White and bottled, simple and to the point: The new series from the creators of ‘Billions’ could pass for being a spin-off of ‘Billions’ itself in which Joseph Gordon-Levitt would have assumed a role similar to that of Damian Lewis . Travis Kalanick and Bobby Axelrod are the same side of the same coin: success at any price, pride over people, and above all, the longest dick in the room. Or from the city. Or of the universe. Because you know, what’s the point of being a millionaire if you can’t say “fuck you” to someone? In this way, in ‘Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber’ we find, to a large extent, the same benefits or signs of identity that we can find in the six seasons of ‘Billions’, as well as some other old acquaintance from that time. in not so small roles in a large choral cast that stands out, once again, for its great teamwork and its not so insignificant and not so punctual contributions. A large family whose strong personality is defined by brief and concise details. From an agile and dynamic narrative style to a luminous and elegant audiovisual composure. From the use of rock music (with a special predilection for Pearl Jam) to the abundance of sententious dialogue full of references to pop culture. And in the absence of a Chuck Rhoades, sexual harassment and a kind of episodic construction that is covering some of the battles undertaken by Travis Kalanick (and his ego) on behalf of Uber (and now, also, of this very entertaining Showtime series ). Either you are with us, or you are against me. With the invaluable collaboration of Gordon-Levitt, overwhelming in one of those roles that you adore as much as you want -sometimes- to give him a shit… which essentially happens to Kyle Chandler, a kind of Taylor Mason that neither he himself is clear if he is friend or enemy. Because in short, that’s what it’s all about: Friends and enemies, winning or losing and not so much money. Rarely do we see Kalanick enjoying his money, or even his life in a way that a mileurista might not (if only once in a while). Of power. Of pride. To do what they tell you you can’t do. To be more than anyone. ‘Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber’, like ‘Billions’, is a stylized take on a business context packaged to make it seem easy to, I dunno, invest in eToro for those of us on the street. A kind of spin-off that, if not inspired by real events, could form part of a television universe with a strong popular component. Or populist, if you prefer. But that works with the overwhelming, striking and enviable effectiveness of this type of story about “wolves of Wall Street” (and surroundings). How can I not like a series with such a predilection for Pearl Jam?
By Juan Pairet
@Wanchopex