Lucky Hank Episode 1 Review: Outstanding, Emmy worthy opener

Lucky Hank Episode 1 is must watch, a 10 out of 10 opener. Bob Odenkirk gives his best speech since Better Call Saul’s Jimmy spoke to Kristy Esposito about her scholarship. Except this time his words are de-motivational and a statement on our entire academic system. This is AMC’s frontrunner for its next big show, easily.

This Lucky Hank Season 1 Episode 1 Review contains spoilers for the opening but does not reveal anything further. It’s a safe read.

Lucky Hank opens with an Emmy worthy scene right off the bat. One that will have you wondering about environment vs predeterminism in academia way past the credits.

Railton College English professor William Henry “Hank” Devereaux Jr. (Bob Odenkirk) is challenged by a student (Jackson Kelly) to give feedback on his work. After being pushed and badgered by the entire class to give his honest criticism, Hank erupts with the truth.

Jackson Kelly as Bartow in Lucky Hank (Season 1, Episode 1). Photo Credit: Sergei Bachlakov/AMC

There is no chance his students will ever become the next Chaucer because they go to Railton College. The capitol of mediocrity for students who didn’t try hard enough in high school. Or simply didn’t have the talent to be any better.

Bob Odenkirk as Hank in Lucky Hank (Season 1, Episode 1). Photo Credit: Sergei Bachlakov/AMC

That by being in his class, they’ve already proven they will never ever amount to be anything, or they wouldn’t be there. Hank elaborates that he is no different. That even if one of them did have the potential to be the next Chaucer, he couldn’t help them as a professor. Because he’s a professor at Railton College too.

This brutal speech will be polarizing depending on which side of the aisle you stand on regarding talent and circumstances. Whether you believe in a student’s gifts being predetermined… Or cultivated by environmental circumstances & factors. Likewise suppressed by third party factors.

Bob Odenkirk as Hank in Lucky Hank (Season 1, Episode 1). Photo Credit: Sergei Bachlakov/AMC

Regardless, of what answer you arrive to on this subjective debate… There is one thing that is objective, Bob Odenkirk is absolute acting dynamite in this scene. It’s incredible, and you’re hooked right away.

Bob Odenkirk as Hank in Lucky Hank (Season 1, Episode 1). Photo Credit: Sergei Bachlakov/AMC

While we won’t reveal anything further in this Lucky Hank review until the show premieres on AMC & AMC+ on March 19, we will say the episode does not let up. It’s excellent all the way through and a must see TV show for teachers and students alike.

Jackson Kelly as Bartow in Lucky Hank (Season 1, Episode 1). Photo Credit: Sergei Bachlakov/AMC

It’s a seamless transition for Bob Odenkirk from slick talking lawyer Jimmy McGill to brutal straight shooting English professor William Henry Devereaux Jr.

Lucky Hank is also quite topical considering ‘Student Loan Forgiveness’ is an active hot button issue.

Side note: Kudos to AMC Networks for being an exemplary example of a studio that gives opportunity & accessibility to talented actors with disabilities. Shannon DeVido does a great job as Emma Wheemer.

AMC’s Lucky Hank Cast for Episode 1: Lead Actors

Bob Odenkirk as William Henry Devereaux Jr (Hank)
Jackson Kelly as Bartow Williams-Stevens
Mireille Enos as Lily Devereaux
Suzanne Cryer as Gracie Dubois
Cedric Yarbrough as Paul Rourke
Shannon DeVido as Emma Wheemer
Oscar Nunez as Dean Rose
Olivia Scott Welch as Julie Devereaux

Stay tuned for more Lucky Hank TV Series coverage in the coming weeks!

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