First of all I'm glad to see a Pool reality show that finally made it to TV. There have been at least six other attempts at this in the last two years.
I liked the show, warts and all! The casting is good with interesting characters who are well defined. The production qualities are very good and it is well edited, switching back and forth from live action to sound bites by the players.
Finnegan is terrific as the man in charge. Dechaine is perfect at just being himself. I also like Gary, the hot headed Irishman, and Jen Baretta and Emily Duddy handle their roles equally well. Ross and his self centered girlfriend Amy are an interesting couple as well. The dialogue comes off as not too contrived and the pre-match handicapping is handled well and is clearly explained. I also like the way players describe a difficult shot and the graphics that are shown with the explanation.
I know that the "ladder" to the top is an added gimmick, but it makes the match ups a little more appealing than just playing for money. We all know that Jayson Shaw is the man in New York, but so what. The players they pick can all play pool good enough to be compelling.
I really enjoyed how Mike and Jarrod came off as the out of town hustlers, which they truly are. What makes this show work imo, is that it really has that touch of reality to it. The matching up process makes that all very clear. The conversation is not much different than what you would see in a typical action room. I also enjoyed hearing each players attitude about how to match up and what constitutes a good game for each of them.
All in all, I think it's good for pool (and very good for Steinway - a sixty minute commercial!) and much better than some of the ill fated movies that we've had to endure over the last decade or so. I hope it lasts for a full season and hopefully beyond.
I don't know who produced this show but they have my vote! :thumbup2:
