“Women will be the death of you.”
Chicago lawyer Nick Dalton (Eddie Cibrian) receives this warning multiple times during the first hour of NBC’s The Playboy Club. But like most men he doesn’t listen and barely ten minutes later he’s tangled up in the death of a mob boss just because he wanted a cigarette and some face time with the hot new bunny on the block. This just isn’t any old mob boss though, it’s HIS old boss. But good ole Nick has gone straight now and is running for office and is anxious to forget his mob past. Oh what a tangled web we weave.
The Playboy Club officially marks the start of the fall television season for me, the first season in a long time that I’ve really been excited about. Heck, the fact that Concerned Republican Mothers of America were trying to get this show off the air sight unseen was enough to peak my interest. Not that I needed any more reasons mind you. The sixties? Gorgeous women in bunny costumes? Eddie Cibrian squinting and shirtless? Yes please. I’ll have more of that thank you.
Hef himself narrates this episode and welcomes us to his world where “if you don’t swing, don’t bring.” At the center of this rabbit hole of lust and debauchery is Bunny Maureen (Amber Heard) who is just off the turnip truck from Ft. Wayne and within her first week wearing the ears has managed to kill a mob boss with her stiletto and piss off the oldest and meanest Bunny on the block, Nick’s girlfriend Carol-Lynne (Laura Benanti). Nick helps her cover up the crime and loses his girl in the process, but he doesn’t seem to mind too much.
Bunny Maureen has friends at the mansion in the form of Bunny Brenda (Naturi Naughton), Bunny Janie (Jenna Dewan) and Bunny Alice (Leah Renee). Each has a backstory that we’ll no doubt learn more about later. We got some sneak peeks during this first hour though and I’ll admit that Bunny Alice’s gay husband Sean (Sean Maher) has me intrigued.
Rounding out this cast is David Krumholtz (Numbers) as Billy Rosen, the manager of the club and Jenifer Lewis (What’s Love Got to Do With It) as Pearl the club’s seamstress and wise old sassy black woman. A lot of subplot was thrown our way this first hour, enough to get me interested I’ll admit. But none of it was especially original. I did enjoy Ike and Tina performing “Shake a Tailfeather” at the club. I expect a nod to the 60s artist of the moment will be a recurring theme on this show.
The premiere didn’t blow me away but I think it has potential. The mere existence of Eddie Cibrian in the cast has me worried about the future due to his track record with shows being cancelled out from under him. At this point I can’t say this one will last out the season, but we’ll see. I’ll admit that keeping track of all the bunnies was a bit taxing at first. I had to take notes. I hope they stick to wearing the same color costumes each week so I can keep them straight. I also plan to start referring to all the girls I know as Bunny. I’m sure I’ll be very popular at work and my sisters will love it.
The Playboy Club airs on Monday nights at 10pm on NBC much to the chagrin of Concerned Republican Mothers of America. So do your part and watch!
