Dive into the Drama: Netflix’s The Waterfront Makes Waves, But Is It Deep Enough?
If you’re ready for some new binge-worthy drama, The Waterfront has just launched on Netflix, and it’s stirring up quite the conversation. Created by the brilliant Kevin Williamson, known for hits like Dawson’s Creek and The Following, this show takes inspiration from the crime-infused grit of Animal Kingdom and Bloodline—but with a bit more levity. While the blend is entertaining, it sometimes swims a little too close to the shallow end.
Hook, Line, and Sinker: Plot Overview
Set in the quaint beach town of Havenport, The Waterfront centers around the Buckley family, owners of the local fishery. On the surface, they seem like community pillars, but underneath, they’re drowning in debt. Jake Weary plays Cane Buckley, who is thrust into a messy situation when two fishermen die on his watch. In a desperate bid to keep the family business afloat, Cane and his mother, Belle (played by the fabulous Maria Bello), concoct a drug-running scheme—only to discover that they might not exactly be cut out for the criminal underbelly.
A Not-So-Serious Crime Drama
What sets The Waterfront apart is its quirky mix of dark humor and crime drama. Think of Cane as the ultimate “fish-out-of-water” character. He’s endearing in his cluelessness, juggling a failing drug operation and an eye-roll-inducing romance with his high school sweetheart, Jenna. But don’t expect to be riveted by their love story—it’s about as exciting as watching paint dry.
The tension builds with Cane’s father, Harlan (Holt McCallany), who has his own complicated past with crime, and the various shady characters they deal with. From the corrupt sheriff to a wannabe crime lord, the confrontations often fall into a repetitive cycle of threats and ultimatums. With just eight episodes to work with, this redundancy can feel like it’s siphoning energy from the narrative.
Family Ties Weigh Heavily
While the crime aspect can get a bit tedious, the true heart of the show lies in its portrayal of family dynamics. Belle’s attempts to go the legal route to fix their financial troubles reveal a complex web of personal stakes and moral dilemmas. It’s a refreshing twist that showcases the struggle between familial loyalty and financial survival.
Melissa Benoist shines as Bree, Cane’s antagonist sister, who’s battling her own demons as she tries to reconnect with her estranged son. Her journey adds depth and emotional stakes that elevate the show, proving that even in a criminal world, there’s room for human connection and redemption.
Characters You’ll Love—and a Villain You Might Forget
Rafael L. Silva makes a mark as Shawn, a bartender with more to him than meets the eye. Much like an unexpected plot twist, he adds a refreshing sweetness and potential for character development. If the series gets renewed, we’re hoping to see Shawn’s backstory unfold more.
However, the season’s antagonist, Grady (Topher Grace), feels somewhat undercooked. His motivations are vague, and instead of being a formidable foe, he often comes off as more of an annoyance. A strong villain could elevate the stakes significantly and give the Buckley family a worthy challenger, enhancing the dramatic tension that the show craves.
Is It Worth Your Time?
Despite its missteps, The Waterfront combines crime, humor, and familial drama in a way that’s undeniably captivating. The interpersonal relationships are the real show-stealers here, and while the crime plot may have its repetitive moments, it doesn’t detract too much from the overall experience. This series is a delightful watch for anyone in need of a new obsession—especially if you love stories that marry corruption with family dynamics.
So grab your popcorn and get comfy, because The Waterfront is now streaming on Netflix—and trust us, this is one fish tale you won’t want to miss! Rating: 7/10
Covers viral stories, pop culture, and breaking celebrity news.
Bio: Jamie has a sharp eye for what’s buzzing online, tracking social media trends and entertainment headlines around the clock.