Watch Over/Under
- TV-14
- 2013
- 1 Season
-
4.9 (419)
Over/Under is a compelling drama series that premiered on USA Network in 2013. The television series presents a unique blend of business, personal drama, and gambling against the backdrop of high finance in New York City, highlighting the volatile unpredictability the central character has to battle in both his professional and personal life.
The show revolves around the fascinatingly complex life of Paul Keller, a once-successful commodities trader with a daring penchant for gambling who, after making an unfortunate trade, sees his professional world crumble overnight. The main premise of the show latches onto this critical juncture in Paul's life, exploring the aftermath of his colossal professional failure and how he grapples with his shifting life circumstances.
Following a trading mishap that costs Keller his job and financial standing, he shifts from Wall Street's bustling whirlwind to the relative calm of Brooklyn, seeking a new beginning away from the world he once dominated. However, the transition to a seemingly modest life isn't as straightforward as it appears to be. It becomes clear that Paul's risky habits in high stakes gambling aren't something he can easily escape — a central theme that Over/Under gradually explores throughout the series.
One of the interesting turn of events in Paul's life is his odd friendship with Marino, an ex-bookie. The unpredictable and often precarious relationship between Paul and Marino forms one of the cruxes of the show, providing an unconventional yet intriguing pairing. It's Marino who helps Paul start a high-end bookie business, and this business endeavor frames a new direction for the storyline as the show progresses. The numerous twists and turns in their partnership keep viewers engaged, as a high-stakes game between two extremely diverse personalities unfolds.
The shift from a lofty, affluent life to a humble world instigates several tumultuous changes in Paul's personal life as well. His marriage to his wife, Georgette, goes through a challenging phase with his career downfall. The chemistry and evolving relationship between Paul and Georgette forms another core element of the series. Georgette is a professional photographer with her own unique worldview and aspirations, and the show gives a thoughtful insight into her life as well. She doesn't remain merely a supporting character but has a story arc of her own, contributing significantly to the show's emotional depth.
Apart from its vivid central characters, Over/Under presents a host of supporting characters as well, each contributing to the richness of the drama. Each character complements the dramatic narrative well, adding distinct flavors to the story. Moreover, the show displays not only the life of the protagonists but also gives viewers a diverse perspective of the city life around them, exhibiting a vivid portrayal of New York's starkly distinct neighborhoods and their vibrant inhabitants.
The captivating storyline of Over/Under is beautifully backed by its keen sense of aesthetics. The show is wrapped in a stylish and slick package, with commendable cinematography and a unique visual atmosphere that complements its intriguing narrative. The glossy, opulent setting of Wall Street versus the gritty, authentic backdrop of Brooklyn provides a stark visual contrast that reflects the show's thematic essence and its protagonist's life-changing tumble.
Over/Under offers more than just an entertaining watch. It serves as an engaging contemplation of risk, failure, reinvention, and resilience amid life's unpredictable gambles. The series attempts to unravel the human psychological dimensions of ambition, desire, instinct, and survival. It plays with powerful themes of money, power, and the volatile world of high-risk gambling in a subtle yet intensive manner - providing a gripping viewing experience.
In essence, Over/Under is a series that displays a potent blend of drama, finance, relationships, and thriller with elements of humor and a distinct societal portrayal. With solid writing, noteworthy performances, and an interesting plot, Over/Under forms an appealing television viewing experience. It is a show that will inevitably draw viewers into its unique world of intrigue and suspense right from the start, making it an utterly magnetizing watch.