Still the King

Billy Ray Cyrus takes center-stage in "Still the King", a television series that aired on CMT from 2016 to 2017. In an enjoyable blend of comedy and drama, this show offers a unique premise and an engaging storyline, promising a hearty dose of laughter interlaced with touching moments that shed light on human relationships and individual growth.

Cyrus stars as Vernon Brownmule, or "Burnin' Vernon" as he was once popularly known, a washed-up one-hit country wonder who squandered his early fame and fortune through irresponsible choices and reckless behavior. A decade and a half after his career took a nosedive, Vernon finds himself earning a living impersonating Elvis Presley, a far cry from the shining country music star he used to be. Beset by the consequences of his previous actions and coping with a lifestyle stained by misadventures, Vernon's life takes another unexpected turn when he gets into a drunken altercation at an old country church in Nashville, posing as a man of the cloth to evade arrest.

Unbeknownst to Vernon, he's destined to impersonate a more permanent role. Tasked with community service as his sentence, he becomes the new handyman of the church, alongside which he finds out he has a teenage daughter, the product of a former one-night stand. This discovery shocks Vernon, but also presents an opportunity for redemption and for him to take responsibility for his actions.

In this rollercoaster journey of life lessons and second chances, Vernon attempts to reconnect with his daughter, Charlotte, played by Madison Iseman. A headstrong and independent teenager, Charlotte is initially skeptical and resistant to Vernon's attempts to forge a relationship. The series delves into the tumultuous father-daughter dynamics, even as it explores the unusual and sometimes amusing situations Vernon finds himself in as he navigates the world of parenthood while grappling with the comedic challenges and pitfalls of his new identity.

Impersonating a pastor allows Vernon to cross paths with other zany characters that bring additional layers of humor and substance to the storyline. He strikes up a friendship with Walt (Travis Nicholson), the church janitor, and butts heads with the pompous Church Manager, Doily (Leslie David Baker). The relationship with Debbie (Joey Lauren Adams), a waitress who becomes Vernon's love interest, provides a refreshing romantic subplot that adds another dimension to his character's development.

The series cleverly uses comedy to address serious issues and covers a wide range of themes such as redemption, self-improvement, forgiveness, friendship, parenting, and love. The narrative also cleverly incorporates the music industry, giving fans of Billy Ray Cyrus an added appeal to tune into the show. The strength of "Still the King" lies in its ability to be more than just a series of comedic encounters. Each episode offers something new and exciting while allowing the main characters to evolve and grow.

Despite his notorious reputation, Vernon's journey to reinvent himself and salvage his relationships continue to draw viewers into his narrative. Cyrus, in an exciting departure from his own real-life image, delivers a nuanced performance that shows his versatility as an actor. His robust portrayal of Vernon is both compelling and convincing, making the character impossible to ignore. The seriocomic theme of the show finds balance in his performance, making it an engaging watch.

"Still the King" with its intriguing storyline, well-developed characters, and an effective blend of humor and drama, is a unique take on the struggle for personal transformation and offers a heartwarming journey of a dysfunctional father trying to mend his past mistakes. The series, with its delightful mix of comedy, drama, and country music, offers a fascinating watch to audiences who enjoy unusual tales of flawed heroes trying to find their way back home.

Just as it portrays a one-hit wonder trying to ascend back to fame, the show itself proves to be more than a one-hit wonder, garnering a cult following over its two-season run. From its hilarious impersonations to its moving portrayals of broken relationships, "Still the King" is a testament to Cyrus's versatility as an actor and a joyous romp through the country music scene amalgamated with a fascinating journey of personal redemption.