Rubicon

:

Season 1
  • Network: AMC
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 1, 2010
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
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  1. imwithstoopid
    Nov 18, 2018
    0
    Hello to all I am FROM the future....
    It is now 2018 and this show has forecast the future.
    As of now, it can be seen why it was cancelled, someone talked too much. The writer/s were way to close to what we now see going on within our government. To all who said that it was because of lack of viewer interest and not an outside force that caused its demise, we contrarians can now look    Hello to all I am FROM the future....
    It is now 2018 and this show has forecast the future.
    As of now, it can be seen why it was cancelled, someone talked too much.
    The writer/s were way to close to what we now see going on within our government.
    To all who said that it was because of lack of viewer interest and not an outside force that caused its demise, we contrarians can now look back and say "I told you so". And that makes it a sad state of affairs for all of us.
    The Writer/s were going in the wrong direction according to the outside influencers, and they won.    … Expand
  2. Ravens1294
    Sep 6, 2014
    8
    A really good show that deserved more than one season. I know people complained that it was slow, but it was supposed to be. The show was very interesting and James Badge Dale was great in it. Even though the plot took some time to develop, it was still very intriguing as the scale went bigger. I love conspiracies and this was one was very well done. Too bad the show lost a lot of itsA really good show that deserved more than one season. I know people complained that it was slow, but it was supposed to be. The show was very interesting and James Badge Dale was great in it. Even though the plot took some time to develop, it was still very intriguing as the scale went bigger. I love conspiracies and this was one was very well done. Too bad the show lost a lot of its viewers. By the way, the show had a really good opening title sequence. I wish AMC gave the show another chance and it was very disappointing to see it get cancelled. It was still a really good show.… Expand
  3. wisertime
    Jan 16, 2013
    9
    This was a great show. Not for the impatient ADD crowd, but the plot was very intriguing and kept you wanting to see what happened next. The cast/characters were great. I was very disappointed AMC ditched season 2 for stupid shows like Walking Dead and The Killing. Zombie idiots like watching Zombies and totally unrealistic idiot shows. Rubicon was for thinkers. Was in a nice slotThis was a great show. Not for the impatient ADD crowd, but the plot was very intriguing and kept you wanting to see what happened next. The cast/characters were great. I was very disappointed AMC ditched season 2 for stupid shows like Walking Dead and The Killing. Zombie idiots like watching Zombies and totally unrealistic idiot shows. Rubicon was for thinkers. Was in a nice slot behind Mad men too. Perfect. Better than Breaking bad I'd say too.… Expand
  4. kingfish280
    Jul 16, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is definitely one of the most under rated shows ever. The plot is genuinely compelling and the cast has to be one of the best on TV . Although i found some characters a bit unnecessary the acting was great throughout with James Badge Dale and Arliss Howard definitely standing out among the rest. Dale fit perfectly into the role and Howard was complex and infinitely watchable and the other cast members were also well suited for their characters. The atmosphere heightened the sense of paranoia and the darkness and shadows were pretty creepy. I didn't think the show was as slow as everyone says but that is probably because even when the A storyline-the conspiracy- lagged the episodes were bolstered by such great B stories i tended not to notice. The shows thoughtful and meticulous nature proved its undoing but cerebral television is often criticized for being slow but the time and investment almost always leads to a better payoff. And Rubicon did not disappoint. Episodes 9-12 were one of the best stretches of episodes I've ever seen. Although the actual answer to the conspiracy-causing catastrophic events for profits- was a little lame, the road to those answers made for compelling TV and the actual reveal wasn't bad either. I really wish this show had gotten another season because while it was a great show it could 've been a really great show. Would it have been the next Breaking Bad or Mad Men. Maybe, maybe not i don't know for certain. But COULD it have been. Absolutely.… Expand
  5. podaddy
    Jan 19, 2012
    8
    Really good show. Slow, yes, but still very good. Shame AMC didn't give it another year....especially after sitting thru so many episodes of the subsequent AMC show, the Deadwood wannabe , Hell on Wheels...completely mediocre.
  6. Barton_Fink
    Jul 25, 2011
    10
    We want a second season! Rubicon is simply outstanding.

