The art of the con is not dead. You merely can not see it. If you do see it, then it is inevitably always too late. It is an invisible crime built on the premise of finding someone who wants something for nothing and then ... more »giving them nothing for something. Choose the mark, reel them in, play on their desires and set them up. It does not matter whether they are black or white, male of female but they must be strictly major league. There are no quick fixes. Patience is truly a virtue in this game. All you have to do is make them believe.« less
"Just to reassure everyone the US release includes the full versions as aired on BBC."
Great British TV Show
J. Baybusky | Staten Island, NY | 06/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I originally watched this show because Robert Vaughn was in it. Now I watch it for all the characters. This show is so well written and so clever. It is so much better than 99% of American TV shows. Glad to see Season Two is starting soon and cannot wait to own the first season on DVD!"
I'm Not Conning You--"Hustle" Is So Much Fun, It's Almost Cr
K. Harris | Las Vegas, NV | 12/05/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Hustle" is a breezy, lightweight treat from BBC America. Originally broadcast in the States on AMC, the series follows a group of con artists as they stage one elaborate setup after another. London is their playground, and these pros are in for the "long con" to make a fortune from each episode's caper. Their "mark," in each case, is generally undone by his/her own failings or misdeeds for our group has distinct ethics--they only target people who deserve it. That's certainly a pleasant notion. It keeps things frothy and fun--and keeps anyone from viewing the protagonists as villains and criminals (which, in truth, they are).
"Hustle" succeeds by having a talented and appealing cast. Not only do you like everyone, you root for them. Robert Vaughn is the show's biggest name, and here he plays the mastermind who often lures the victims to their eventual undoing. Adrian Lester is the group's leader, a legendary con man recently released from prison. Marc Warren provides much of the comedic relief as Danny Blue--a young, irreverent newcomer who challenges and frustrates the others. The funniest moments generally involve Lester and Warren going head-to-head, each always trying to outdo the other. The team is rounded out by Jaime Murray (the bombshell) and Robert Glenister (the tech expert).
The tone of "Hustle" is light and the pace is fast. It is easy to enjoy the antics within the program and to be amused by the scenarios. The cons themselves, however, are fairly familiar territory for those who follow this type of entertainment. While I was entertained consistently, I was rarely surprised. And while this may sound like a large problem, it's not. This show is more about the journey--and with witty, intelligent scripts and a spot-on cast, it's hard for me to imagine anyone not being engaged and entertained by "Hustle."
Each season consists of six episodes, some more effective than others--but not a loser in the bunch. My personal favorite comes from season 2. In it, Lester and Warren take on a personal competition. They are both dropped naked in the middle of London and then each strives to win by ending up the day with more of value. Once and for all, they want to determine who has more skill. This was a very funny episode and the only one that didn't deal specifically with a con.
Recommended as a lark--good for lovers of comedy and capers. "Hustle" may not be particularly edgy or challenging, it's just fun. KGHarris, 12/06."
Ed Mann - Chicago
Edwin H. Mann | Chicago, IL USA | 07/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is as good as it gets on TV. The acting is tops, the plot line is always a surprise, and the editing can't be beat. In the final analysis, the con is on the viewer since it is difficult, if not impossible to anticipate the conclusion. I'm enjoying the 3rd season currently and will love the replay of the 1st season on the arrival of my DVD's. I can't wait to order the 2nd season DVD's when available."
Non-Stop Fun
CB | 09/16/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Every so often there's a television show that completely enchants me; Hustle is one of those shows. Taking place in contemporary London, it's a caper-a-week tale of con-men with hearts of gold earning a living by duping wealthy ne'er-do-wells of their ill-gotten gains.
Hustle follows a crew of grifters including legendary con-man Michael "Mickey Bricks" Stone (Adrian Lester), Danny Blue (Marc Warren), Stacie Monroe (Jaime Murray), Ash Morgan (Robert Glenister), and Albert Stroller (American acting legend Robert Vaughn) as they pick up the big con game again after a long haitus during which Mickey was in prison. Danny, an untried novice, is the newest addition to the crew - with some hesitation. Each of them has their particular jobs to do - Mickey and Danny work the inside to convince their marks, Ash is the man who can get or make anything, Albert is the roper who brings the marks in, and Stacie plays convincing backup parts, as well as lending her expertise as a pick-pocket. Working as a family unit, these grifters struggle to make ends meet while pulling cons and taking scores off of those wealthy they deem deserving of comeuppance.
This series is a treat. Unlike most American crime shows, where the focus is on the dark and depressing reality and violence of the streets, Hustle is a refreshing tale of modern-day Robin Hoods staying just one step ahead of the law - and their marks. The emphasis here is on fun. The music is light (a bouncy sort of techno-jazz), the dialogue crisp, and the atmosphere humorous. These are characters, and a show, that you will quickly grow to love and return to again and again. Admittedly, this program owes a great deal to the Academy Award-winning Paul Newman/Robert Redford opus The Sting (which is heavily referenced in the first episode), but they take that film's love of capers and sense of fun to new levels.
However, do be warned that while this set includes the full first season, it is, nonetheless, only six episodes long and, thus, goes by very quickly. Setting this aside, Hustle is a brilliant show that I cannot recommend highly enough. Check it out, and enjoy!"