King & Maxwell (2013) User Reviews

A Good Show That Deserved A Better Fate

[JosephMarks442 · 8/10 · 28 February 2022]

Ton Tenney and Rebecca Romjin made very good co-stars in this short lived series. They seems to gel quite well and with time even more chemistry could be found.

Interesting stories, well directed and acted. It would have been nice to give this series a bit more time.

Recommended.

Give this one another try

[rfraser929 · 8/10 · 2 July 2013]

I've read all the books from David Baldacci about these two. Great books by the way. The series is good but really needs to be about 2 hours long for more in-depth story line that these two deserve. The first episode was not that good. The 2nd was better as was the third. The fourth one nailed it. Hence the summary…give it another try…it's a lot better as they move along. Jon Tenney as Sean King is very in-line with Baldacci's concept. Rebecca Romijn as Michelle Maxwell is even better!! Ryan Hurst as Edgar Roy makes this even better as they explore his past and he helps Sean King deal with his past...you have to check out the fourth episode as it becomes more interesting!

A Foundation of Quality

[atlasmb · 8/10 · 9 July 2013]

I have watched the first two episodes of King & Maxwell, and I feel the foundation has been laid for a very enjoyable series. The action takes place in D.C., providing an interesting backdrop to the action. The titular characters are ex-Secret Service agents who are now partners in a PI firm. King and Maxwell are self-described as a "man of words" and a "woman of action". Their relationship includes friendly bickering and teasing, and a sexual tension. Though they both might be described as world-weary, there is an energy that is driven by their interactions.

Of course every protagonist must have an antagonist. The thorn in K&M's side is the FBI, personified by the cantankerous Agent Ribgy (and his sidekick Agent Carter).

In the first episode, we encounter the "idiot savant" Edgar Roy, who Maxwell invites--off the cuff--into the firm. When we find in episode 2 that he is a series regular, it is a happy surprise. His character, a la Rainman, injects humor, unpredictability and counterpoint to the team's gung-ho style.

So far, I have found the comedic vignettes at the beginning of the episodes enjoyable. And the ending of each episode has been satisfying. K&M are results-oriented and willing to bend the rules. They might even break a few. They tackle problems and threats head-on. They have serious skills with weapons and in hand combat. But the comedy elements in this show are so strong that the tone is fairly light. In fact, I am tempted to describe the show as "sweet" because the characters are allowed to show their sensitive sides.

I hope TNT can keep this show on the air. They have assembled some real talent in cast and crew. Let me finish by saying that the stylistic shooting and editing in the first two episodes did not go unnoticed. Can they keep continue with these high standards?

Just heard K & M cancelled?!

[ashlapiwape · 9/10 · 11 April 2014]

Sadly I just learned that King & Maxwell was cancelled. I thought it was a great adaptation of Baldacci's books. Edgar being my favorite character portrayed wonderfully by Ryan Hurst. Jon Tenney has never disappointed and I felt Rebecca Romijn worked well with Tenney. The comic banter is done quite well and we were just getting to see inner personalities develop. The writing is well done and set choices appropriate. Perhaps if we viewers are lucky someone else will pick it up. We are being inundated with idiotic reality shows like the new Chrisley show, its embarrassing to watch people make fools of themselves. THere are some pretty dumb fictional shows as well. What audience are they polling because no one ever asks me or anyone I know, and I hear people complain all the time about the volume of intelligence insulting reality shows.

Political Intrigue for two DC PIs

[bkoganbing · 11 June 2013]

Jon Tenney fresh from being an FBI agent and married to Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer and Rebecca Romjin fresh from being married to John Stamos in real life co-star in a new television King&Maxwell. The two are former Secret Service agents who had two tragedies break on them while on the job. Now they're private detectives and in addition Tenney is a lawyer.

Being both a PI and an attorney opens up a whole lot of story possibilities. Tenney can be a lawyer and he can have Romjin do his investigating and occasionally lend her a hand. On The Closer Tenney was a recovering alcoholic and he continues in the same guise here.

Romjin and Tenney looked comfortable working together. Working out of WAshington, DC also opens up all kinds of possibilities for political intrigue in their cases as well.

I hope the show finds an audience.

Not quite 'Castle' yet - but still fun

[winstonfg · 7/10 · 5 August 2013]

It's probably unfair to be comparing a series that's 8 episodes old with one that's past the ton, but it's probably inevitable considering its niche.

So far, as a crime comedy series, it seems nice and perky. Nothing wildly challenging; but then again it doesn't take itself too seriously, so it would be churlish to be super picky - although the writers do sometimes go overboard with the "cutesy" dialogue.

