Diving into Netflix’s The Waterfront unfolds a journey filled with ambition, disappointment, and the glimmer of unexpected talent. This series *attempts* to emulate the accessible, youthful soap operas popularized by The CW and The WB, showcasing a cast that, while talented, struggles to shine through a lack of compelling material.
The Waterfront
The Bottom Line
Topher Grace almost gives a reason to tune in. Almost.
Airdate: Thursday, June 19 (Netflix)
Cast: Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Melissa Benoist, Jake Weary, Rafael L. Silva, Humberly Gonzalez, Danielle Campbell, Brady Hepner, Topher Grace
Creator: Kevin Williamson
After watching the first episode of The Waterfront, my reaction was mixed: While there are hints of potential, the thin character development and contrived drama come off as somewhat shallow. The series leans heavily on familiar tropes without fully committing to any intriguing narrative depths.
By episode four, the situation escalates dramatically. A surprise introduction of Topher Grace, stepping into the role of a *sociopathic drug kingpin*, substantially alters the show’s trajectory. His portrayal injects a much-needed unpredictability into the otherwise formulaic plot.
Yet, while Grace is undeniably engaging, his presence doesn’t entirely salvage The Waterfront. Instead, he makes viewers question if the show **could have been** something much bolder—a gritty, celebratory mixing of genres that’s amplified by his character’s chaotic energy.
Many might find themselves captivated by this more mature version of Outer Banks—or what I like to call “Older Banks”—but for me, Grace’s character was just a fleeting distraction from a series that *often* failed to captivate.
The series kicks off dramatically, with a violent maritime heist that sets the tone for the unfolding chaos. We meet Cane Buckley (Jake Weary), an ambitious character straddling the fine line between legitimate business and the criminal underworld. His family history casts a long and complex shadow over his decisions as they grapple with the fallout of past choices.
Cane’s family dynamics add another layer of complexity: Harlan (Holt McCallany) embodies the gruff patriarch succumbing to personal demons, while his wife Belle (Maria Bello) tries to keep the family restaurant afloat amid mounting tensions. Sibling drama unfolds with Bree (Melissa Benoist), placing her in a precarious position as a recovering addict battling her own demons.
As the story dives deeper into the murky waters of family legacy and drug wars, the stage is set for conflict that draws in various external forces, including the local sheriff and a hunky DEA agent. Yet, the setting— a fictional Havenport—feels plasticky and superficial, resembling more a fabricated backdrop than a realistic portrayal of Southern life.
In the guiding hands of creator Kevin Williamson, the series *aims* for emotional weight, drawing on his own life experiences. However, it often falls short, leaning too heavily on superficial drama without ever truly diving into the rich complexities of life on the water.
The ensemble cast, despite their ability and charisma, appears to flirt with one-dimensionality. The relationships feel forced, and character motivations often remain murky. My standard test— whether characters feel like they have lives beyond the script—fails spectacularly, revealing characters that feel like plot devices rather than living, breathing entities.
Then, there’s Topher Grace’s Grady, a character so delightfully bizarre that he reinvigorates the show’s pulse. Though his *sudden appearance* feels out of place, it spices up the otherwise mundane proceedings. Grace’s performance combines a whimsical charm with a menacing edge, leaving audiences craving more of his chaotic reign.
His standout scenes, particularly one involving a uniquely sadistic torture device, add a surprising layer of dissonance that’s both captivating and absurd. Yet, if my reasons for recommending The Waterfront distill down to a single supporting performance and a shockingly inventive torture sequence, we must seriously consider what that says about the broader context of the series.
In the end, The Waterfront promises more than it delivers. Topher Grace shines brightly, yet it ultimately falls short of reveling in the depths of its potentially thrilling premise. As viewers, we’re left pondering what could have been—a missed opportunity in a sea of familiar tropes.
