With ‘Government Cheese,’ Apple TV+ vaults into 1960s San Fernando Valley

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Experiencing “Government Cheese,” debuting on Apple TV+ this Wednesday, takes me back to the northwest San Fernando Valley of 1969. This visually captivating comic drama, much like shows such as “Lodge 49,” “Mrs. Davis,” and certain seasons of “Fargo,” effortlessly blends reality with surreal elements, all while maintaining a strong emotional connection. Although it may not reach the heights or delve as deeply as my favorites, I must say that I found myself drawn to its unique charm, and there’s no shortage of enjoyable aspects within.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr are the masterminds behind this gripping series. Kicking off with the Chambers Brothers’ hit “Time Has Come Today” on the soundtrack, a clever musical nod to our protagonist Hampton Chambers (played by David Oyelowo). He’s serving his time at California Institution for Men in Chino, not just for writing bad checks, but also for additional offenses. Every element of ‘Government Cheese,’ even the seemingly random parts, feels meticulously planned and thought-provoking.

In a different setting, two years prior to the central events of the series, he appears gruff. However, he is primed for transformation. His Indigenous cellmate, Rudy (Adam Beach), advises him to consult Gus (Mykelti Williamson), a figure resembling a non-denominational spiritual guide, who tells him, “To God, we are merely pawns on a chessboard, and He is the master. … But if you deviate from His path, God will exact His vengeance.” After his release from prison, Hampton’s mind is filled with scripture and blueprints for an innovative self-sharpening tool, inspired by his time in the machine shop.

Television

‘Government Cheese’ is a comedic series on Apple TV+, rooted in surrealism, featuring a fictional Black family residing in the San Fernando Valley. This family is inspired by the personal experiences of one of its creators, Paul Hunter.

Hampton surprises his family by unexpectedly arriving home, making it seem like he’s just returned from work. His wife Astoria (Simone Missick), who works as a receptionist at an interior design firm, feels uneasy. Their younger son Harrison (Jahi Di’Allo Winston), who refers to Hampton affectionately but also declares “You’re not my father,” immerses himself in the local indigenous culture due to a close bond with Rudy. He even dresses like the character Tom Laughlin from “Billy Jack” two years before the film was released, sporting a feather that Rudy gave him. Eagles will be significant in Harrison’s storyline.

The younger, spirited Einstein (Evan Ellison), a quirky, presciently titled genius who has chosen to excel as a pole-vaulter, appears quite content upon seeing him. He affectionately refers to Hampton as “pop,” much like David and Ricky addressed Ozzie. Despite being the only Black family in their middle-class neighborhood, this fact seems insignificant during that era, which is somewhat unexpected, but then again, that’s suburban life for you.

Hampton proposes a strategy that would turn our family into the talk of Chatsworth. However, Astoria remarks, “Some of us have dreams that surpass the boundaries of Chatsworth.” This indicates potential conflict is on the horizon.

In Astoria’s exile, Hampton crafts his unique drill while the family looks on from a distance. “Dad’s turning nothing into something,” remarks Einstein, intrigued. “He’s almost like a modern-day alchemist.” (Eventually, he’ll nickname the drill, which performs as promised, the “Drill Enchanter.”)

Review

In ‘Your Friends & Neighbors,’ Jon Hamm is back in Don Draper territory

In the Apple TV+ drama, Jon Hamm plays a former hedge fund manager who finds himself in trouble after being dismissed and turns to deceitfully taking money from his close acquaintances to maintain his family’s standard of living.

Astoria remarks, “Just like her mother,” indicating that she had a knack for making remarkable sandwiches even with just government cheese and white bread as ingredients. Here’s your title suggestion: “A Masterful Artistry in Sandwich Making: The Story of Government Cheese and White Bread.

In my perspective, Hampton’s strategic move to peddle his groundbreaking invention revolves around a corporation named Rocket Corp, nestled in the rolling hills above Chatsworth. Interestingly, this company has been the center of attention and environmental activism as well.

Hampton is about to find himself in a sticky situation – one that’s bound to get messier. You see, he owes $2,000 for an unexpected service from a gang of seven brothers, who just happen to resemble the crime family in “Fargo.” These fellows are French Canadian and they don’t take kindly to delinquent payments; if Hampton doesn’t settle his debt promptly, they might resort to violence. Unfortunately, Hampton is short on cash, but his long-time buddy Bootsy (Bokeem Woodbine) knows of an opportunity – a job that isn’t exactly legal.

In the course of this series, Hampton meets several characters, some familiar and some unexpectedly appearing from the bushes or vents – Sunita Mani, intriguingly enigmatic, stands out as a series highlight – who will either lead, challenge, or intimidate him on his journey, reminiscent of a character in a fairy tale adventure. At a certain point, he assumes the role of Biblical figure, Jonah.

Fundamentally, tales that experiment with structure, such as “Government Cheese”, are essentially about the art of storytelling itself. Rabbi Marty, portrayed by Bob Glouberman, explains that the Jonah story concludes without any significant events taking place; it’s left hanging, and the follow-up wasn’t completed. In essence, this implies that you get to decide how to continue the narrative yourself – a technique commonly used in television production.

One scene starts off mimicking an old, low-budget, black-and-white western movie, titled “The Long Road Home,” similar to the show’s theme. In it, Harrison appears as an extra. (Many western films were filmed in the rugged hills north of Chatsworth.) Another episode kicks off with a poorly made documentary titled “A Day at Temple Hillel Public Access Film,” where Rabbi Marty explains that the bound Torah is called a “Chumash.” It’s up to the audience to understand the connection to the historical Chumash people who once lived in this area, from whom Rudy and Harrison have roots. The mere existence of a synagogue in the story might be due to this coincidence.

Television

The series ‘Sherlock and Daughter’ offers a fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes storyline with a unique father-daughter dynamic. This version of the classic tale premieres on both CW and BritBox, with Agatha Christie’s ‘Towards Zero’ making its debut separately on each platform.

In an episode focusing on Astoria, there was a surprising appearance – a character typically portrayed as a housewife from a popular coffee advertisement emerged in her home living room. The scene presented a unique perspective, and the character, in a poignant moment, expressed: “Isn’t there more to me than just brewing coffee to please my husband? … I only live for 30 seconds every 32 hours; I don’t have the luxury to do anything else.

There’s concern about Hampton, as it seems he might continue to get in his own way, or in the path of those trying to eliminate him, despite not being the most captivating character in the series. Alternatively, it could be said that his struggles, mistakes, and poor decisions tend to overshadow other aspects of his storyline.

Mani’s enigmatic, quickly-glimpsed character advises Hampton, “Give up your attempts to dictate every outcome.” They continue, “When you embrace the idea that events are destined to unfold as they should, you’ll find freedom. But remember, it doesn’t make people any less dangerous or determined to thwart you.

Historians from the Valley will find delight in a brief but memorable role played by the Newport Pop Festival, a significant event that took place in the area back in 1969.

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2025-04-16 21:31