Mike is a former policeman and ex-gambler who lost his badge due to his gambling habits, the ex-cop works now for a Philadelphia mobster Yankov Moss, in order to cover his debt. When Moss’s girlfriend Delly leaves him and escapes to Florida, Mike even if reluctantly is ordered to go back to his hometown, track her down, and take her back home. Mike and Delly are also sleeping together behind Yankov’s back.
Back in Florida, Mike will get in more trouble than he ever imagines, from finding Delly he will get swept up in a wild and deadly treasure hunt, a case full of gold from a Spanish ship that sunk off Florida’s coasts in 1715.
Mike will also reunite with his family: his sister Patsy and his father Sonny. His ex-wife Iris, a detective investigating Moss’s illegal businesses and activities will arrive in the Sunshine State as well.
The series title and idea originate from the popular Florida Man meme, referring to an alleged prevalence of men performing irrational, delusional, insane, and absurd actions in the U.S. state of Florida.
Internet users typically submit links to news stories and articles about unusual or strange crimes and other events occurring in Florida, implying that the subjects of the articles are individual known as “Florida Man”.
The series does take inspiration from real-life stories and along the 7 episodes, there are some truly crazy and hilarious events happening. Unfortunately, Florida Man doesn’t take complete advantage of the dark comedy aspect of the series which remained superficial during the seven episodes focusing more on the drama side.
The dark comedy aspect would have created funnier and more hilarious moments, making the series more appealing and complex. Focusing on the drama aspect creates a believable storyline, but it’s also dull and bland.
7 episodes might be too much for this limited series.
The pace and the storyline are captivating and engaging in the first two, then lose themselves in the middle of it. It gets too slow, and tame, the storyline is dragged.
There’s a high chance viewers might lose interest, become disengaged, and decide to stop watching.
Fortunately, it gets better again in the last two episodes directed by Clark Gregg with more action, the pace is faster, and the story more compelling and captivating.
Ramirez is the highlight of the series, and one of the main reasons it’s worth watching, he delivers an incredible performance playing Mike as an ex-cop ex-gambler who wants to still prove to everyone he is not a criminal, but the “hero” of the situation and just needs a chance to prove it. He gives his best in those dark- comedy scenes. The rest of the cast gives realistic and effective performances as well.
The father-son chemistry between Ramirez and La Paglia is flawless, and while Lee acting is excellent the chemistry between her and Ramirez is not convincing.
Special mention to Clark Gregg, who stars in the series and directed the last two episodes, his character Deputy Sheriff Ketcher, even if hilarious might seem an unnecessary character until we watch the end.
Florida Man had a lot of potential but it fails to deliver and being memorable and hilarious. The highlight of the series is the cast performances, in particular Ramirez.
The series is listed as a limited series, which means in the seven episodes the main story are of the show is fully resolved.
Florida Man is a crime-comedy-drama limited series created by Donald Todd
Episodes: 7
CAST
- Édgar Ramírez as Mike Valentine
- Anthony LaPaglia as Sonny Valentine
- Abbey Lee as Delly West
- Otmara Marrero as Patsy
- Lex Scott Davis as Iris
- Emory Cohen as Moss Yankov
- Isaiah Johnson as Benny