As a House lover, I knew that I had to take a shot at the Hulu Original Series, Chance, starring Hugh Laurie. All I knew going in was that he’s a doctor (Laurie said in an interview that he assumed playing House would disqualify him from the role) and that there was a danger element and some mystery. Without seeing a single frame, I felt I could classify the show as a mystery/thriller – after watching the entire thing, I know that I couldn’t be more right!
About Chance:
Based on Kem Nunn’s acclaimed novel, this provocative thriller follows Dr. Eldon Chance (“House” star Hugh Laurie), a San Francisco-based forensic neuropsychiatrist who has some skeletons in his closet. A mysterious and alluring patient (Gretchen Mol) draws Dr. Chance into the crosshairs of her abusive spouse, who is a ruthless police detective.
After bingeing the entire thing in just two days, I confidently state this series reminds me of the good ol’ 90s erotically charged thrillers – Poison Ivy, Basic Instinct, Wild Things, A Perfect Murder – a genre that was often overlooked. With Dr. Chance’s new infatuation with his patient, and his need to save her, he teams up with D (played perfectly by Ethan Suplee). D is “a stoic ex-military type” who is full of fortune-cookie wisdom and seemingly useless parables.
The mystery drawing in our Dr. Chance is both intriguing and infuriating. He finds himself overwhelmed by a need to protect the undefinable Jaclyn (Gretchen Mol), as well as his need be with her sexually. As a viewer, you definitely see the appeal on both sides – she’s clearly a victim in her situation, and of herself, but she’s also incredibly beautiful, exotic, and appealing.
Setting this neo-noir series in the San Francisco Bay Area is beyond perfect. The colorful neighborhoods, foggy beaches, and often overlooked historical sites provide a gorgeous and enigmatic backdrop for all the dark dealings between Chance and his foes.
Chance is a heart-racing adventure, and definitely worth a chance (had to). Check out the trailer below and then head over to Hulu because Chance is streaming now.