This wasn't bad at all. Sure, it wasn't a masterpiece, but I thought it was a pretty compelling Pilot and set up the series well. Surprised it ran 82 minutes.
The weakest parts were definitely Bassam's wife and kids. Hopefully that gets toned down somewhat in future episodes that Howard Gordon oversees. I like Jen Finnigan, but Molly was kind of written like an annoying hag like Brody's wife on Homeland. Adam Rayner wasn't bad as the lead.
The strongest parts IMO was Bassam dealing with his brother, the flashbacks and the political elements.
That introduction to Jamal was interesting to put it lightly.
[Show spoiler]
Raping that woman with his entourage watching the husband and kids in the next room.
I think the TV critics were a little too harsh with this one. I also get that FX promos didn't really help sell this show very well, so some of you didn't feel the urgency to see this.
It really needs to develop a good balance between the political drama and family drama for it to work. I'm in for the next 9 weeks. I think the Pilot was strong enough to sell me on this show and it's potential. Sure, this premise probably isn't going to appeal to everyone, including the casual tv fans here. FX has hardly produced any drama bombs and I don't think this is one of them.
Btw, the Morocco scenics were gorgeous. I liked David Yates directing, but I wonder had Ang Lee stayed on if the show's style would have been any different.