Pistol: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Track 1: The Cloak of Invisibility” [Premiere] – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)
The story of the Sex Pistols begins with a sad, lonely, but charming boy named Steve Jones trying to prove he is more than his molester says he is.
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The story of the Sex Pistols begins with a sad, lonely, but charming boy named Steve Jones trying to prove he is more than his molester says he is.
| Aired (Hulu) | 5/31/2022 |
| Created or Developed By | Craig Pearce |
| Director(s) | Danny Boyle |
| Writer(s) | Craig Pearce |
| Genre | Comedy, Crime, Drama, Young Adult, Biopic, Musical, Historical |
| Introduced This Episode | |
| Steve | Toby Wallace |
| Malcolm | Thomas Brodie-Sangster |
| Viv | Talulah Riley |
| Chrissie | Sydney Chandler |
This content contains pertinent spoilers.
Summary
Steve is a boy who had a hard life. He doesn’t know his father, and the man who was shagging his mom not only got put first in her life but would make him stroke him off. With memories like that and seemingly not much going for him, he decided music could be his escape. The problem is, how can one practice and become a good musician when you’re working class, if not outright poor? Stealing.
Steve steals instruments, and from a shop known as “Sex,” he was going to steal clothes. However, Malcolm and Viv, and their cashier Chrissie, seem to take note of Steve. They warm up to him and adopt him in a way, and Malcolm, especially, wants to invest in Steve.
However, years of abuse and mistreatment don’t go away in a fortnight, and while he has all the support he needs, it seems they aren’t enough to make Steve’s rockstar dreams come true.
Things To Note
Question(s) Left Unanswered
- Was Steve’s mom aware his step-dad was a pedo?
- Even though Steve pushed the idea he only messed around with one dude, considering he went to a gay club for fun, is he just comfortable amongst the community or a member?
What Could Happen Next
- Sid comes into play and turns this from a sob story into a rock one
Review
Highlights
A Nice Sob Story
Please note that I don’t say “Sob Story” because this is a cheap tear-jerker. Rather, it does set a tone to remind you that, as much as the Sex Pistols were known for being wild youth with a destructive nature, there is more to them. Many were working-class or outright poor, and the suffering of their parents to survive didn’t seem like any life to live. Never mind, the concept of social mobility and opportunity were foreign. Thus giving men like Steve’s step-dad an unnatural realm of power over their homes and relationships.
So when it comes to Steve, while you could damn him for being a thief, you could submit that due to not having someone like Malcolm who would go to bat for him, hold him accountable, and really support him, Steve did the best he could. All of which can only be said for someone who didn’t rob you personally.
On The Fence
Most Of The Members Of The Band Feel Ghostly
While you have to take note of Steve because of his story, Malcolm and Viv because of their look and advocacy, and Chrissy because of her banter and bringing out Steve’s charm, the rest of the people we meet? Not so much. Steve’s band is a bunch of people who we may know one thing about, like one liking the Beatles, another having an apprenticeship, but who are they really is a good question?
I mean, I’m coming into this blind, knowing the Sex Pistols for a handful of songs but knowing nothing about them beyond the end life of Sid and Nancy. So I’m left to question if Steve is the only member who matters know and once Sid joins the band, do the people we’ve seen thus far disappear and get replaced with those who are more in line with chaos?
Initial Impression
I think it is a difficult task to put a heavy focus on Steve, knowing how Sid and Nancy’s names are so strongly associated with the Sex Pistols. Yet, the show is based on his book, and perhaps the goal here is to change the narrative? To make it so the common folk, who have a limited view of the Sex Pistols, may know them for their music, their influence on punk culture, and for far more than one member whose addictions led to tragic ends.
Targeted Audience
With the notable Sid Vicious held off until episode two, I would say this would more so be for those curious about the complete Sex Pistols history, from one member’s point of view, than another production focused on its wildest and notorious member.
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