The leads are good - it's nice to see Jon Tenney in a lead role, and Rebecca Romijn is a pleasant surprise as the feisty, competitive Mrs-Peel-for-the-2010s - but the real standouts are the satellite characters of Edgar (Ryan Hurst) and Benny (Dichen Lachmann). I certainly hope they're developed more.

I also like the gradually emerging subplot of the mystery behind the assassination that got Sean kicked out of the SS (interesting initials those - and actually used that way in the program); but I hope they add a bit more depth to our heroes, and maybe explore the possibilities of "enhanced friendship" between Sean and Michelle.

So: Not bad - I've certainly seen worse - but not quite in 'Castle' territory yet.

7/10 right now; and I hope it gets better, because I'll be watching.

Should Never Have Been Cancelled!!!

[PartialMovieViewer · 10/10 · 25 June 2013]

I am a big David Baldacci fan, and, 'King and Maxwell', have the opportunity to become a huge cult classic. I do feel a solid intro is needed though (i.e. pilot the show with a proper rendition of "Split Second.") The producers/director/writer can do this at any point in their first season - just make it a 2 hour special. That introduction is very important (in my opinion of course.) The cast is very strong. Jon Tenney and Rebecca Romijn are getting their characters down pretty good - I like them already. I already love to hate Michael O'Keefe and Chris Butler - those two are the quintessential antagonizing gems - their characters are vital. I do have one quandary though - where in the world did Ryan Hurst's character come from? Forget that question. Whatever you do, don't let him go. This guy really adds something that is not there in the books - kind of a friendly awkwardness. Like I said - I do enjoy David Baldacci and these are my two (King and Maxwell)favorite characters. Both are very good at what they do and are very serious crime solvers - but neither are too serious about their private lives and would fail if left to function solo. I like them both. I do agree - work is needed to succeed and that is why I suggest some kind of two hour pilot based on, "Split Second." The audience will feel a closer tie to the characters.

Review of series to date

[jojakio · 9/10 · 15 July 2013]

Great show, love the lead characters Kate and Sean as well as Edgar. Also like the continuation of exploring the past with Sean and Edgar continuing to blossom in role. Also really like the humor with mystery. Jon Tenney is so likable,strong and sexy. Each episode has been consistently interesting, with a surprise in each one. Not sure where going with delving into the shooting that caused him to leave Secret Service but would be great to see the mystery solved and his continuation as Private Eye. 10 lines of text for a review is a lot for me. Usually like to use quick comments of reaction rather than going deep into explanations of why I like something. I like this show, think the critics are wrong in panning it and look forward to watching this each week, along with Major Crimes. Like the Closer as well and Major Crimes is great follow up.

Some good ideas, but weakly executed

[backfencenetwork · 5/10 · 18 June 2013]

This is the first time I've written a review of anything on IMDb, but seeing the lack of reviews for this show, I decided someone needs to say this.

The show is about two former law enforcement agents (former Secret Service and otherwise), King and Maxwell, who are trying to run a private investigative firm together and don't quite make enough money to pay the bills. Cliché.

Their investigations cross paths with two officious FBI agents, annoying the viewers with weakly-acted accusations of either interfering with an investigation or perpetrating the crime, in spite of proving themselves time and time again. The word 'cliché' doesn't begin to describe the poor writing and acting of these two guys. If it wasn't for the strong acting of the leads, these guys would be a deal breaker for this series.

A savant-of-sorts ends up joining the team to help them solve puzzles that are supposedly too difficult for anyone else to solve. This would be interesting if the puzzles weren't so mundane-- tracing phone calls, cracking an alarm system and (wait for it . . . another cliché) mentally absorbing their financial records and finding out that they need to make more money and that they owe taxes. The bad writing is acted out by Ryan Hurst. Given his performances in Sons of Anarchy, I would expect him to improve over time, but someone needs to sit the writers down in front of a real Savant or two. They can't decide whether the character is supposed to babble and grunt or use perfect grammar and pronunciation.

It's difficult to judge a series based on the first two episodes, and it could get a lot better once the actors and writers find their feet and fill a few problems. But if they keep going the way these two episodes went, this show won't last long. I would rather watch someone scratching a chalkboard.

Quirky

[nowego · 8/10 · 18 June 2013]

Firstly I loved The Closer, especially Jon Tenny and 99% of the other cast members, so seeing him in this, with Major Crimes taking over from The Closer is manna from heaven for me.

