably not funny to today’s viewers, and certainly not enough for that to be a recurring visual gag.
A scene can be ruined by a lot of the sexual wordplay and jokes that occasionally land like a cold, wet fish. One such joke involves replaying a profanity-filled exchange without the swearing, which makes the speech sound extremely sexual. Is it amusing? No, and the original version without the swearing wasn’t either. But as a joke, I thought it was a clever unique notion that, with a little more development, might have become a great part.
Really knowing what transpired behind the scenes of “The Pentaverate” is impossible. For the teleplays, Myers enlisted the help of seasoned comic writers Ed Dyson and Roger Drew, but it is uncommon for the same three persons to pen all six episodes of a comedy miniseries. There is typically a large team. Just take a look at “Russian Doll.” Yes, some of the hilarious episodes were written by Natasha Lyonne and Amy Poehler, as well as by Allison Silverman and Zakiyyah Alexander.
Netflix is now streaming “The Pentaverate.”
