David Oyelowo plays a prisoner when this starts. Shortly, he’s out of jail and headed back home to his wife and 2 sons, where he tries to start over. This includes selling his invention, a self-sharpening drill, while staving off creditors and finding other ways to raise money (not always legal). The series begins as a whimsical comedy, but drops in moments of family drama and even some surreal elements (the catfish takes it to unexpected extremes). Oyelowo is the fulcrum of the show and his captivating performance makes the potential objections melt away. The 1969 period touches are there without being over-the-top looks. The narrative is fragmented between stories, so it’s not clear where this show is headed or what it wants to be. Even so, the unpredictability and quirky characters defy expectations for today’s typical shows, so that’s a plus. (Ten 30-minute eps) 
(3 / 5)
