Chance

Chance, from Hulu Originals, is a provocative and compelling medical drama series that debuted in 2016 and spanned two thrilling seasons before concluding in 2017. The series stars the remarkably talented and beloved actor Hugh Laurie, famous for his role in House MD, but with a significant departure from his previous persona.

In “Chance,” Laurie's character, Dr. Eldon Chance, is a forensic neuropsychiatrist based in San Francisco. He lives his life in the quiet corners of the mind, providing solace and solutions to patients experiencing psychological and neurological symptoms. However, the good doctor's existence gets rattled when he is suddenly thrust into a seedy underworld filled with violence, corruption, and mental disturbances.

Here in this chaotic setting, Chance encounters Jaclyn Blackstone, a captivating woman plagued by multiple personality disorders played adeptly by Gretchen Mol. Chance’s interaction with Jaclyn becomes a turning point in his life, as he succumbs to an obsession to help her, thereby venturing into dangerous territory fraught with potential threats.

Jaclyn's abusive ex-husband, a corrupt police officer played convincingly by Paul Adelstein, add layers of enigma and menace to the narrative, ticking boxes for mystery, suspense, and intrigue. Herein lies the main conflict of the series - a battle between a troubled therapist and a vicious police cop, with a damaged woman and her multiple personas caught in between.

While focusing on this cat-and-mouse game, the show also takes the time to explore Chance's personal life. The series showcases his troubled relationships with his teenage daughter Nicole (Stefania LaVie Owen), his soon-to-be-ex-wife, and his professional colleagues. This detail adds richness to Chance's character, fleshing him out as a man struggling with his own demons and personal failures while trying to navigate an increasingly dangerous landscape.

An interesting character to look forward to in the show is D, a mysterious, vigilant furniture restorer played by Ethan Suplee, who becomes Chance's unlikely guide and enforcer in the daunting concrete jungle. His enigmatic persona and unorthodox ethics add further layers to the narration, creating a unique blend of anti-hero within the storyline.

The show has an intelligent script with nuanced dialogue, lean toward dark humor, and attentive storytelling. It navigates through critical themes of mental health, morality, and the human psyche's complexities with sensitivity and depth. It is not merely content with delivering thrills to its viewers; it aims to provoke thought and engage in the conversation around mental health issues.

The performances in “Chance” are praiseworthy, underscoring the intensity and depth of each character. Hugh Laurie as Chance delivers a masterful performance, demonstrating his ability to portray a multi-faceted character struggling against overwhelming odds. Paired with exceptional supporting actors, the complex character arcs are well realized, adding depth to the narrative.

The series also receives commendation for its tonal consistency and atmospheric direction. The cityscape of San Francisco serves as an atmospheric backdrop to the unfolding narrative, perfectly capturing the city's dual nature - the beautiful, postcard-worthy landscapes hiding a gritty underworld beneath.

The show also bears commendable technical qualities attributed to an immersive soundtrack and picturesque cinematography. It brilliantly balances slow-burning drama with sudden bursts of carefully choreographed action sequences, thereby ensuring that viewers stay on the edge of their seats.

Throughout the course of its two seasons, “Chance” touches on the human psyche's manipulation, degradation and resilience in response to duress, trauma and abuse. Its narrative can be seen as a comment on society’s often dismissive attitude towards mental health and a lack of understanding of the consequences.

“Chance” is a series that is unafraid to delve into darkness, both in its narrative content and presentation. It provides a look at the world through the lens of a protagonist who is as flawed as he is empathetic, taking viewers on a ride that is as unsettling and dramatic as it is impressively executed.

In a nutshell, “Chance” is an emotionally charged and psychologically complex drama that shapes up to be an intriguing journey through the human mind's many shades and promises to keep viewers engaged right until the very end.