Review of The Franchise on Showtime

The San Francisco Giants reality TV show is now in full swing. I was on the fence of whether or not to purchase Showtime just to see The Franchise and of course I caved in. This also allowed me to see if I was missing anything by not having Showtime and it is confirmed, I will be cancelling my subscription after the show is over. Little redeeming value in the seven or so Showtime channels you get.

The “reality” show format has been done before but I can’t remember a show that followed a baseball team or in depth as they do in The Franchise. Hard Knocks is the closest show in the reality sports tv show genre. One of the best takeaways from the show is the human aspect of the players. Fans rarely get a glance into the private lives of their favorite baseball players and The Franchise allows fans to see professional athletes in a new light.

We’ve already seen the Cain family struggle with him being away for long away trips and the wives basically being single moms half the season. The show has covered the Vogelsong story which now is getting a little old but still compelling. We also get to see Zito during his stint on the DL and his journey back into the lineup. I have to admit that the show hasn’t changed my opinions of any of the Giants players. My favorite players on the team are still my favorites and vice versa. Of all the players on the team Zito comes off as the least likeable. His “I don’t care what anyone thinks or says” attitude is obvious in the TV show and I don’t think he will increase his fan base with how Showtime develops his narrative. Between the sunglasses, the car, the Beverly Hills/LA montage, the yoga scene, and his desire to be a restaurateur, it’s not going to be easy to win fans back. Honestly I don’t care what he does off the field but on the field he makes me want to vomit. I know he knows how the fans feel about his performance and the $120mm plus contract – it can’t be easy but having that attitude only makes it worse.

You also get to see Posey and his ankle. I have to admit I have never seen a more disgusting looking ankle in my life. He seems to be taking it in stride and he thinks the most difficult part will be when he has more mobility and stopping himself from over working. He’s dying to get out there and you can see there is an obvious hole in the offense and defense. I would like to think that the pitching hasn’t been affected by his departure but I’m sure it has as well. (Not that it’s been bad or anything)

As far as the “reality” goes it seems to be less scripted than most other shows because the players each have their own struggles and narratives that provide for enough drama and interest. The pranks and the clubhouse tomfoolery (great word) have been what a lot of fans wanted to see and they get plenty of that.

It’s a good show, not amazing but it’s worth watching. Wednesday nights at 10pm. Tough time for us east coast fans because it directly conflicts with 7pm PST games.

Side Note: As I’m writing this on the train a kid wearing a Marichal t-shirt walked by me. Nice to see some love for the Dominican Dandy in Nueva York. I’m curious to know what his knowledge of Marichal is.