Search - Kingpin (Producer's Cut) on DVD

Kingpin

Rick Galati | Lake St. Louis, Missouri United States | 05/15/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This 6 episode (3 disk) series was made for and recently aired on network television, but in my opinion was quite successful in narrowing the distinction between traditional TV fare and far more graphic projects usually associated with pay cable offerings. It is the saga of a fabulously wealthy Mexican crime family presiding over a global drug cartel, and the 6 episodes define how the power of that family was violently consolidated under the quiet and cunning leadership of Miguel Cadena,(Yancey Arias). Much of what was done has been done before and inevitable comparisons to "The Godfather" are sure to be raised. But with a mostly Hispanic cast, cultural values usually associated as south of the border, and highly imaginative plot twists, this work is sometimes brilliant. The production values of this series more closely resemble that of film rather than episodic weekly television. With just 6 episodes in the can, I think the series ended a bit too soon, and this viewer was left wanting more."

WE developed KINGPIN for NBC

Rick Galati | 01/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hi there. It is so nice to read all of the reviews on our show KINGPIN. I was one of a bunch of people at Spelling Television in Los Angeles who developed and sold this show to NBC. Originally KINGPIN WAS intended to be a full fledged network series. The network got cold feet at the last minute, however, and ordered only 6 episodes telling us if it did well, they would order more and turn it into a series for the next year. Funny/sad thing happened. The network aired the series on Sunday nights AND on Monday (maybe it was Tues. can't remember now). The problem was NO ONE KNEW the second episode on Monday was a NEW episode. So no one watched the second episode. Over a three week period, NBC aired new episodes twice a week. EVEN PEOPLE IN HOLLYWOOD WORKING IN TELEVISION WERE CONFUSED. For the first time ever an NBC President admited it was his mistake for airing two original episodes in one week, admiting it was a mistake and confused viewers - even some at NBC not in charge of scheduling! So there yah go, the ratings for the second airing sucked and they didn't order it for a full series order. Also, it really was a tough sale to the advertisers and NBC just thought they'd play it safe and go with a safer sale. Remember, it's all about advertising dollars. A lot of companies didn't want to sponser KINGPIN based on it's Sapranos-esq. content. I also think the network wanted HUGE HUGE ratings, it did get high ratings on Sunday night -- but they wanted HUGE. I believe it came in #1 in total views and the demo of 18-49, but again they wanted HUGE.

But I am SO thrilled it was released on DVD through NBC Studios and Spelling Television. I hope you all tell as many people as you can about it. We were/are very proud about it and were happy it took the Spelling Television brand to a new level (we were previously known for BEVERLY HILLS, 90210 and MELROSE PLACE, among other shows.

Thanks so much and please drop me a line if you have any thoughts about this show, I will pass them along to series creator David Mills. Just put KINGPIN in the subject line.

Jon B. Patton
Spelling Television, Inc. (A Viacom/Paramount Company)
jon_patton@paramount.com"

Nothing Less Than A Tour de Force In TV Drama

Rick Galati | 03/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Easily some of the best TV I've seen in years. A riveting story with great acting and a good script. The sets were convincing -even the cinematography and soundtrack were outstanding. If you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend checking it out."

Kingpin - The MINI-SERIES

ThundaDiva | Detroit, MI | 12/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"1. Kingpin was never meant to be a full-fledged network series - it was always meant to be a mini series.
2. It is by far the BEST network mini series I have EVER seen. (note....this does not include any CABLE mini series)
3. It was first aired by NBC and a few months later, cable network Bravo aired the series uncut. I personally watched both airings before purchasing the DVD. Excellent!
4. There are three stories which are intertwined in one way or another (american doctor dealing with a hitman who works for a drug dealer who is being investigated by a couple of DEA agents of which one agent previously investigated the kingpin before her partner was killed) More than three stories? In theory, yes, but they all tie in to......the Kingpin.
5. If you have not watched all episodes, please attempt to do so BEFORE posting a review. An informed reviewer is the best reviewer. Till next time...."