Rubicon

:

Season 1
  • Network: AMC
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 1, 2010
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on
Stream On

Critic Reviews

  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Alessandra Stanley
    60
    It's harder to tell from this preview whether the atmospherics add up to a solid and complex mystery. The pilot isn't groundbreaking, but it is promising enough to justify waiting for the full two-hour premiere on Aug. 1.
  2. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    60
    AMC's likely earned a little rope with a small but passionate audience. Whether Rubicon manages to establish more than an edgy mood will probably decide how long even the most masochistic of those viewers sticks around.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    60
    Rubicon dares to be smart but, as conventional thrillers go, it's not very thrilling.
  5. Deseret News
    Reviewed by: Scott D. Pierce
    50
    It's certainly intriguing. It sets a mood that we rarely see in a weekly TV series. Whether it can sustain that mood and keep people interested is the huge task Bromell & Co. have undertaken. Maybe too huge a task.
  6. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    50
    As it wrestles with Big Moral Questions, Rubicon is unquestionably smart but undeniably sluggish.
  7. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Robert Bianco
    50
    To the extent style points count, Rubicon looks good and boasts a fine cast, including Oscar nominee Miranda Richardson. They work hard, but the more they and their show strain for taut, the more limp the program becomes. And for viewers, that's a very hard bridge to cross.
  8. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Nancy DeWolf Smith
    50
    It seems determined to eschew high style in favor of a flat, dark world that's appropriately grim yet also numbingly static.
  9. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    42
    It's a dull blend, a slow-moving mind-rot creeping on unsuspecting viewers.
  10. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    40
    In the early going, it's tough to tell what, if anything, motivates the main character in Rubicon. There may be fine rewards as the journey progresses, but it will take a special sort of viewer to stick with Rubicon's amblings and get to them.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best TV Season of 2010
7
#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2010
59
#59 Most Shared TV Season of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 130 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 109 out of 130
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 130
  3. Negative: 13 out of 130
  1. realitychekmate
    Oct 25, 2010
    9
    This new series started out slow but only because they invested more in character development and subtle nuance in plot development. TheThis new series started out slow but only because they invested more in character development and subtle nuance in plot development. The Protagonist is a perfect fit in terms of casting and the plot line was a slow building crescendo well worth the investment I put in paying huge entertainment dividends by seasons end. Like most of the finer things in life it takes a bit of time to let something gather its taste, vintage or what have you, Rubicon is a prime example of this school of thought or philosophy. Bar none this is the best series I've seen on AMC and I'm pleasantly surprised and have been won over by it. If you need car chases, bullets flying and T& A on a minutely basis this isn't the series for you go have fun with fast and furious etc...but if your willing to use make use of a brain cell or two this is the show for you.… Full Review »
  2. brownallaround
    Sep 28, 2010
    10
    Simply put, AMC's Rubicon is the most engrossing and thought-provoking drama of the current TV season. Yes, its pace is slow and an episodeSimply put, AMC's Rubicon is the most engrossing and thought-provoking drama of the current TV season. Yes, its pace is slow and an episode leaves the viewer with some unanswered questions. But that's exactly the point. We're following in the same footsteps as Will Travers, the CIA analyst who seeks to uncover details behind a deep government conspiracy that killed his boss/father-in-law and led a multi-millionaire to suicide. Rather than revealing it all to the viewer while keeping characters in the dark, we end up feeling the same anxiety and uncertainty that Will battles every day. I like the fact that the show forces the viewer to take in every last detail of what you're watching and hearing, and just when you think you have a grip on someone's M.O., you're later proven wrong. Arliss Howard is outstanding as Kale Ingram, Will's manager and "guardian angel" with questionable loyalties...so much so that I'm hoping that his work is recognized during awards season. Those who are not familiar with 70's conspiracy/espionage thrillers like The Conversation, The Parallax View, All the President's Men or Three Days of the Condor won't grasp the inspiration or flow of the series. An outstanding ensemble of actors, sharp writing, interesting subplots, great character development and a thoughtful use of symbolism all add up to the most worthwhile TV that a viewer could possibly ask for.… Full Review »
  3. KundK
    Aug 19, 2010
    8
    So far, this has been "Four Episodes of the Condor". Deliberately ponderous in pacing, heavy on the paranoia and relatively subtle in theSo far, this has been "Four Episodes of the Condor". Deliberately ponderous in pacing, heavy on the paranoia and relatively subtle in the plotting, ie. on a network like Fox or ABC, they would get cancelled in the pitch meeting. They have a great actress like Miranda Richardson wondering aimlessly through an empty house for three episodes without almost any dialogue. You have to admire that. This is the 70s paranoia thriller made into series for the oppressed minority of people who like their drama slow, meticulous and oppressive, for the introverted OCD people who giggle with silent glee at the two minute essays about the best kinds of bags for carrying secret documents. On the flip side of the equation - young, dumb and ADD need not apply, which could ruin ratings.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »