Joe vs Carole

Joe vs Carole is an enthralling 2022 series available on Peacock, the streaming service from NBCUniversal. A blend of true crime, dark comedy and drama, the show is a telling reimagining of the real-life and highly publicized feud between Joe "Exotic" Schreibvogel and Carole Baskin, the leading figures of Netflix's wildly popular "Tiger King" series.

The narrative of Joe vs Carole takes viewers on a fascinating journey beyond the confines of the zoo. Based on true events, the show navigates through an intricately complex world of big cat conservationists and collectors. It dives deep into the life and rivalry of its two titular characters, Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, however, aims to provide a more focused perspective beyond their eccentric personality traits and quirky lifestyle choices that were highlighted in the original "Tiger King" documentary.

At the center of the narrative is Joe Exotic, a self-proclaimed tiger lover, owner of Oklahoma’s Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, and a one-time gubernatorial and presidential candidate. Known for his flamboyant personality and mullet hairstyle, Joe is dedicated to his menagerie of big cats as well as his dream of stardom. But it’s his rivalry with Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist and the owner of a big cat sanctuary, that forms the crux of Joe's narrative trajectory in the series. Joe's persona is portrayed with great nuance, capturing both his larger-than-life persona as well as subtler aspects of his character.

Portrayed inversely, Carole Baskin represents the law-abiding, yet equally fierce side of the big cat world. Her mission to rescue roadside zoo animals and end the private breeding of big cats frequently clashes with Joe’s controversial approach to animal care and show business. Baskin, an advocate for big cats' welfare, is depicted in bright colours and flower-crown tiaras, but the show delves deep into her heartfelt motivations and personal life, distinguishing her from the quirky and eccentric image the media crafted.

Unlike the original documentary, Joe vs Carole does not solely strive for shock value. Instead, it presents these controversial figures as people, complicated and flawed, who are caught up in their passion for big cats. It pulls back the curtain on both sides of their lives, exploring the driving forces behind their actions, their personal struggles, and the consequences of their bitter rivalry.

The screenplay is gripping, and the production design recreates the unique worlds of Joe and Carole with exuberant authenticity, capturing the garish glamour of Joe's zoo and the rustic charm of Carole's sanctuary. The series strikes a balance between the humorous and tragic elements of their tale, injecting tonal variety into the storyline.

The series continues to focus on supporting characters integral to the story. These include Rick Kirkham, who documents Joe's life with the aim of producing reality TV gold; Howard Baskin, Carole's loyal husband and co-worker; and Jeff Lowe, the businessman who eventually takes over Joe's park. With a powerful ensemble cast, the series humanizes these minor characters, portraying them with depth and nuance to augment the overall narrative.

The series was created by Etan Frankel, known for his work on "Shameless" and "Animal Kingdom." Moreover, the show features captivating performances from its stellar cast, which includes Kate McKinnon as Carole Baskin and John Cameron Mitchell as Joe Exotic. Their extraordinary performances breathe life into these eccentric characters, offering a fresh perspective from the previously known documentary figures.

Joe vs Carole hones in on the clash between private ownership and animal rights, telling the story of these tumultuous figures' lives within the exotic big cat industry. This deep character study gives viewers a closer and clearer look at a rivalry that was already multifaceted and convoluted, with numerous twists and turns along the way, providing a richer understanding of an already public feud.

Even for people who have traced the wild trajectory of "Tiger King," the show undeniably offers fresh revelations and insight. The series interlaces multiple themes such as animal rights, exploitation, fame obsession, and the thin line between love and hatred for animals, all within a thoroughly engaging narrative.

Immersive and thought-provoking, Joe vs Carole offers a fascinating account of the life and times of Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, shedding light on their turbulent rivalry. This series is a must-watch for "Tiger King" fans seeking a deeper understanding of these enigmatic figures, as well as those new to the world of exotic big cat collecting and animal conservation.