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He’s Teddy Rist: billionaire playboy, rebel with a cause, and the charming and unlikely hero of the thrilling series, The Philanthropist. Join James Purefoy (Rome), Neve Campbell (Burn Up, Party of Five), and Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order) in eight inspiring episodes about a vigilante philanthropist who– after a tragic personal loss– decides to use his money and power to help people in need. Traveling around the globe to some of the planet’s human rights "hot spots," Teddy will put his own life on the line in order to save others. From Primetime Emmy® Award winner Tom Fontana (Oz, Homicide: Life on the Street) and Primetime Emmy®-nominated producer/director Peter Horton (Grey’s Anatomy), it’s the courageous series that shows how one person can make a difference in the world.
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58 of 61 people found the following review helpful
The Philanthropist (2009), with its central theme of trying to affect change for the better, is a welcome alternative to the sea of forensic procedural dramas, and other crime and action based programming that have predominated for the last few years. The series had a limited run on NBC during the summer of 2009, and the eight episodes in this set are all that were produced. This is unfortunate, as with all the negative things happening in the world, a little good news and optimism, however slight, is not a bad thing.
The Philanthropist stars James Purefoy as billionaire Teddy Rist, co-CEO of Maidstone-Rist, a conglomerate involved in natural resource ventures worldwide. Rist's marriage breaks up after the death of his young son. Previously something of a playboy, this loss changes his outlook on life, and he now looks to use his influence and power, to improve the lives of others. The business is headquartered in New York City, but Rist is often overseas, working on some deal. Teddy's partner and best friend is Philip Maidstone (Jesse L. Martin), his wife Olivia (Neve Campbell), heads the company's non-profit foundation. Also helping Teddy get things done, are AJ Butterfield (Lindy Booth), and his bodyguard Dax (Michael K. Williams).
The adventures take place in various places, delivering a positive message of hope. A wrong is revealed, a crisis arises, or someone with a need is discovered, and the story becomes about finding a solution, no matter how difficult this may appear. Wherever he may be, Rist uses his personality, smarts, charm, and money, to get things done. There are some light moments, but for the most part, the focus is on what Teddy or the team, must do to avoid a crisis. Rist prefers to negotiate, maneuver, or buy, his way out of trouble, rarely resorting to violence. He quickly learns, that in order to accomplish tasks, he must often do them himself, usually at great personal risk. Following his conscience, Teddy is up for almost anything, rarely ever backing down.
The series makes the point that one person caring, can make a difference, that people do matter, and that making money is not the most important thing, if people are hurt in the process. This kind of idealism may not be particularly realistic, in a world concerned mostly about the bottom line. In the real life, someone would probably shoot Teddy Rist for his cash, watch, or car, and that would be the end of it. That kind of violent realism, we already have in abundance. What The Philanthropist offers, is a little refuge from that, and some small hope for a better world, in a package that features adventure and excitement, exotic locations, and a taste of other cultures. These are journeys well worth taking, that make you think, and may have you shedding a tear or two.
The stories are very well written, with attention paid to detail. Production values are high, with great editing and cinematography. Set in various places across the globe, the episodes are titled after the location featured in the story, and are usually told using flashbacks, with Teddy narrating.
Things begin in 'Nigeria (Part 1)', with the loss of his son still a fresh memory, Teddy saves the life of a young Nigerian boy during a flood. He returns, keeping a promise to deliver a much needed vaccine, to a beautiful doctor working in a remote area.
Teddy is shocked, when he learns that his company is affiliated with a company in 'Myanmar' (Burma), that is engaged in questionable human rights practices. The country is under the rule of a military junta, but Teddy arrives and boldly meets with a political leader living in exile. Meanwhile back home, one of the stockholders is making a move to kick Teddy out of the company.
Teddy encounters the latest in 'customer service' in 'Paris', as women are being trapped into prostitution, to serve the clientele of a high class hotel. When a friend of Olivia is killed, Teddy is determined to break up the ring, and bring the killer to justice.
In 'Nigeria (Part II)', when his doctor friend is taken as a hostage, Teddy tries to effect her release, with a bold gamble that involves pressuring the government. Back home, Philip is dealing with his own episode of philanthropy. Both men learn that helping is not always a simple matter, as some will take advantage of the situation.
