The Loudest Voice Review: 1995 (Season 1 Episode 1)
To look at Roger Ailes and the rise of Fox News, it can be difficult to view the events of the episode outside of their political bent. But for The Loudest Voice Season 1 Episode 1, “1995,” it is more character study than political comment, more about the man than the message.
It’s also what makes the show so compelling.
Russell Crowe makes unbelievable waves as Ailes, brash in one moment, soft and insecure in the next. He’s able to show the dual sides of the character by making him human, but also being able to show that there is more there, a vindictive and predatory behavior which hardens the view of the other traits.
It’s not an easy role, to make the central figure someone unlikable but still with some level of charm. Having Crowe as the face alleviates it, especially with how commanding he is with every scene. The early morning crew meeting, especially, brings Crowe a wealth and combination of anger and passion, crossing the line so that his passion becomes toxic while also accepted.
The show allows us to see he’s not entirely one-sided with his abuse and cruelty, but the more physical side of that toward women is, so far, only in innuendo and suggestive. I’m sure it will become more prominent once Naomi Watts’ Gretchen Carlson arrives, but it is so far a glaring omission, likely done to ease the viewer into the world rather than revolting them from the very get-go.
The rush to be first to air, and effectively cutting the roadmap in half, is a strong mad-dash way to start out the series. The cut corners, the poaching of favored employees, the search for on-screen talent, all become this ballet of keeping spinning plates from smashing.
Roger’s strict appearance of professionalism appears to only reflect on those around him, while he turns on anyone who is not exactly to his liking. Beth wishing to speak to him while at work, after he pushed for her to work there, leaves him cold and distant, blocking her attempts.
Their strained relationship is a chilling factor for the episode. It’s a lot of take more than give-and-take, as Roger looks to only have Beth around when it’s convenient rather than acting as an alliance. There are certainly moments of kindness, but only in private.
The episode shows how a lot of the decisions early on, toward initially going to air, are based on feel and intuition. Roger picking Sean Hannity up for Fox News comes from a feeling more than a professional reasoning, as proven by the bumpy rehearsal process.
The episode also shows how slippery the slope is in the messaging getting massaged from the very beginning, that the news be given, but with a particular slant to it. The way the messaging goes from conservatism, and then to tampering with that bent, is a unique perspective that, 24 years later, shows how a certain perspective can change the hearts and minds of viewers.
The Loudest Voice Season 1 Episode 1, “1995,” provides the character study of a deeply flawed man hellbent on being on top. With Russell Crowe at the helm and a spirited race to do the impossible, The Loudest Voice manages to make itself less about politics and more about Ailes, which, in today’s atmosphere, is a tightrope walk.
What did you think of this episode of The Loudest Voice? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Loudest Voice airs Sundays at 10/9c on Showtime.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.