The Offer Season 1 Episode 1 Recap

A Seat At The Table – The show begins at a celebration in Little Italy New York City. Joe Bonnano (Sal Landi) and Joe Colombo (Giovanni Ribisi) are greeted as he walks through the crowd. As they enter a restaurant, they discuss the importance of being a capo. Bonnano suggests Colombo have a special seat at the table. Describing Gambino and Lucchese as “tired fu**s,” he says one must go. Colombo questions if he wants him to handle it. He assures him that it can wait until they are in power.

Dominic Magnolia (Marcelo Tubert) approaches to give Colombo something. Bonnano asks what that was about. He admits to giving Dominic a break on a $1,000 loan because his grandchild is sick. When Bonnano asks if he is getting soft, Colombo assures him that he will make Dominic’s family watch while he kills the child. Bonnano is satisfied with his response. Colombo says he is confused about the seat. He warns him that it will only be his if he takes it.

Robert “Bob” Evans (Matthew Goode) is greeted as he passes through the security gate at Paramount Pictures. He meets with Peter Bart (Josh Zukerman). Peter and Robert discuss a musical. Sheila (Annie Funke) joins in on the conversation.

Ted (Steven Pritchard) reminds Albert S. Ruddy (Miles Teller) that he isn’t being paid to read. He gives him by the end of the day to turn in the contracts. Ruddy assures him that he already turned them in. Dave (Winford Warren) accuses him of making his co-workers look bad. Ruddy assures him that he doesn’t need his help.

Ruddy visits the Chateau Marmont, where he meets Mitch Kaufman (Derek Richardson). Bob is mingling with the patrons when he catches Ruddy’s attention. Mitch tells Ruddy that Bob is the head of Paramount. Mitch introduces him to his acquaintances.

Mario Puzo (Patric Gallo) is disappointed that only three people showed up for his book signing. He admits to investing six years of his time into his mother’s story, “The Fortunate Pilgrim.” Candida Donadio (Lola Glaudini) suggests he stick with topics he is familiar with. After she leaves in a taxi, Anthony (Matthew Furfaro) approaches Mario to remind him of his $1,000 debt. Mario claims to have on $40. Accepting the cash, Anthony punches him several times.

Erika Puzo (Victoria Kelleher) and Mario discuss the money they owe. He informs her that Candida suggests he stick with writing about the mafia. She reminds him of why she agreed to marry him. He assures her that hacks don’t have trouble selling books. She eventually agrees with Candida. They continue discussing the mafia.

Francoise Glazer (Nora Arnezeder) mingles with her guests. Mitch introduces her and Ruddy. She asks about his career. He tells her that he works at the Rand Corporation as a computer programmer. She admits to being impressed. When he asks about her, Bernie Fein (Kyle S. More) says she owns this property. Ruddy asks if he is talking about the hotel. She asks if he is impressed by a woman. He goes on a rant about making a standup. Bernie offers to meet with him to discuss some scripts.

Ruddy and Francoise have sex.

Erika brings Mario some food. They dance as he explains the characters in his book, “The Godfather.” He says the godfather is Don Vito Corleone.

Bernie asks Ruddy what he would like to pitch. Ruddy admits to not being familiar with the term. He explains how he would reach out to networks and tell them his ideas. Ruddy agrees with his military comedy. Naming off a few military comedies, Bernie suggests the news will want something new.  They agree to start with the Rand Comedy.

Bernie and Ruddy prepare to pitch their comedy. As Ruddy nervously paces, he spots Elizabeth Taylor. CBS receptionist (Cat Elliott) informs them that William Paley (Paul Gunning) is ready to meet with them. Bernie pitches their movie. Paley describes their idea as “interesting.” As he gets up to leave, Ruddy says, “Bilko Swastikas, Swastikas Bilko.” Paley asks if he finds Nazis “funny.” Ruddy provides a short war reenactment while explaining how Colonel Bilko was taken, prisoner. He says Bilko and the other war prisoners know how to escape, but don’t because a group of allies is helping the resistance inside the camp. He continues to explain the storyline of “Hogan’s Heroes.” Paley agrees to acquire it.

Mario hands the draft of his book to Candida. She describes it as “special.” He suggests she reach out to Paramount. She explains there are no guarantees that the book will be published.

Evans expresses his frustration with the need to avoid death in a love story. Arthur Hiller (Jake Regal) assures him that the story wouldn’t be the same if the couple survived. He tells him that he will not make the movie if the girl doesn’t die. Evans suggests Ali McGraw (Meredith Garretson) for the lead female role. Arthur admits to feeling uncomfortable about his girlfriend being cast for the show. Evan describes Ali as a great actress. When Ali enters the room, Evans immediately introduces her to Arthur. Shaking his hand, she expresses how glad she is they are working together.  Arthur isn’t happy with Evans who pats himself on the back for a job well done.