Distrust between people, threatens to halt Maidstone-Rist's plans to build a factory in 'Kosovo'. Philip is injured in an act of deadly terrorism. Krista Allen makes an extended appearance as Teddy's ex-wife Julia, as the couple make some progress in dealing with the death of their son.
Teddy is on the trail of a mysterious impersonator, who is doing good deeds using his credit card in 'San Diego'. Rist could easily cancel the card, but his curiosity gets the better of him, and he almost takes a beating, going to bat for a stranger.
'Kashmir', features Teddy recounting his adventures there, while a guest on a talk radio program. A college friend of Teddy's and Phillip, has a plan to help provide water to an area of India suffering from drought. But there are those who prefer the status quo remain, and will kill to maintain it. With India and Pakistan threatening war, Teddy works to forge a peace along the border.
Teddy, Philip, and Olivia, are in Haiti to try and provide relief during a food shortage. Philip's brother is a Senator there, but he is resistant to accepting outside aid. Teddy comes face to face with slavery, encountering a woman who's son has been sold by his father to pay off debts, and young girl who is a 'restavec', living as a servant slave, raised experiencing abuse. The series closes, asking for ideas how people can help.
Teddy Rist isn't perfect. He has a stubborn streak, a weakness for beautiful women, and drinks a bit, but for the most part, he is a guy with a good heart, who puts his life on the line for his beliefs. Handsome and classy, James Purefoy brings a sincerity and caring to the role of Rist, that makes him believable as a charismatic, wheeler-dealer type, who is refocusing his skills in a new direction. Teddy's dedication and tenacity, provides the impetus for this thoughtful series. The rest of the cast receive limited screen time, but Jesse L. Martin and Neve Campbell, shine when given the opportunity. Unfortunately Lindy Booth, isn't given more screentime.
Few of us can make a difference the way Teddy Rist can, and there are seldom easy answers to complex problems, but there are things that each of us can do, to make a better world, if we just give it a little thought, and make an effort.
The Philanthropist stars James Purefoy as billionaire Teddy Rist, co-CEO of Maidstone-Rist, a conglomerate involved in natural resource ventures worldwide. Rist's marriage breaks up after the death of his young son. Previously something of a playboy, this loss changes his outlook on life, and he now looks to use his influence and power, to improve the lives of others. The business is headquartered in New York City, but Rist is often overseas, working on some deal. Teddy's partner and best friend is Philip Maidstone (Jesse L. Martin), his wife Olivia (Neve Campbell), heads the company's non-profit foundation. Also helping Teddy get things done, are AJ Butterfield (Lindy Booth), and his bodyguard Dax (Michael K. Williams).
The adventures take place in various places, delivering a positive message of hope. A wrong is revealed, a crisis arises, or someone with a need is discovered, and the story becomes about finding a solution, no matter how difficult this may appear. Wherever he may be, Rist uses his personality, smarts, charm, and money, to get things done. There are some light moments, but for the most part, the focus is on what Teddy or the team, must do to avoid a crisis. Rist prefers to negotiate, maneuver, or buy, his way out of trouble, rarely resorting to violence. He quickly learns, that in order to accomplish tasks, he must often do them himself, usually at great personal risk. Following his conscience, Teddy is up for almost anything, rarely ever backing down.
The series makes the point that one person caring, can make a difference, that people do matter, and that making money is not the most important thing, if people are hurt in the process. This kind of idealism may not be particularly realistic, in a world concerned mostly about the bottom line. In the real life, someone would probably shoot Teddy Rist for his cash, watch, or car, and that would be the end of it. That kind of violent realism, we already have in abundance. What The Philanthropist offers, is a little refuge from that, and some small hope for a better world, in a package that features adventure and excitement, exotic locations, and a taste of other cultures. These are journeys well worth taking, that make you think, and may have you shedding a tear or two.
The stories are very well written, with attention paid to detail. Production values are high, with great editing and cinematography. Set in various places across the globe, the episodes are titled after the location featured in the story, and are usually told using flashbacks, with Teddy narrating.