    Obviously for AMC money matters more than stories and, despite I can understand, I can't agree with it. Rubicon cancelled and Walking Dead renewed? C'mon! What a joke!
  7. helohe
    Jun 22, 2011
    9
    I found this one of the best shows in quite a while. the acting was great and the story was quite near to the reality it seamed. it was a sad decision to cancel the show.
  8. sandra8349
    Apr 5, 2011
    10
    Review from France ! Best TV show these last months... Gripping, cerebral, interesting characters and mood. An original TV show. What a shame it' stopped.
  9. Tony
    Jan 17, 2011
    4
    I tried to get into this and let the whole season sit on my DVR for months, but this show is simply too slow-paced. Nothing happens and everything is vague, but there are some great actors involved. Sorry, AMC, I really did want to like this.
  10. Mirkosansan
    Dec 16, 2010
    0
    After watching ALL 13 episodes I can only say that it was SO much work for SO meager returns. Awful. The sad thing is with such a cadre of fine actors much more could have been done. Horrible pace--it took me nine episodes to be fully engaged, and the wrap up was tepid, at best.
  11. BlueBuckeye
    Nov 7, 2010
    10
    Rubicon has been a great, spellbinding series! Can't wait for Season Two (there better be a Season 2). I enjoy waiting for the plot to unravel, it makes me think that much more about what will happen next. Keep up the great work!
  12. 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. 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 letThis 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.… Expand
  13. TheDoctorIsIn
    Oct 24, 2010
    10
    What a gift we've been given by AMC! Rubicon is a simply wonderful dramatic thriller. I had read the rather negative NYTimes review just prior to the season premier, in which the reviewer was whining about the pace of the first episode. I must say that one of the facets that I most love about Rubicon Is The Pace, in fact! The show is SO very confident in how patiently it paces itself--theWhat a gift we've been given by AMC! Rubicon is a simply wonderful dramatic thriller. I had read the rather negative NYTimes review just prior to the season premier, in which the reviewer was whining about the pace of the first episode. I must say that one of the facets that I most love about Rubicon Is The Pace, in fact! The show is SO very confident in how patiently it paces itself--the dialog, scene to scene, and episode to episode. The writing, directing, and editing have S-M-A-R-T written all over them...as do the actors. This is a totally engaging ensemble cast, with a wonderfully diverse and colorful palette of personae. I believe that another criticism of the show by the NYTimes reviewer was the ambiguity and labyrinthine nature of the plot. And, of course, I would say to that, "How wonderful is it finally to have some complexity in a TV drama's story line?!" I would say we were a bit overdue on that score! Again, thank you, AMC for investing in this level of quality entertainment.

    Despite how much I love this show, let me try to add a bit of critique, for some balance. I felt there were times in the final episode (the 13th) that the writers/director/actors were flirting a bit with being melodramatic. AMC, more seasons of Rubicon, please!!!    … Expand
  14. skim123
    Oct 24, 2010
    5
    This...may...be...the...slowest...moving...show...ever...made. The show has a decent premise, but does nothing with it. After setting up a potentially intriguing story in the first couple of episodes, the following 5-6 episodes go ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE. Nothing really happens until the 9th episode. The entire middle of this show was a complete waste. Very little is revealed about theThis...may...be...the...slowest...moving...show...ever...made. The show has a decent premise, but does nothing with it. After setting up a potentially intriguing story in the first couple of episodes, the following 5-6 episodes go ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE. Nothing really happens until the 9th episode. The entire middle of this show was a complete waste. Very little is revealed about the characters and their personalities. They are all very generic and there is almost no character development to speak of. If you're going to do a show where almost nothing happens, you'd better at least have interesting characters and good character development...but this show doesn't. The entire middle portion of the season is just a long, drawn-out tease in which nothing happens. For 5-6 consecutive episodes people just walk around suspiciously looking over their shoulders with intense expressions. It's like the makers of the show are trying to fool the audience into thinking something is happening, but nothing really is. While some characters look over their shoulders, the rest are sitting in rooms spouting off worthless national security jargon that does nothing to advance what little plot there is. This show is an example of style over substance. The makers are giving you an abstract version of what a "thriller" is by playing creepy music while mysterious figures lurk in the shadows...all the while NOTHING is really happening at all.… Expand
  15. Punkysnares
    Oct 24, 2010
    10
    Rubicon has the most realistic depiction of how real intelligence is derived, the missing pieces of the puzzle that require your best guess, team members dealing with personal issues, other agencies withholding information or having a different assessment and the big elephant in the room... the politics that you may not know who, how or why effects your analysis. If you want insight into aRubicon has the most realistic depiction of how real intelligence is derived, the missing pieces of the puzzle that require your best guess, team members dealing with personal issues, other agencies withholding information or having a different assessment and the big elephant in the room... the politics that you may not know who, how or why effects your analysis. If you want insight into a closed world watch Rubicon.… Expand
  16. Tubie
    Oct 19, 2010
    10
    This show has been such a nice surprise for me. I started watching from episode 1 and at first I just thought it was another boring spy show. Think again this show is so well done. I agree with some of the other reviewers, this show would have not survived 4 episodes on a major network. Thank heavens we have AMC pushing great TV shows. If you like slow paced but intelligent TV/Movies thatThis show has been such a nice surprise for me. I started watching from episode 1 and at first I just thought it was another boring spy show. Think again this show is so well done. I agree with some of the other reviewers, this show would have not survived 4 episodes on a major network. Thank heavens we have AMC pushing great TV shows. If you like slow paced but intelligent TV/Movies that eventually end up with an amazing well structured plot, then this show is for you.… Expand
  17. trilby
    Oct 18, 2010
    9
    Have just watched episode 13 and im lost for words for how truly absorbing this programme is. The slow, assured build up over the course of the series, where time has been made available for deep characterisation and plot construction, has now developed into its powerful conclusion...oh what the hell...it's brilliant!! My only concern is that how do we get a second series if Will join's upHave just watched episode 13 and im lost for words for how truly absorbing this programme is. The slow, assured build up over the course of the series, where time has been made available for deep characterisation and plot construction, has now developed into its powerful conclusion...oh what the hell...it's brilliant!! My only concern is that how do we get a second series if Will join's up all the dots.

