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This is a poster from the movie "Government Cheese," now streaming on Apple TV+. (OSV News photo/Apple TV+)

Television Review: ‘Government Cheese,’ streaming, Apple TV


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OSV News Filed Under: Movie & Television Reviews

NEW YORK (OSV News) – The first four episodes of Apple TV’s comedy drama “Government Cheese” are currently streaming. Set in 1969 California, the 10-part series kicks off with a roughly hour-long opener, followed by 30-minute installments. Further episodes will become available each Wednesday through May 28.

David Oyelowo, best known for his portrayal of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in 2014’s “Selma,” stars as Hampton Chambers. A would-be inventor, Hampton has just been released from the Golden State’s Chino prison after a 3-year stint for check fraud.

Returning to his San Fernando Valley home, Hampton gets something of a frosty reception. In fact, he finds that his wife, Astoria (Simone Missick), has become so disgruntled with him that their garage is now his bedroom.

With Astoria and the couple’s two teenage sons, Einstein (Evan Alexander Ellison) and Harrison (Jahi Winston), watching him from the house, Hampton sets up a workshop in his new quarters. His aim is to perfect his latest get-rich-quick scheme. This involves the Bit Magician, a self-sharpening drill he invented while behind bars.

Harrison expresses doubts about the gadget. But Einstein counters his younger sibling’s negativity. “Dad can make something out of nothing,” Einstein confidently declares. “He’s like an alchemist.”

Astoria responds to this by saying with a smile, “His mother was the same way. She made the best sandwiches out of government cheese and white bread.”

This reference to the low-grade dairy product the federal government made available for free in the 1980s not only gives the show its title, it also reveals the spirit of hope and creativity at the heart of Hampton’s aspirations.

At home, he struggles to restore trust and stoke hope in each member of the family. At the same time, he faces the monumental challenge of launching a business as an ex-con, a plight that is played for downbeat humor at every turn.

While angling for connections and access to bigshots in the power tool industry, Hampton is tempted to cut ethical corners, as he always used to. But this jars with the religious conversion he experienced during his confinement, a change in outlook brought about by a minister who succeeded in opening Hampton’s eyes to the work of grace in the world.

“If you let God move you,” this clergyman says, “he always leads us out of the misery of humanity.”

Hampton’s newfound devotion normalizes the occasional supernatural occurrence woven into the story. Although one scene pairs an uncomfortably lighthearted narration about justice with a gruesome act of prison violence, Hampton’s spiritual ruminations and imaginings mostly tend to add depth and insight to the series.

As for Astoria, she sometimes leans on alcohol or marijuana to escape. She also continues to visit the boyfriend she acquired in Hampton’s absence. Yet these lapses only seem to reflect her longing for a full return to the unbridled optimism and pure love she once shared with her husband.

Happy days are not here again just yet, however. Instead, the sudden appearance of Bootsy (Bokeem Woodbine), Hampton’s old partner in crime, seems to put them even farther out of reach.

Bootsy incurred a significant debt on Hampton’s behalf for a favor he needed while incarcerated. Now that bill has come due, and the safety and security of the entire Chambers family hinges on its being paid. Will Hampton return to his old ways in order to make this happen?

Much is teased in this first season to set up for a second down the road. But there’s enough of an ending to one important plotline to satisfy the mature viewers for whom this humorous and enlightening meditation on the American dream is suitable.

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