Things begin in 'Nigeria (Part 1)', with the loss of his son still a fresh memory, Teddy saves the life of a young Nigerian boy during a flood. He returns, keeping a promise to deliver a much needed vaccine, to a beautiful doctor working in a remote area.
Teddy is shocked, when he learns that his company is affiliated with a company in 'Myanmar' (Burma), that is engaged in questionable human rights practices. The country is under the rule of a military junta, but Teddy arrives and boldly meets with a political leader living in exile. Meanwhile back home, one of the stockholders is making a move to kick Teddy out of the company.
Teddy encounters the latest in 'customer service' in 'Paris', as women are being trapped into prostitution, to serve the clientele of a high class hotel. When a friend of Olivia is killed, Teddy is determined to break up the ring, and bring the killer to justice.
In 'Nigeria (Part II)', when his doctor friend is taken as a hostage, Teddy tries to effect her release, with a bold gamble that involves pressuring the government. Back home, Philip is dealing with his own episode of philanthropy. Both men learn that helping is not always a simple matter, as some will take advantage of the situation.
Distrust between people, threatens to halt Maidstone-Rist's plans to build a factory in 'Kosovo'. Philip is injured in an act of deadly terrorism. Krista Allen makes an extended appearance as Teddy's ex-wife Julia, as the couple make some progress in dealing with the death of their son.
Teddy is on the trail of a mysterious impersonator, who is doing good deeds using his credit card in 'San Diego'. Rist could easily cancel the card, but his curiosity gets the better of him, and he almost takes a beating, going to bat for a stranger.
'Kashmir', features Teddy recounting his adventures there, while a guest on a talk radio program. A college friend of Teddy's and Phillip, has a plan to help provide water to an area of India suffering from drought. But there are those who prefer the status quo remain, and will kill to maintain it. With India and Pakistan threatening war, Teddy works to forge a peace along the border.
Teddy, Philip, and Olivia, are in Haiti to try and provide relief during a food shortage. Philip's brother is a Senator there, but he is resistant to accepting outside aid. Teddy comes face to face with slavery, encountering a woman who's son has been sold by his father to pay off debts, and young girl who is a 'restavec', living as a servant slave, raised experiencing abuse. The series closes, asking for ideas how people can help.
Teddy Rist isn't perfect. He has a stubborn streak, a weakness for beautiful women, and drinks a bit, but for the most part, he is a guy with a good heart, who puts his life on the line for his beliefs. Handsome and classy, James Purefoy brings a sincerity and caring to the role of Rist, that makes him believable as a charismatic, wheeler-dealer type, who is refocusing his skills in a new direction. Teddy's dedication and tenacity, provides the impetus for this thoughtful series. The rest of the cast receive limited screen time, but Jesse L. Martin and Neve Campbell, shine when given the opportunity. Unfortunately Lindy Booth, isn't given more screentime.
Few of us can make a difference the way Teddy Rist can, and there are seldom easy answers to complex problems, but there are things that each of us can do, to make a better world, if we just give it a little thought, and make an effort.
33 of 40 people found the following review helpful
By Jason Sum
Tom Fontana was 1/2 of the Team Behind the TV Masterpiece known as Homicide: Life on the Streets
Tom Fontana was also one of the People behind Creating this Show.
So you'll get the Feeling that The Philanthropist was something very Special
The Show itself was amazing (But, it was put on during the summer?!?!?!)
Which is a Bit Strange
The Show wasn't given a Chance to breathe and gain a fan base (Because of the time Frame) Plus The Fall Line up would be A Huge disaster for the NBC Network and would Drastically Change NBC Universal Forever
I Highly Recommend this Show
Everything about it was Very Good It was Shot more Like A Major Motion Picture Some of the Locations Alone were very Unique and add alot to the Story
The Writing was very "Real" and Believable......
I Guess you could say it opens your eyes to all the bad things going on through-out the world
It will bring tears to your eyes But, also give you Hope!
The Cast was Perfect
To Bad TNT or USA didn't pick up the Show
It had major potential of growing and getting better with time but, in this day and age seems like nothing new is Given a Fair Chance to find any audience it has to have Huge Rating by the second Episode
This show is major prof why All the Good TV is on Cable (FX, USA, Sci-Fi, TNT, AMC, BBC-America)
Network TV has Lost it's Originality and Edge
A real Shame it wasn't picked up!
