The Big Cigar

I'm not sure how we're watching the same show - this series was brilliantly written and brilliantly shot. Could it have been a movie? Sure, but I don't think anything is lost in the series format. Personally, I can't stop watching and I have recommended this series to everyone I know.

The series does a great job of humanizing Newtown, we see the complexity of a man who ultimately wanted to do the right thing for his people. The story development is superb, it really sheds light on a little known historical figure in a way that is honest. The actors brought the characters to life in such a way that you forget you're watching a show, you feel like you were there and part of the story. They did an excellent job with the series.

One of the things I love most about the various series created by Apple TV+ is uncovering gems like The Big Cigar that you might not normally see on other streaming services. This series is entertaining from start to finish. Even if you don't know anything about the Black Panther movement, the story of Huey P. Newton is fascinating. From the opening disclaimer, the viewer knows that this is basically Newton's version of the story, so if you're a stickler for 100% accuracy, you might not appreciate the liberties that have been taken. Nonetheless, this doesn't detract in any way from what is a great series. The acting is stellar from top to bottom, starting with Andrew Holland's standout performance as Newton. Despite the character's many flaws and often unlikeable attributes, Holland still manages to create empathy for Newton. Although the subject matter is mostly serious, The Big Cigar is often very humorous and there is enough action to keep the series moving along. Like me, even if this isn't a series you think would interest you, try watching it and you'll likely be hooked. This is great entertainment.

I'm not a young man... I only have a vague recollection of actual events surrounding Newton and the Panthers at that time. I was roughly 5-6 years old during the time period of this series.

This show was "created" by a white man younger than myself.. I think that's important to note. The series is approached as if it took place in 2014, not 1974 - as if Newton's story was a recent news topic, not history from 50 years ago. Do people younger than 20 have ANY real clue about Newton and the Panthers? People younger than 30? 40? And can a white man really do justice to a story about civil rights rebellion figures, even if it is well intentioned. It *seems* a bit exploitive to me.

The "set up" is severely lacking here. There's no backstory, no explanation of the turbulent time period or all the social turmoil that took place in the 60s-70s. There's no telling of the "basis" as to why Newton was sought after and persecuted. No explanation of the 10 years following the JFK and MLK assassinations. You know, the important aspect of Newton's story in terms of motivation.

This is a popcorn series, without any real substance, made for those that perhaps recall the late 1960s and early 1970s (septuagenarians) and don't need any explanation of American social issues at that time. It's not made for today's, much younger, audience.

Newton's story, as told here, has zero impact when interspersed with the attempt at some sort of "buddy series". The series goes from heavy drama portrayed as docudrama, but lacking any real impactful actual facts.... and light "buddy film" aspects with the producer character.

It's junk.

I did not find it entertaining on its own, and it is definitely not a fitting way to tell the story of an important figure in US Civil Rights history.

On June 14th AppleTV+ released the finale of its 6-episode docudrama about one of the Black Panther Party's founding members, Huey P. Newton. The series is based on a book by Joshuah Bearman and was produced by Don Cheadle who even directed a couple episodes. The show follows Newton as escapes to exile in Cuba with the help of some film producers under guise of making a major motion picture titled The Big Cigar. The premise of the series seemed cool, and I was excited to learn more about the Black Panther Party.

To put it plainly, this was a perfectly forgettable series. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I felt that the acting was good, especially by P. J. Byrne who I felt stole the show as one of the movie producers, and it was cool to learn about this piece of history. Unfortunately, I found the show as a whole to be on the boring side and gave it an overall rating of 6/10.

Amazing writing acting directing. Don Cheadle did a great job. Andre holland shines, he's clearly one of the greatest actors alive. The show is incredibly thought provoking and entertaining while hitting emotional highs and lows. Some of the tone jumping and time frame jumps are challenging but it settles into a flow and becomes eomething unique that can't quite be nailed down to convention or dismissed as familiar. The panthers and Huey newton deserve a multi season epic that delves into all their chapters but this is essential viewing for anyone interested in the movement - but also for anyone who just likes drama and entertainment. Highly recommend One of the best shows of the year.