The Con Artist Renaissance: Why ‘Chicks’ Could Be the Next Big Thing in TV
There’s something undeniably captivating about the rise of con artist narratives in modern television. From Ocean’s Eleven to The Sting, audiences have always been drawn to the allure of the grift. But what makes Hulu’s upcoming pilot Chicks particularly intriguing is its blend of family drama, dark humor, and a distinctly female-driven take on the genre. Personally, I think this could be the show that redefines the con artist trope for a new generation.
A Tale of Two Sisters (and One Very Messy Inheritance)
At its core, Chicks is about Chickie (Ellen Pompeo) and Doreen (Jodie Whittaker), two half-sisters who inherit nothing but their father’s shady legacy. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the show uses crime as a metaphor for familial bonds. These women aren’t just running scams; they’re filling a void left by a father who was more criminal than paternal. In my opinion, this psychological layer sets Chicks apart from your typical heist story. It’s not just about the con—it’s about the emotional heist these women are pulling on themselves.
Louis Cancelmi: The Poet-Con Artist We Didn’t Know We Needed
The addition of Louis Cancelmi as Danny McKeever is a stroke of genius. His character is described as a man with a poet’s soul and a con-man’s dreams, stuck running a funeral home. One thing that immediately stands out is the irony here: a man who deals with death for a living is now being offered a chance at rebirth through crime. What this really suggests is that Chicks isn’t just about the sisters—it’s about a trio of misfits finding purpose in chaos. Cancelmi’s casting feels like a perfect fit, especially given his recent roles in projects like The Penguin and What Happens At Night. He brings a depth that could elevate Danny from a sidekick to a fully realized antihero.
Gentrification as a Backdrop: The Unspoken Villain
Set in the rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods of old Boston, Chicks doesn’t shy away from the cultural and economic tensions of its setting. What many people don’t realize is that gentrification often erases the stories of the people who once called these places home. By framing the sisters’ cons as a way to survive in a changing city, the show taps into a broader narrative of resistance. If you take a step back and think about it, their crimes aren’t just about money—they’re about reclaiming a piece of their identity in a world that’s leaving them behind.
The Female Gaze in Crime Dramedy
Creator Katie Robbins developed Chicks specifically for Ellen Pompeo, and it shows. This isn’t just another crime show; it’s a crime show with a distinctly female perspective. What this really suggests is that the genre is evolving. Women aren’t just the victims or the love interests anymore—they’re the masterminds, the architects of their own fate. From my perspective, this shift is long overdue. Shows like Killing Eve and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel have paved the way, but Chicks feels like the next logical step.
The Future of Con Artist Narratives
As someone who’s always been fascinated by the psychology of scams, I’m excited to see where Chicks takes the genre. Will it lean into the absurdity of its premise, or will it use humor to mask deeper truths about family and survival? A detail that I find especially interesting is how the show balances its comedic elements with the darker undertones of its story. If done right, Chicks could become the Breaking Bad of dramedies—a show that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Final Thoughts: Why Chicks Matters
In a TV landscape saturated with true crime and gritty dramas, Chicks feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s funny, it’s smart, and it’s unapologetically bold. Personally, I think its success will hinge on how well it balances its comedic and dramatic elements. But if the pilot is any indication, we’re in for something special. This raises a deeper question: Can a show about crime and family also be a show about redemption? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—I’ll be watching.