Check it out 9.5/10
Tom Fontana was also one of the People behind Creating this Show.
So you'll get the Feeling that The Philanthropist was something very Special
The Show itself was amazing (But, it was put on during the summer?!?!?!)
Which is a Bit Strange
The Show wasn't given a Chance to breathe and gain a fan base (Because of the time Frame) Plus The Fall Line up would be A Huge disaster for the NBC Network and would Drastically Change NBC Universal Forever
I Highly Recommend this Show
Everything about it was Very Good It was Shot more Like A Major Motion Picture Some of the Locations Alone were very Unique and add alot to the Story
The Writing was very "Real" and Believable......
I Guess you could say it opens your eyes to all the bad things going on through-out the world
It will bring tears to your eyes But, also give you Hope!
The Cast was Perfect
To Bad TNT or USA didn't pick up the Show
It had major potential of growing and getting better with time but, in this day and age seems like nothing new is Given a Fair Chance to find any audience it has to have Huge Rating by the second Episode
This show is major prof why All the Good TV is on Cable (FX, USA, Sci-Fi, TNT, AMC, BBC-America)
Network TV has Lost it's Originality and Edge
A real Shame it wasn't picked up!
Check it out 9.5/10
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
One of the greatest strengths of the short-lived "The Philanthropist" is the ability of the writers to recognize the potential for the lead character to become a superficial, cloying caricature and to skillfully guide the writing away from the caricature and towards the Character - with a capital C. Teddy Rist is played by James Purefoy, and he is introduced as a billionaire casanova who is prompted by a life-changing event to turn into a crusader for good. Without much modification he could easily be Bruce Wayne or Tony Stark, but we're reminded several times that he's no super-hero, and in hand to hand combat Teddy is the one who winds up beaten, tied up and with a gun pointed at him.
Teddy and his best friend Phillip (played by Michael Kenneth Williams) have established Maidstone-Rist, an international conglomerate specializing in trade and utilization of natural commodities. Teddy's job gives him opportunities to fly to places like Paris, but the series makes a realistic attempt to give Maidstone-Rist a reason to also go to world geo-political hot spots. Neve Campbell plays Olivia Maidstone, Phillips wife and the head of the company's charitable arm. Michael Kenneth Williams has the largest supporting role as Dax, a Marine veteran now working as Teddy's bodyguard.
Why is the show good? Why does it work? I grew up watching television shows like "Little House on the Prairie" and "Perry Mason" that always - and I mean always - ended "Happily ever after", and the happy endings were not always honestly earned. A contrived ending would miraculous change the hearts or misfortunes in the final five minutes of "Little House" and at the end of "Perry Mason" the "real bad guy" would break down at the end and blabber "you're RIGHT! I DID IT!" in the same way that every episode of "Scooby-Doo" ended with the villain confessing, then complaining "and I would have gotten away for it too, if it weren't for you darn kids!"
But "The Philanthropist" exists in a relatively "real" world - it is definitely a post 9/11 world. It is a world where age-old enemies can't be reconciled with a smile, or a bribe. Teddy and his company run into drug dealers, human traffickers, corrupt government and military officials, and they don't always "win".
Teddy lost his son to tragedy while off on some jet-setting mission, and as the show opens we see the events that led him to stop looking for ways to exploit the world financially and instead to look for ways to help his fellow man - while still making a buck. (In one episode it is clear that the Board of Maidstone-Rist wouldn't hesitate to sack Teddy if he weren't also turning a profit.) So while MR is looking into natural resources scattered around the globe Teddy is also looking into easing tensions on the border of India and Pakistan and bringing cholera vaccine into Nigerian villages.
Roger Ebert has written that what a movie is about isn't as important as how the movie is about that thing. If "The Philanthropist" was about a Billionaire Playboy flying into Nigeria and heroically delivering vaccine without getting his hands dirty it would be as shallow as a desert brook. But because these characters run into realistic obstacles, and often don't get their way, it becomes something deeper. It's about trying to do good under difficult circumstances, not because it increases your own importance to try, but because it's worth trying.
