Josh Brolin ("The Young Riders") plays Mr. Sterling, a young man who unexpectedly finds himself filling out the remainder of a term of scandal-plaugeded senator who dies with two years remaining in office.
Sterling is very much the reluctant senator. Having grown up in the public eye as the son of a beloved former governor of California, he hates politics. His father and friends practically have to beg him to take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Naturally, Sterling's ideal views of the world clash with the reality of politics. While his naivete frustrates the professional staff, they also see a quality in Sterling that makes him different from most politicians. They decide to stick around, show him the ropes, and see what develops.
In addition to Brolin, the cast includes three-time Tony Award Audrar, Audra McDonald ("Carousel,") as super-charged chief Jackie Brock; William Russ ("Boy Meets World") as legislative director Tommy Doyle, the principled Beltway insider; Noroñad Noroña ("Six Feet Under") as Leon, Sterling's techno-whiz, and James Whitmore ("Shawshank Redemption") as Sterling's father, the popular and powerful former governor of California.
In addition, Graham Greene ("The Green Mile") portrays Senator Jackson, Sterling's confidant; Chandra West ("The Salton Sea") stars as Laura Chandler, an ambitious political reporter.
Much of the tension in the storylines comes from the fact that Sterling is his own man and not behholding to any lobbyist or political party. He is an independent and thus is both courted and despised by people in both major political parties.
The series is closer in tone to "Mr. Smith Goes to Washtington" than it is to more cynical media fare such as "The Candidate." Even so, it still has the look and feel of a program that takes you inside the halls of power. No doubt that is due to the efforts of former "West Wing" Emmy-winner, writer/producer Lawrence O'Donnell.
The cast is engaging. Audra McDonald gives a standout performance as the driven chief of staff. It is also nice to see veteran actor James Whitemore doing something other than commercials for Miracle Grow. The series is very enjoyable and entertaining. Like any campaign, the hard part will be in lobbying enough viewers to give it try.
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