    Spangler may well be my favourite TV character since Ohma in the Wire.    … Expand
  18. SouthWind
    Oct 13, 2010
    10
    Rubicon is one of the few intelligent shows on television. Although its pace is slow at first, it keeps building and the suspense builds with it. It is an intriguing, complex, finely written, beautifully acted drama. It demands attention but the attention is well rewarded. The production values of this show are equal to the best shows on HBO. This is the best show yet on AMC, althoughRubicon is one of the few intelligent shows on television. Although its pace is slow at first, it keeps building and the suspense builds with it. It is an intriguing, complex, finely written, beautifully acted drama. It demands attention but the attention is well rewarded. The production values of this show are equal to the best shows on HBO. This is the best show yet on AMC, although Mad Men runs a very close second.… Expand
  19. luisl
    Oct 13, 2010
    10
    One of the best show of the season. The first episodes are very slow, but all the shows from AMC are like that (like Breaking Bad: the fly). The plot is well done, it is a real conspiracy and not some lost replacement **** like the event...
  20. anothergene
    Oct 11, 2010
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of my favourite shows. I'm always left wanting more at the end of every episode. At first I was a little disappointed with the pace of the show, but now it's one of the best parts about it. The pace has picked up considerably in the last few episodes on Season 1, which as been incredible and had be on the edge of my seat. Best ending so far in Ep12, with Will returning to his apartment and just collapsing. What next? I'm really curious how the season is going it end.… Expand
  21. ferris
    Oct 11, 2010
    10
    I think the verdict is in on this television series. It is 'Rear WIndow' in thirteen parts. In the first several episodes of Rubicon, the audience is pulled into a compelling puzzle. A suicide, a tragic accident, and hints of a conspiracy in a backwater intelligence agency. We learn what makes Will Travers, his team and his bosses tick, and Will winds his way to a conclusion on hisI think the verdict is in on this television series. It is 'Rear WIndow' in thirteen parts. In the first several episodes of Rubicon, the audience is pulled into a compelling puzzle. A suicide, a tragic accident, and hints of a conspiracy in a backwater intelligence agency. We learn what makes Will Travers, his team and his bosses tick, and Will winds his way to a conclusion on his conspiracy theory. Patience has its rewards. By the time you get to Episode 11, your heart is in your throat.… Expand
  22. Marlie
    Oct 11, 2010
    10
    Love the concept, the characters are interesting and captivating, the story is compelling and the acting is superb. My entire family (from age 22 to 82) is hooked. It requires some attention (hooray!) so anyone used to the banalities of reality television might not get it, but for the rest of us, it is a television show to be thrilled about. It is glorious to see people using their mindsLove the concept, the characters are interesting and captivating, the story is compelling and the acting is superb. My entire family (from age 22 to 82) is hooked. It requires some attention (hooray!) so anyone used to the banalities of reality television might not get it, but for the rest of us, it is a television show to be thrilled about. It is glorious to see people using their minds to solve puzzles, rather than fancy equipment, and the relationships are fascinating. I love CSI as much as the next person, but this show demonstrates another, more interesting, way that crimes can be solved. It has us all on the edges of our seats and we await each Sunday with great anticipation. Thanks AMC. Please keep Rubicon in production!!… Expand
  23. drjohn
    Oct 10, 2010
    10
    It is perfect. It is a cerebral drama and not as visceral as 24, which I appreciate. I hope AMC keeps this. I have recommended it to many friends and they all love it.
  24. DrSchnitz
    Oct 9, 2010
    10
    A fine, quiet, thriller almost as paranoid as Damages. Good to better acting, well thought out characterization and a sense of constant, invisible movement make Rubicon one of TV's best.
  25. bostonpublic
    Oct 5, 2010
    10
    I was interested after the first episode but by now, after the 11th, I'm screaming for more. It's like that friend that took a little while to get to know but ended up being the one you still hang out with. I'm sure the popularity will only shoot up after people can watch one episode right after another instead of having to wait a week. Think Arrested Development but make it a thriller instead.
  26. allworknlowpay
    Oct 4, 2010
    9
    Trying to explain Rubicon without making it sound boring to the average viewing. To best describe a show as layered and complex as Rubicon, one could only say: It's conspiracy thriller done right. Rubicon takes the approach of a thriller in a written real world. don't expect high-speed car chases, exotically attractive femme fattales and explosive gun fights. Rubicon proves you don't needTrying to explain Rubicon without making it sound boring to the average viewing. To best describe a show as layered and complex as Rubicon, one could only say: It's conspiracy thriller done right. Rubicon takes the approach of a thriller in a written real world. don't expect high-speed car chases, exotically attractive femme fattales and explosive gun fights. Rubicon proves you don't need these action movie staples to keep you engaged, instead it forgoes them for compelling characters, pitch perfect pacing and an engaging mystery that's just out of reach. The show simply doesn't feel like it was written for television. It's general content and delivery feels better suited for a novel. Perhaps you can point that out as the shows flaw, and certainly many critics will, but I for one find that it is exactly what television needs. Rubicon spares dumbing down it's content and makes some assumptions; it assumes you I.Q. is above room temperature. It assumes you have some grounding in politics and world affairs. It assumes you can keep up with it's pace. Yes, because while the "action" may be methodical, the plot-point progressive is lightning fast. The show does trip and falter though. It's writing style, while like I said, is refreshing, can occasionally develop some side-storylines that become drawn out and leaving you uninterested. Sometimes this is just a case of developing a plot point for a later episode, which is fine for a novel, but for a t.v. show can end up losing you viewers.