Teddy and his best friend Phillip (played by Michael Kenneth Williams) have established Maidstone-Rist, an international conglomerate specializing in trade and utilization of natural commodities. Teddy's job gives him opportunities to fly to places like Paris, but the series makes a realistic attempt to give Maidstone-Rist a reason to also go to world geo-political hot spots. Neve Campbell plays Olivia Maidstone, Phillips wife and the head of the company's charitable arm. Michael Kenneth Williams has the largest supporting role as Dax, a Marine veteran now working as Teddy's bodyguard.
Why is the show good? Why does it work? I grew up watching television shows like "Little House on the Prairie" and "Perry Mason" that always - and I mean always - ended "Happily ever after", and the happy endings were not always honestly earned. A contrived ending would miraculous change the hearts or misfortunes in the final five minutes of "Little House" and at the end of "Perry Mason" the "real bad guy" would break down at the end and blabber "you're RIGHT! I DID IT!" in the same way that every episode of "Scooby-Doo" ended with the villain confessing, then complaining "and I would have gotten away for it too, if it weren't for you darn kids!"
But "The Philanthropist" exists in a relatively "real" world - it is definitely a post 9/11 world. It is a world where age-old enemies can't be reconciled with a smile, or a bribe. Teddy and his company run into drug dealers, human traffickers, corrupt government and military officials, and they don't always "win".
Teddy lost his son to tragedy while off on some jet-setting mission, and as the show opens we see the events that led him to stop looking for ways to exploit the world financially and instead to look for ways to help his fellow man - while still making a buck. (In one episode it is clear that the Board of Maidstone-Rist wouldn't hesitate to sack Teddy if he weren't also turning a profit.) So while MR is looking into natural resources scattered around the globe Teddy is also looking into easing tensions on the border of India and Pakistan and bringing cholera vaccine into Nigerian villages.
Roger Ebert has written that what a movie is about isn't as important as how the movie is about that thing. If "The Philanthropist" was about a Billionaire Playboy flying into Nigeria and heroically delivering vaccine without getting his hands dirty it would be as shallow as a desert brook. But because these characters run into realistic obstacles, and often don't get their way, it becomes something deeper. It's about trying to do good under difficult circumstances, not because it increases your own importance to try, but because it's worth trying.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Warm Stories
I would love to have seen more of this series. Acting was great and stories were very moving.
Need more like this.
Need more like this.
Published 6 days ago by Shirley Reinhart
5.0 out of 5 stars
I want more season's
I have been a big fan of James Purefoy for years and when this series came out on US TV's I was so stoked. Read more
Published 26 days ago by Petra Cahill
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fantastic a completely under-rated series. It should have ran for...
This a thoroughly enjoyable TV series, which only lasted a single season. Yet the main characters were finely developed and completely well matched. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jennika R. Spanarkel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why was this even canceled?
Ok maybe I'm biased because James Purefoy is a pure joy to watch in whatever he does but this was a real fun series! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Elizabeth A. Hardel
5.0 out of 5 stars
INCREDIBLE AND THOUGHT PROVOKING!
This is one of the most important shows I've ever seen. Frankly, I think it should be required viewing in schools. Read more
Published 1 month ago by mel
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Show that got cancelled.
This was a good show, you should watch it. The DVD set is efficient. It is not a full season, they only made 9 episodes.
Published 1 month ago by Benjamin Smith
3.0 out of 5 stars
Based on a real person
Its a good show for it to be based on the events of a real life person. It shows what very few people can do to make a difference in the world.
Published 6 months ago by Stevie-D
5.0 out of 5 stars
The philanthropist
I brought this because it was in Amazon's cutout bin( ie it was cheap!) . However, turned out to be an excellent series. It left me wanting more. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Spot
4.0 out of 5 stars
WHAT A PITY!
This series should go on an on. It is fiction, it is a fairytale, it is not true. But what is true? Sex and the City, Harry Potter, Twilight? Read more
Published 8 months ago by Vis Comica
4.0 out of 5 stars
It is different.
It about a rich man who takes off into the world to do good deeds. Hardly any violence. It does get hard to follow sometimes but the acting is good.
Published 12 months ago by Stanlena
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