Epix' "Get Shorty": A Merry Mix of Movies, Menace and Murder

Calling Get Shorty -- Epix’s new crime comedy based Elmore Leonard’s novel and subsequent film of the same name – a “hit” would be a gross understatement.  Its debut season has only just begun and it has already been given the green light for a sophomore run. Series creator, executive producer, and writer Davey Holmes (Shameless, Awake) has perfectly captured the comedic dark tone of its source material in this adaptation, and the performance of Chris O’Dowd (pictured at top, left) as Miles Daly, the no-nonsense muscle for a Latina crime boss, is nothing less than perfect.  This show feels like it should be on HBO.  It’s got emotional depth, a likeable protagonist, a seedy underworld worth exploring and a soundtrack that’s occasionally reminiscent of Antonio Sánchez’s solo jazz percussion performances from the movie Birdman.  Epix seems to have outdone itself with the latest addition to their list of scripted originals, which is good, because like the show’s tagline says, “You’re only as good as your next hit.”