King and Maxwell are to ex secret service agents who partner up as PI's with a difference. King isn't all that worried about making money or bending the rules a bit as long as they get the job done. Maxwell tends to follow a similar vein, but is more head strong and bossy. The chemistry between the actors is easy to see and they bring this out in their characters which makes for fun and interesting viewing. For me this is Castle with a twist.

Quirky is how I found the first episode and admittedly I have now seen the second episode prior to this review and I will be continuing to watch this show with interest. The continuing involvement of Edgar (as I had hoped after the pilot) will make the show even more interesting and fun, but maybe a little predictable, time will tell.

A recommended show for me and I hope it continues in the vein of the first two episodes.

8/10

King and Maxwell

[factshome2 · 3/10 · 18 June 2013]

I wanted to like this show because of Jon Tenney but am still lukewarm. Rebecca Romijin adds nothing. Anyone could play her role. There is no chemistry between them except for the fake and oh so old arguing ala Castle, Moonlighting and so many other shows of the same ilk. Romijin is strictly eye candy to come to work, take a shower with the door open and catch an occasional glimpse of her naked back. She can't act, can't react and gives nothing of substance. Tenney is too good an actor and he deserves a real actress . In "The Closer" he played second fiddle to Kyra Sedgwick's quirky character...now he has a stiff mannequin to maneuver around.

A really entertaining new series

[mrocco-1 · 10/10 · 31 July 2013]

I often will DVR a new show and watch it after 3-4 episodes have recorded. I'm really glad I did that here, because the first episode was OK, but didn't grab me until a few episodes in.

Can I say that one thing I LOVE is the way Maxwell dresses. I am so TIRED of seeing women playing cops on TV dressed like they're going out for a beer on a Friday night, cleavage and all. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a time will come where she's all decked out (in an appropriate situation) and will knock our socks off (like Kate on Castle). It's refreshing that she (the writers) don't take that tired road here. In real life we don't all run around all day showing cleavage and wearing the extra tight jeans in our work environment. We save that for 'after work' time :)

I really love everything about this show; plots, conflicts, character development, zany 'not lead' characters. ***Spoiler*** And how fun was it to have a cameo with Rebecca's real life husband Jerry, playing a sleazy guy named Jerry!

Disappointed by the cancellation

[louvail · 8/10 · 11 April 2016]

Just watched all the episodes and we loved it. We read all of Baldacci's books and this was very close to what I pictured when reading. To bad this was cancelled while other series survive. This is comparable in quality with Bones which as been on air for what.. ten years? The idea of keeping Edgar in the story and making him a permanent fixture was brilliant. Ryan Hurst was unbelievable and his unexpected teaming up with Benny (I don't recall reading about her in the books, nor Rigby and Carter for that matter) was charming and very entertaining.

Bring it back!!

What a surprise!

[chahn54 · 8/10 · 25 June 2013]

David Baldacci is one of my favorite authors and I have read everything he's written. However, I had no idea that one of his series had been made into a TV show, so I was totally surprised when I happened to accidentally stumble upon it. First of all, when a book has been made into a movie or TV show, very rarely does the video coincide with the mental visuals you had in your head while reading the book itself. As I was watching the episode, my mind was scrambling to figure out which book it was and what was going to happen and I was mentally comparing the actors to the version I had in my head of the book characters. What I enjoyed the most from Baldacci books isn't the plot--hasn't it all been done before? But it's the characterization that pulls me in. Although I've only seen one episode, I'll keep watching to see if the actors can establish the same relationship. And, secondly, why wasn't this series advertised more? For pete's sake, this series is based on a very successful author's work--advertise it so that people know it's there. You shouldn't have to stumble upon it.

Quite bad

[Eddie_weinbauer · 2/10 · 1 March 2017]

The books they based the series on,are excellent,the series on the other hand is quite bad.

Book vs TV series. In the Books they are truly professional. They disagrees sometimes,and bicker a bit ,since one of the two is a neat freak.But till act like professionals.

TV Series. They act like fumbling idiots. One always leaves/ forget his gun in the glove compartment, or at home in a drawer. And he is suppose to be an ex secret service agent. I mean c'mon. He always has his back to, whatever it is that's gonna come up on him. Even in the most highly alerted situations.

Now the chemistry and the acting isn't all that either. They mostly look Bored, and have the facial expression ,of just going through the motion for a pay check. The two of them might be actors,and be able to act.But they sure don't show it on this show

This is like a crime/PI show for lonely housewives or stay at home mums. Kind of along he line of the TV show Matlock.=The cases get solved through a bit unorthodox methods.But mostly very peacefully and none violently

Finally Jon Tenney Gets His Own Show!