    The show may not be for everyone, but it's unique approach to an age-old thriller genre is refreshing and engaging for those who are willing to put some time into unraveling the conspiracy of Rubicon.    … Expand
  27. JoshEyre
    Oct 1, 2010
    9
    Rubicon is an understated drama that builds tension and story slowly as the season progresses. Will Travers is an analyst for what appears to be a government funded research institute that gathers intelligence for the military and other intelligence agencies.

    Within the first episode we discover that something is rotten when Will discovers codewords placed in crossword puzzles, digs into    Rubicon is an understated drama that builds tension and story slowly as the season progresses. Will Travers is an analyst for what appears to be a government funded research institute that gathers intelligence for the military and other intelligence agencies.

    Within the first episode we discover that something is rotten when Will discovers codewords placed in crossword puzzles, digs into it, and soon finds himself biting off more than he can chew. After 10 episodes the tension has built up continually as Will is getting deeper and deeper into a mystery that may better be left unsolved if he hopes to continue living.

    The acting, writing, cinematography, and soundtrack are all top-notch. I can't wait to see where it all goes, but it's clearly relevant to our times and the continual unravelling of our government's interest in protecting the interest of the citizenry over business. Highly recommended.    … Expand
  28. darktyler
    Sep 30, 2010
    7
    How glorious. A drama/thriller where neither is a building blown up nor a corpse eviscerated. Why has it taken so long to realize how satisfying were the puzzlers "Three Days of the Condor" and "The Parallax View?" And to give them back as episode TV?
  29. 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 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 hisSimply 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.… Expand
  30. hatchington
    Sep 27, 2010
    9
    It takes its time and lets the plot unfold slowly and subtly, but I enjoy every minute. Smart, nuanced characters. Spangler's tie monologue from episode 4 had me completely hooked.
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    80
    If you enjoy slowly piecing together a puzzle without having first seen the final image, Rubicon is right up your alley; if not, the brainteasing will likely unnerve you.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    42
    It's a dull blend, a slow-moving mind-rot creeping on unsuspecting viewers.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Paige Wiser
    88
    There are some great characterizations and attention to detail. If you stick with the series, you'll be treated to a lecture on the perfect briefcase by the droll Michael Cristopher that's worth the price of admission. And if you think your office banter is entertaining, try swapping in-jokes with the intelligence community.
    Read full review
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