The opening episode of Ozark very much hits the ground running (if you pardon the pun at the expense of one of the characters); it is urgent, impacting, and violent. It very much lives in the moment and it sums up the elements of this show that work well. Although subsequent episodes turn down the pace, it keeps that air reasonably well, and keeps the jeopardy moving, with new and altered risks and threats at each turn. On this front it is not remarkable, but it does the job well.
Ozark has had endless comparisons to Breaking Bad, which is unfair because the two are not alike where it matters. Marty is not on a journey in the way Walter was; his character is defined in the first episode and he really doesn't move from there. On the face of it, this is a family man in his neck of crime trying to get out, but it is a mire he willingly stepped into, and the skills he uses to try to get out are the same skills he used on day 1. This is a problem though - and not because it makes it less like Breaking Bad. The problem is that the show doesn't feel like it is driving down or into the story or characters, but rather that it is living on the action alone, which puts a strain on the writing to always come up with a problem, but one that can be overcome. It makes it engaging in the moment generally, but I didn't get drawn in as it could have done.
Despite this writing weakness, the cast do well, and the show benefits from a lot of talent, and a lot of people who have great presence. Bateman in particular does this, and he holds attention well. Likewise Linney is a strong bit of casting. Support is good but not perfect. For example Harner tries hard, but his character doesn't totally convince; Mullan is a terrific actor doing a character of still menace - well worn turf, and while he does well, he doesn't raise the bar. Garner is good, and is giving the most complex character - only downside is that she doesn't always come across clear to the viewer.
It is all very professionally made though, and it has more than enough incident and pace to hold the attention, although it doesn't ever have the feeling of depth or anything that would make you invest too deeply in the people. Entertainingly grim and dramatic though.
