Hustle: The Complete Season Two

"Hustle" is a breezy, lightweight treat from BBC America. Originally broadcast in the States on AMC, the series follows a group of con artists as they stage one elaborate setup after another. London is their playground, and these pros are in for the "long con" to make a fortune from each episode's caper. Their "mark," in each case, is generally undone by his/her own failings or misdeeds for our group has distinct ethics--they only target people who deserve it. That's certainly a pleasant notion. It keeps things frothy and fun--and keeps anyone from viewing the protagonists as villains and criminals (which, in truth, they are).

"Hustle" succeeds by having a talented and appealing cast. Not only do you like everyone, you root for them. Robert Vaughn is the show's biggest name, and here he plays the mastermind who often lures the victims to their eventual undoing. Adrian Lester is the group's leader, a legendary con man recently released from prison. Marc Warren provides much of the comedic relief as Danny Blue--a young, irreverent newcomer who challenges and frustrates the others. The funniest moments generally involve Lester and Warren going head-to-head, each always trying to outdo the other. The team is rounded out by Jaime Murray (the bombshell) and Robert Glenister (the tech expert).

The tone of "Hustle" is light and the pace is fast. It is easy to enjoy the antics within the program and to be amused by the scenarios. The cons themselves, however, are fairly familiar territory for those who follow this type of entertainment. While I was entertained consistently, I was rarely surprised. And while this may sound like a large problem, it's not. This show is more about the journey--and with witty, intelligent scripts and a spot-on cast, it's hard for me to imagine anyone not being engaged and entertained by "Hustle."

Each season consists of six episodes, some more effective than others--but not a loser in the bunch. My personal favorite comes from season 2. In it, Lester and Warren take on a personal competition. They are both dropped naked in the middle of London and then each strives to win by ending up the day with more of value. Once and for all, they want to determine who has more skill. This was a very funny episode and the only one that didn't deal specifically with a con.

Recommended as a lark--good for lovers of comedy and capers. "Hustle" may not be particularly edgy or challenging, it's just fun. KGHarris, 12/06.

HUSTLE is serious entertainment. If you're new to the BBC series that's just now hitting the DVD collection scene here in the United States, you're going to get caught flat-footed by the whizzing plots, blistering dialogue, and quick-change-artists practicing their craft right before your eyes.

If you've had the good fortune to see Season 1, you're going to be sitting on the edge of your seat, never taking your eyes off the players. Either way, Mickey Bricks and his long con crew are going to charm your socks off.

My wife and I favor the BBC "bloodless" crime stories. She's never quite developed my taste for hardcore private eye movies, but we've found common meeting ground in several of the BBC offerings (such as the elegant FOYLE'S WAR and the witty MURDER IN SUBURBIA and others). I introduced her to the series with this season and we sat and tried to figure out how the con worked as the team went to work. I envy her because she still has Season 1 to watch.

HUSTLE Season 2 is terrific entertainment suitable for anyone in the family--although there are occasional swear words and sexual innuendo that probably bumps it up to a PG rating. The fast pace, great dialogue, and fully realized characters are great fun to watch. With an electric mix of fun, vengeance, action, danger, and the magic of con artists, HUSTLE Season 2 is great entertainment package with replay value.

I had heard this Brit TV show was very popular over the pond, and watched a few episodes on A and E, and was immediately hooked. The acting, the story lines, the "catch you sleeping" at the end makes this show refreshing and fun to watch. It seems on USA crime-con-action shows you see a recycled actor(s) from a cancelled show and it is hard to make their characters credible. Robert Vaughn, formerly the Man From U.N.C.L.E. is the cherry on top of the sundae as well. Solid show and looking forward to Season Two on disc and hopefully season three real soon. You cannot go wrong with this DVD colection to anyone's library.

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