Con Man

"Con Man" is a rousing, comical series that was created and produced by Alan Tudyk through his own company, bitMAX, and first aired in 2015. Both irreverent and passionate, this series is sure to engage not only the die-hard fans of science fiction and pop culture conventions but also those who've always been curious about the colorful, eccentric world of fandom. At its core, "Con Man" is an endearing tribute to fans, exploring the sometimes hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking behind-the-scenes life of being a cult science fiction actor.

The show centers around a former sci-fi television star named Wray Nerely, played brilliantly by Alan Tudyk, who has been pigeonholed into a career of convention circuit appearances and comic book store signings. Wray was the lead actor in a short-lived, but cult-favorite science fiction television series "Spectrum", a pointed nod to Tudyk and co-star Nathan Fillion's real-life experiences on the cult television show "Firefly."

Despite his fallen star status, Wray's fans continue to adore him, regularly attending conventions just to catch glimpse of him, and connect over their shared obsession with the series. Throughout "Con Man," Wray finds himself stuck in a land of obsessive fans, long cosplay-filled convention weekends, and strange guest experiences, often flanked by his far more successful actor friend, Jack Moore, portrayed by Nathan Fillion. Jack was also a star in "Spectrum" but has since gone on to find major A-list success, providing an interesting dynamic of envy, ambition, and camaraderie between the characters.

"Con Man" sparkles for its raw, unfiltered take on the chaotic culture of sci-fi fans, exploiting the quirks of fanaticism in the best ways possible. It’s an incisive exploration into the world of celebrities, fans, and the thin, blurry line that often separates both. It's a delightful and affectionate parody of pop culture, including strong elements of satire and farce, yet it always manages to maintain an undercurrent of respect and appreciation for fandom.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to many guest appearances by some of the biggest names in the sci-fi and popular culture industry. This includes actors, authors, and directors who seem to gleefully participate in the ongoing joke that is - and we mean this with respect - the overwhelming, passionate, and sometimes bizarre world of science fiction conventions. These cameos not only create an in-joke dynamic with the audience but they also lend an air of authenticity to the backdrop of the convention circus Wray constantly finds himself in.

Alan Tudyk's performance as Wray is a masterclass in comedy. His experiences with attending conventions in real life breathe an authenticity into his character that is heartwarming, hilarious, and at times, heartbreaking. Nathan Fillion, as Jack Moore, serves as an excellent counterbalance to Tudyk's Wray, being the representation of success that Wray longs for but can't quite reach.

"Con Man" is a blend of humor, warmth, and tongue-in-cheek commentary on the cultural phenomena of conventions, making it an enjoyable watch for both longtime convention-goers and those who have only ever observed the scene from the outside. It's a well-written, engaging series that reflects fandom in its most exaggerated and accurate light, with enough lighthearted, biting humor to truly evoke the crazed reality of these pop culture conventions. "Con Man," with its clever writing, enthusiastic performances, and love of all things sci-fi fandom, will likely continue to be loved not only for its representation of iconic convention experiences, but also as a celebration of the rich world of pop culture itself. The show inadvertently ended up becoming its own love letter to the strange, beautiful, and wildly entertaining world of fan conventions, making it a must-see for pop culture enthusiasts.