Tyrant: The Complete First Season

DRAMA IN THE RULING FAMILY OF FICTIONAL ABBUDIN -- REVIEW INCLUDES BRIEF GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT AND A WORD ABOUT PROFESSIONAL CRITICSThis taut and intelligent political thriller, set in a fictitious Middle Eastern country, is an engrossing work of television writing. It's not just a political thriller, but has that spy element, family loyalty (and rivalry) with a hint of Godfather movies past, Middle Eastern exoticism, glamorous eastern lifestyle for the wealthy, struggle for a voice among the poor, and a lot of cultural/architectural eye candy in the sets depicting a royal life style in the ruling elite. It's reasonably authentic for a fictional show and quite authentic in feel.THE PLOT: Bassam Al Fayeed is the youngest son of the tyrant ruler in fictitious Abbudin, Middle East. His father was famous in particular for brutally putting down a local uprising to maintain his political dynasty. Bassam fled the country and his father's legacy while very young, becoming a pediatrician in America and raising a very middle class American family. After 20 years of exile, Bassam returns to see his parents and brother, bringing his own family in tow. His American family is stunned by the true extent of bassam's royalty in his own country. Some are intoxicated by it, others are more cautious. None of them understand the full scope of the danger and power that are at stake. Bassam's quick trip turns into an extended stay when his father passes away. His unstable and brutal brother Jamal is the heir, but Bassam quickly finds his brother needs support and advice to avoid catastrophe as the lower classes assert themselves in an Arab Spring type movement. Bassam believes in democracy and tries to guide his brother in the direction of free elections and transition to new government. However, a powerful general and Jamal's capable wife are of a completely different mind. They feel the country has to have strong rule. The CIA has a presence and interest in how things play out as well. Though the twists and turns are somewhat transparent when they develop, the show is not supposed to take you too much by surprise. It's more about the process and the character metamorphosis. Many members of the family will play different rolls. As time goes on, we see who has the real talent for tyranny and who doesn't have the stomach.A LITTLE GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT: The show is filmed in Isreal (I don't think they could ever film it in an Arab state) and has a palpable feel of the Levant Middle East. There is a little bit of Persian Gulf state feel too. The producers intentionally took aspects of many middle eastern countries and regimes so as not to be too literal. That aside, you can see some obvious parallels. Bassam is a pediatrician with a strong arm brother. Syria's Assad brothers have similarities, though the roles are switched. Bashar is an ophthalmologist who replaced his father somewhat surprisingly while his strong arm brother supported him through security in a way. The political climate is a hybrid with some gulf states so it allows more freedom of movement in the show for characters that are American.CRITICS: Reaction from the viewing public has been extremely positive among those who managed to find the show. The professional critics were a little more mixed because they felt evil was too simply and obviously portrayed. They also felt that Adam Ryner was not edgy or hard enough. My take is this: They have to allow the plot to develop over more than just one season. I thought Ryner was about as perfect as it gets for the role. He is exactly that family type man guided by an altruistic heart and desire for good. He is also completely that competent brother who sees the needful things to be done. The show really is brilliant and atmospheric!If you are looking strictly for action and intrigue all the way through, this may not be it. It is ultimately a family conflict set against all the other elements I mentioned. If you are interested in all these things, I am fairly certain you are going to love this show!

I fully enjoyed this series and also have season 2 in my library and season 3 on order. It’s a very slick production and the “tyrant’s” wife is very seductive looking and very well dressed in the finest outfits to accentuate her figure.

Overall, pretty good shape 3 disc's with no scratched that's a plus

Tyrant is very good and it keeps you guessing as to what is going to happen. I like Jamal. He makes the whole series. He is my favorite. I do not like Barry. He is a sneak. He pretends to be trying to help Jamal. and he is going behind Jamal's back to take over the country. I would like to know more about the actor who played Jamal.

This is one of the best television series around. Season 1 is totally addicting and keeps one in suspense from episode to episode. The actors who play the roles are perfect choices. If one thinks that this season is intriguing, just wait until Season 2. I will watch this series over and over because there is always something missed on the first viewing.

People get on board. This is a great series. Love it. Jamal (Ashraf Barhom) the evil older brother is truly a Tyrant. Barry (Adam Rayner) the good brother has to save the day and his country. I wait for Wednesday night to watch this show as I did Sunday's for the Soprano's.

I love this show. There is so much conflict and passion. I randomly saw the pilot episode when it was on TV but was unable to watch the rest of the season. When I saw this pop up I had to buy it. I was not disappointed at all. I can't wait for season 2.

Awesome series

Äusserst spannende Handlung, die sich so abspielen könnte. Brillante Schauspieler. Ich kann die 2. Staffel kaum erwarten und weiss jetzt schon, dass ich sie non-stop anschauen werde!