As another Wednesday passes, another episode of the polarizing miniseriesPam & Tommypremieres.Episode five of theHulu dark comedyintroduced the media’s response to the leaked sex tape ofBaywatchstar Pamela Anderson and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee. While this episode attempted to be the series' feminist awakening, much like the previous episodes, it failed to stick due to the exploitative nature of the show.
It boils down to the question: How much longer will viewers be able to ignore the off-screen discourse surrounding the series? While the real-life Pamela Anderson has yet to speak out extensively about the series, actor Lily James has admitted that she wasn’t able to get in contact with the star while prepping to step into her shoes and sources have shared Anderson’s disapproval with the production.
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This context grows painful 25 minutes into the latest episode, called “Uncle Jim and Aunt Susie In Duluth”, as a conversation between Hulu’s Pamela (James) and her press agent is showcased. The misguided scene is a mod-podge of retweetable Girl Boss quotes and surface-level commentary on living in a society controlled by the patriarchy. While the two go back-and-forth about Anderson’s agreement to strike a $10 million civil lawsuit againstPenthouse’s Bob Guccione following speculation on his plans to run images from the leaked tape, Pamela exclaims, “Well you try saying ‘no’ to a room full of men.” Her agent rolls her eyes and responds, “Honey, I do it all day long.”
Ironically enough, it seems as though the real Pamela Anderson has been trying to say “no” to the dramatization of her trauma since the news broke of this series, yet, the show’s creator Robert D. Siegel refused to listen. So, how is one supposed to digest this scene? However, moral dilemma aside,Pam & Tommycontinues to prove itself to be an entertaining watch despite its predictable pacing and unchallenging characters.
The Pamela Episode
Episode 5 ofPam & Tommyfinally shifts its focus onto the uprising celebrity of Pamela Anderson. It pushes James' performance to new heights as Pamela struggles to maintain her reputation amid the growing spread of her personal tape. The just-over 30-minutes episode juxtaposes her attempt to reclaim her narrative — which was unrightfully stolen from her — against the media’s conversation on how they can profit from her tragedy. While Pamela is doing interviews and consulting with her agent, hungry journalists are pitching their takes to their editors and a glimpse into Jay Leno’s writing room is made, highlighting just how unforgiving the media was to the actor.
As this trails along, viewers are also given privy to Tommy Lee’s emotional side.Sebastian Stan’s Tommy is slowly coming to terms with the downfall of his band’s popularity, overshadow by the rising stardom of chick rock singers and the “Semi-Charmed Life” rock band Third Eye Blind. The episode even sprinkled in a little Alanis Morissette in the background, as a treat.
Pamela and Tommy come face-to-face with the repercussions of their tape’s spread leading to a bar fight and a disastrous lawsuit. However, it is abundantly clear that nobody has Pamela’s best interest at heart, including her still-dotting husband who fails to consider her lived experience as a woman. The episode is filled with various men speaking over Pamela while they have an egotistical battle over the control of her narrative. While she argues that they shouldn’t “poke the bear” when it comes toPenthouse’s sleazy hands on her sex tape, others argue that they should take precautions and send a lawsuit to the millionaire’s doorstep. This, of course, angers the adult magazine founder and pushes him to fight back and bring his “freedom of speech” defense into the picture.
Pam & TommyIs Unconvincing
Pam & Tommyremains to be unconvincing due to the discourse surrounding the show and the savior narrative adopted by its creators. What could’ve been a heartfelt conversation between Pamela and her agent instead reads like a high school teenager’s understanding of the patriarchy. The agent rightfully explains to the young actor, “we’re programmed from birth to say to men” but refuses to spark a conversation about consent or give her any guidance other than “learn to say no.”
It comes off as if the writer and creator are most interested in creating quick soundbites, to appease the skeptical and create social media buzz, rather than actually diving into the topics at play. With an all-star cast, a major streaming platform, and a reputable crew,Pam & Tommyhad endless resources at its fingertips, but instead, it refuses to extend the conversations beyond its surface.
Pam & Tommydrops new episodes on Hulu every Wednesday.
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