Sebastian Stan & Lilly James undergo complete transformations to become the Hollywood IT couple from the 90’s through their erratic and very public relationship in a world just discovering the internet. Along with this love story is the story of Rand Gauthier (Seth Rogen) who comes into possession of the sex tape of the couple and release the first online celebrity sex tape. Everyone involved in this project really has a love for this story, the characters and the completely ridiculous and over the top situation they all find themselves in. As the events escalate, each actor involved bring their A-game to deliver one of the most addictive and explosive shows of 2022.
The first three episodes give us a glimpse into the world with enough time for each character to get their time to show us who they are and how they operate in tinsel town. Tommy Lee is the drummer of Motley Crue, a punk band who lived in glam rock whose star was fading as the 90’s introduced the world to grunge music and Nirvana. Pamela Anderson is the blonde bombshell starring in Baywatch, a model and exciting celebrity the world was obsessed with. Then you have Rand (Rogen) a carpenter who was employed to build Tommy Lee’s bedroom and house from scratch. After many disputes, Rand gets fired and steals a box from Lee which contains a sex tape of Lee and his new wife Pamela Anderson.
Helping Rand along the way is Uncle Miltie (Nick Offerman) who helps get the funding and distribution for the tape to be sold anonymously online. This is all happening in an age when we are becoming obsessed with celebrities and gossip magazines are at an all-time high. Then the introduction of the world wide web brings a whole new level to how the world interacts with celebrities.
James and Stan dive completely into their characters, not just in the physical sense but in spirit as well. James in particular brings an energy and deep sadness to the character that makes you want to see more of her. Similarly, Stan is whacky and unpredictable as Lee and when the two are together they are so in love and energetic you cannot help but feel the deep connection they both obviously share. The first two episodes revolve mainly around these three characters while the third episode introduces Taylor Shilling as Erica, the love interest and ex-wife of Rand. Erica is a porn actress and hassling Rand to get enough money together to finalise their divorce so they can both move on with their lives.
The show is directed by Craig Gillespie (I,Tonya, Cruella) who whips the camera around and combines it with the most nostalgic 90’s soundtrack that allows its viewers to revel in the nostalgia of this time (definitely for this 30 something-year-old reviewer!) The sets are beautifully designed and are dripping in 90’s nostalgia from the building designs, to the posters of Elton John and Spice Girls advertisements littered throughout the city.
While the first three episodes are definitely an introduction before things get really intense, it provides a deep insight into these three characters and how their paths crossed. Showing a fading rockstar, his beautiful blonde bombshell wife and a working-class carpenter who is just trying to get by in life after feeling hard done by is a great setup for a scandal with five more episodes to explore deeper into this time of history and this couple who became the focal point in pop. culture.
Pam & Tommy will debut with three episodes Wednesday 2/2/22 with episodes released weekly on Disney + Star.
Keep it locked on Novastream for weekly recaps of Pam & Tommy.
