The Comey Rule worth watching
By Cody AndrusThe Showtime miniseries The Comey Rule offers a rare and highly detailed look into the early days of the first Trump administration, drawing from former FBI Director James Comey's memoir, A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership. The series deals with the events surrounding the 2016 U.S. presidential election and the initial months of Trump's first term, highlighting the historic tensions between the FBI and the White House.
Jeff Daniels, quite thoughtfully and elegantly, portrays James Comey, capturing the complexities of a man torn between duty and personal conviction. Brendan Gleeson takes on the role of President Trump, delivering a performance that emphasizes the president's unpredictable nature and the challenges he posed to established norms. The series does not shy away from depicting controversial moments, such as Comey's decision to reopen the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails shortly before the election and his subsequent interactions with President Trump.
Critics have noted the series' commitment to portraying events without resorting to exaggeration. It presents a narrative that underscores the erosion of traditional protocols and the strain placed on democratic institutions during this period. Scenes depicting private meetings between Comey and Trump highlight the pressures faced by public servants navigating unprecedented demands from the executive branch.
While The Comey Rule is based on Comey's perspective, it strives to provide a balanced view by incorporating multiple viewpoints and emphasizing the broader implications of the events depicted. The series serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals within the government who grappled with maintaining integrity amid political turmoil.
In the landscape of political dramas, The Comey Rule stands out for its timely exploration of recent history and its impact on the present. By shedding light on the inner workings of the Trump administration and the FBI's role during a pivotal moment in U.S. history, the series invites viewers to reflect on the importance of accountability and the resilience of democratic institutions.
AP News, "Review: 'The Comey Rule' paints a chilling portrait of Trump era". Reuters, "Showtime’s 'The Comey Rule' tackles FBI, Trump clash". The Wall Street Journal, "‘The Comey Rule’ Review: Between Loyalty and Legality". The New York Times, "‘The Comey Rule’ Review: James Comey Versus the President". Columbia Journalism Review, "How ‘The Comey Rule’ reframes political storytelling". Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, "Television's Role in Shaping Political Narratives: A Study of Dramatized Political Events".
