“Boss” featured Grammer as the all powerful, amoral/corrupt Tom
Kane,Mayor of Chicago, who knew how to keep the city running by political
patronage, outright corruption and making offers you better not refuse.
Grammer, an unapologetic republican, has publicly stated his
conservative political leaning has made him a target in Hollywood and might have something to do with
the shows cancellation. He also thought his politics had something to do with his
Emmy snub last year, after he earned a Golden Globe for the role.
But the Starz Network, who brought the show to the screen,
said that declining audience numbers were behind the decision to cancel the
show after only two seasons.
Grammers acting was superb and showcased his talent that
transformed him from the likable character he played in “Cheers” and “Frazier,”
into a ruthless politician in “Boss.” He deserved the Golden Globe for
his acting ability and fans also thought he deserved the Emmy as well.
As Mayor, he secretly suffers from a debilitating
brain disease which must be kept from his enemies as well as his allies…they
remind you of what it would be like to hold a rabid wolf by the ears. Finding the right drug treatment keeps him
publicly on an even keel, but just below the surface he is plagued by demons
which the disease manifests.
His wife Meredith, brilliantly played by Connie Nielsen,
(Starred in Gladiator) is just as addicted to the reins of power as her
husband. She can be as cold and ruthless as Grammer in order to maintain that
power. But the marriage is more a
political partnership than a real marriage and there is little, if any love
between them.
Their daughter Hannah, is a 20 something drug addict, a
product of the loveless marriage of convenience. Hannah Ware, plays the role
perfectly as she rebels against the facade her family has created. She delves into the world of drugs and has a
love affair with a low level drug dealer affiliated with Chicago gang violence.
The cast of characters in the show are gritty and realistic
and portray a corrupt world of politics that probably is uncomfortably close to
the truth, for many of Americas
big cities.
Boss season 2 is available on Blu-Ray and DVD starting April 9 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment