Directed by Alex Klaus and written by Nick Green, “Pike” recently had its East Coast premiere during the Pilot Series block at the Dances With Films NY. The 15-minute-long ‘mini-pilot’ which also serves as a proof of concept, introduces us to the titular Hollywood agent who has had it with a long series of talentless clients that he needs to find work and decides to take matters into his own hands—literally.
Disillusioned with the superficiality of the entertainment industry and the looming existential dilemma he suffers from due to his personal loss, Pike’s frustrations manifest in a twisted and darkly comedic serial killing spree, during which he decides to eradicate every single person in Hollywood who is trying to find some footing in the industry but doesn’t have what it takes to make it.
The pilot that premiered uses its brisk runtime to quickly establish Pike’s frustration to deliver a satirical exploration of ambition and discontent in Hollywood. Adding to the pull that the series might have is the presence of iconic actor George Lazenby in his final performance before retirement. Best known for portraying James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), Lazenby’s involvement lends a nostalgic and symbolic weight to the project. He stars as himself and is one of the better clients that Pike has; although we still do not know what his fate would be, now that Pike is going off the rails for real.
Charles Delaney, who stars as the titular agent, also takes on duties as executive producer, putting his faith in bringing together the show that, from the initial reaction would be full of dark humor and giddy violence.
