“Before” (Season 1, 2024)
When I heard Billy Crystal was starring in “Before” a psychological thriller TV show, my interest was piqued.
I was intrigued by the show for the first seven or eight episodes, but the closing of the 10-episode arc really soured any of my positive thoughts.
Crystal stars as Dr. Eli Alder, a recently widowed child psychiatrist who starts working with a new patient, Noah (Jacobi Jupe), who seems to be connected to his own past. The series revolves around uncovering this mystery and treating Noah.
I do think Crystal mostly plays against type well, but there are some scenes in this that awkwardly feel comedic simply due to his presence and delivery.
The bright lights of this show are the supporting female players Judith Light plays eerie well as the dead wife, Lynn, while Rosie Perez is endearing as Noah’s foster mom, Denise.
Otherwise, the story and tropes fall flat and make this show pretty forgettable.
If you’re a fan of Crystal and are curious about this tone change in his career, you should check this out, but just be warned that “Before” isn’t entirely successful.