Carlo Gambino (Anthony Skordi) and Tommy Lucchese (Michael Rispoli) discuss Sinatra’s disdain for Mario’s “Godfather.” Colombo greets them before going to the restroom, where he puts his gun his waistband. Lucchese offers Colombo a seat. Colombo informs them that he was offered a commission seat. Gambino suggests Bonnano offered him the seat. He acknowledges it was Bannano before saying they can handle it how they see fit.  Lucchese says he would replace Bannano. Colombo assures him that it would be up to them, not him. After he leaves, Gambino says Bonnano must go.

Ruddy and Francoise are watching a movie when they hear a commotion outside. With only them in the theater, Ruddy explains the excitement of watching a movie. He claims his mother was never emotional unless she was at the cinema. She asks about his filmmaking experience.

Barry Lapidus (Colin Hanks) visits the Polo Lounge to meet with Evans. He says, “Paramount has fallen back to eight out of nine.” Evans makes a sarcastic comment. Barry suggests Paramount needs hits. Evans questions if he watched “Love Story.” When he acknowledges seeing it, Evans asks if it touched him. He asks why it would matter. Evans says it is the only way to get hits. He warns him of what will happen if he doesn’t produce some hits.

Ruddy approaches Evans about producing a movie for Paramount. Evans describes his decision to drop “Hogan’s Heroes” as brave. Ruddy comments about him being familiar with him. He asks why he believes he is qualified to produce movies for Paramount. Evans agrees to meet him later to discuss it.

Ruddy interviews a woman for a position. When Bettye McCartt (Juno Temple) enters, she asks what is happening. The woman assumes Ruddy hired her, but Bettye assures her it was Valium talking. Ruddy tells her the position is filled. She makes a snarky comment about the lady he hired. He reluctantly accompanies her on a tour of Paramount. She asks about his story. He informs her of his last employer, Rand Corporation She asks why he left “Hogan’s Heroes.” He tells her that it was probably because he could. She describes herself as being “divorced” and “opinionated.” They discuss his deal with Paramount.

Candida and Mario arrive at his book signing, where fans are lined up outside.

Evans is not happy with Ruddy entering his office unannounced. Ruddy informs him of a script called “Little Fauss and Big Halsy.” He suggests it is ideal for McQueen. Evans tells him that McQueen is working on his own movie, “LeMans,” about motorcycle racers. Ruddy says, Robert Redford. Evans agrees if he can convince Redford to do it for a $1.5 million budget.

Bettye warns Ruddy that Redford won’t do it for $1.5 million. She suggests reaching out to Redford’s agent, Stevie Phillips. After a short conversation with Stevie, Bettye tells Ruddy to contact them after he has more filmmaking experience than “Hogan’s Heroes.” He says they will bypass it. She warns him that isn’t how Paramount works. He assures her that he doesn’t care. She informs him that Redford on working on “Butch Cassidy” near San Pedro, Mexico. He orders her to book a room at the most expensive motel because Redford is staying there. She calls him “certifiable.”

Ruddy arrives at the set of “Butch Cassidy.”  Robert Redford (Billy Magnussen) approaches to speak with Ruddy. Ruddy explains “Little Fauss and Big Halsy.” Redford says he didn’t star do “Rosemary’s Baby” because Paramount is suing him. Ruddy offers to get the lawsuit dropped. Redford questions if he has that kind of authority. He assures him that it can happen if he agrees to do his movie. Redford agrees to discuss it over a beer.

Barry assures Charles “Charlie” Bluhdorn (Burn Gorman) that Evans is only looking out for himself. Evans introduces him to Ann Margret (Jean Watts). Charlie refuses to permit Evans to answer a call from Jack Warner. Evans reminds him of who established the business before taking the call. Jack asks who owns “The Godfather.” Charlie admits they haven’t decided yet. Jack offers $1 million for it. He agrees to consider it. Evans assures him that the book will be a hit. Barry warns him that movies about gangsters are dead. They continue discussing the book.

Colombo is given a seat at the commission table.

Ruddy and Francoise discuss the low turnout for “Little Fauss and Big Halsy.” She suggests it was due to insufficient advertisement. He disagrees, blaming it on the movie. She offers to take him out, his choice, but he refuses. She asks what he is thinking about. He admits to being concerned about losing the deal with Paramount.

Ruddy meets with Evans who orders him to pack up and leave. He looks devastated when Evans informs him that Charlie wants to meet with him in New York. He asks what the meeting is about. Evans questions if he is familiar with “The Godfather.” Ruddy admits to loving it. Evans tells him none of the producers will touch it for $4 million. Bettye hands him a copy of the book when he emerges from the building.

Bettye and Ruddy discuss “The Godfather” before he meets with Charlie at Gulf+Western. As soon as Barry enters the office, he tells Ruddy that “The Godfather” shouldn’t be produced. Charlie asks about his plans for the book. Ruddy promises to produce an “ice blue, tarrying film about people you love.” Slamming his hand down on his desk, Charlie describes his comment as “brilliant” before making his exit. Ruddy turns to ask Barry what that was all about. Barry congratulates him for becoming the producer of “The Godfather.”

Evans and Ruddy discuss writers for “The Godfather.” He suggests Waldo Salt or William Goldman. Ruddy says he wants the writer to have an understanding of Italians. He tells him that he wants to meet with Mario. Evans warns him that authors don’t write screenplays.

Mario assures Ruddy that it is his legacy to do the screenplay for “The Godfather.” Ruddy asks if he can produce a draft in three months. Mario agrees to write it in three days. They toast to the deal. Erika goes on a rant about Mario’s diabetes and bad diet.

Ruddy and Mario visit Chasen’s, where they spot Frank Sinatra (Frank John Hughes) at a nearby table. Mario is awestruck by what he sees. Ignoring Ruddy’s warning, Mario speaks to Sinatra who calls him a “ratfink” who wrote a book about a “degenerate.” Mario assures him that Johnny Fontane is an imaginary character. Sinatra accuses him of basing Johnny Fontane on him. They get into a physical altercation. Ruddy breaks the fight up.

Ruddy tells Francoise that Evans is unhappy about the altercation between Mario and Sinatra. He admits to screwing it up. She suggests they go to Paris for a week. He refuses her offer.

Ruddy is disappointed when he discovers that Mario hadn’t started on the screenplay. He is in the pool stuffing his face. Mario explains how he feels like the pages are laughing at him. Ruddy suggests he start working on the wedding.

Ruddy complains to Bettye and Peter about Mario’s inactivity. Peter reminds of what Evans says about hiring a novelist. He recommends Francis Ford Coppola (Dan Fogler) for the screenplay. He warns him that if Coppola agrees to do it, he may want to be a director. Bettye informs them that Coppola owes Warner some money.

Ruddy visits Coppola who refuses to write the screenplay for “The Godfather.” Ruddy asks why he won’t do it. He admits to being an Italian before saying he wants nothing to do with supporting mafia violence. Ruddy reminds him of his last film was nearly a failure. Coppola questions if Evans will willingly permit him to direct “The Godfather.” Ruddy assures him that it is his decision, not Evans’.

Ruddy informs Evans that Coppola will work with Mario to complete the screenplay. He invites Coppola over to their table to discuss the script. Coppola suggests gearing the movie toward an “American Dream,” not a drug trade. Evans describes his pitch as “great.” He congratulates Ruddy on a job well done.

Colombo discusses “The Godfather.” He informs his crew of his new Italian American Civil Rights League. Sinatra sends them a note and flowers. The note reads, “Hopefully, we can make this thing go away.” Someone describes the flowers as a funeral wreath. Colombo assures them that the funeral wreath was intentional because Sinatra is telling them to kill the film. He wants to talk to Mickey Cohen.

Mario and Coppola prepare a meal while Ruddy and Bette watch.

Bettye and Ruddy are sitting in a car when an unknown man approaches from behind and shoots through the rear window as the episode comes to an end.

 

The Offer Review

The show has that Lifetime feel. Nothing about it flows or meshes, which I contribute to haphazard editing. In fact, some of the scenes are on the verge of being pointless due to being indecipherable.

The editing has also interfered with character development. Ruddy is the only character to receive an ounce of clarity. The scenes are too short to give viewers sufficient time to become familiar with the characters.

The camera is to far away from its target. I had to zoom in just to gain visibility. It doesn’t help, the scenes are constantly transitioning from one to the next.

The scenes feel a bit repetitive throughout the episode. In all actuality, they could have got their point across in 45 minutes or less. An extended episode didn’t do the show any favors. I will say, they threw everything into the show, hoping something would stick.

I am a fan of Burn Gorman. Some of his best roles are Nicholas Farlow in “Jamestown,” The Marshal in “The Man in the High Castle,” and Major Hewlett in “TURN: Washington’s Spies.” The role of Charles Bluhdorn is not a good fit. His performance felt strained if not outright, silly and embarrassing.

The show lacks personability. The scene in which Francoise invites Ruddy to Paris is about as personal as it gets.

Miles Teller is perfect for the role of Albert Ruddy. He brings his character to life wonderfully. The downside, the pace is so fast that none of the other characters can follow suit.

This is only the first episode, so there is still time for improvement. The episode deserves a 6.5. Get more Offer recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link to learn more.