[ShelbyTMItchell · 8/10 · 11 July 2013]

If you like Jon Tenney on "The Closer" with Kyra Sedgwick, it is finally nice for him to get paid his dues and get his own show with Rebecca Romijn(The X-Men) as two US Secret Service agents who lost their jobs and are now private detectives.

As they manage to get the job done. Despite the interference of Michael O Keefe as Agent Frank Rigby who is by the book but can't help by have a grudging appreciation for the two protagonists and Chris Butler as younger agent, Darius Carter who seems to more like the two than his older by the book partner.

Still it is so far a pretty good show as glad to see Jon Tenney get his dues paid for. And rewarded in the process. While Rebecca Romijn seems to be more eye candy as she is the weakest link of the cast. No offense.

A Show That Needs to Improve

[rukmal1987 · 12 June 2013]

To be honest I cannot say that I'm crazy about this show. But it isn't a bad one. Quite similar to Castle but in this case both are cops unlike in castle. There is some chemistry between the characters and the guys' personality is likable. Not sure of the girl though. But I get the feeling that the story lacks the depth and twists we would like to see in a crime show. The crime solving is pretty fast with very little resources which would make it too fictional. And I don't see the point of pointing out the two as former secret service agents since that doesn't add up anything to the story or their characters. For instance such would tend to make the show have more action. But in this case it contains action a regular show would have. That is quite disappointing. It would be harsh to judge the show by just watching the pilot but I get a feeling that this might turn out to be a good show.

This show has some real potential, but lacks credibility with this audience

[Erika-737-499686 · 5/10 · 13 July 2013]

The cast is talented. Baldacci characters are always so interesting, but the depth doesn't translate to the screen. I love the role of Edgar and he could be more developed. I think the writing (or perhaps the directing) doesn't lend authenticity to the story. It is like sitting in an audience when someone is making a speech, and watching the speech-maker lose his audience. It's uncomfortable. I joined IMDb for the first time simply to post this feedback for what it's worth. For example, the trunk scene and the bar scene were just painful to watch. I was not pulled in to the story, but instead felt uncomfortable that this was obviously being acted. IMHO there's too much going on and it needs to be simplified and the characters more developed. The actors are at times over acting to pull off the script. The good news is that the audience seems to really WANT it to work. Great recipe, please work on making it more realistic and credible!

Read all the books and surprisingly the show was good!

[kashtag1 · 8/10 · 12 September 2014]

Okay, I have read all the books and came to know about this TNT series when I was on my last book. I was pleasantly surprised that how good the show was. The chemistry between King and Maxwell shown in the show was very close to the actual chemistry portrayed in the books. It was a very good show and I would have liked to see a bit more of it so kind of gutted that TNT has already pulled the plug on it. They should have given it at least one more season because in this season we did see how Sean lost his job but there was not much back story on Michelle and how they became King and Maxwell. The episode with JT Maxwell was my favourite, it was not a storyline from books but still the addition of JT in the mix was very good. It is annoying to see that some shows are on air for multiple seasons but an entertaining show like this has already been axed. It was a great watch and to see two of my favourite book characters on TV screen.

Liked the show very much; also comment on guns

[elzombie · 8/10 · 10 October 2013]

I thought the main characters plus Edgar & Benny were acted excellently. As a person at age 72 and a military/political historian for over fifty yrs and a 28 yr active duty Vet, as far as firearms are concerned as the survivor of TWO shootings initiated by perps, who erred by bringing pistols to a shotgun fight and were terminated for their idiocy.

And for the facts that over my life, there have been many incidents where the perps were discouraged by finding themselves facing either firearms or various edged weapons, to the point that they vacated the area with no damage to anyone.

Plus knowing of one recent attempt at car-jacking that was ended when the perp became aware that the driver he had ordered to turn over the keys, was in the process of drawing a 1911 Colt .45. The alleged car-jacker disappeared quickly. This took place in a mall parking lot close to a market.

In conclusion, only those who either never had any untoward events in their lives or those who did not survive, would allege that weapons, firearms or edged are not effective.

Some chemistry but never gel

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 3 November 2013]

Sean King (Jon Tenney) and Michelle Maxwell (Rebecca Romijn) are former Secret Service agents who join up to be private investigators. He's still haunted by his last assignment where his protectee got killed. They are joined by a street smart Benny (Dichen Lachman), a strange tech guy Edgar (Ryan Hurst), and a friendly FBI Agent Frank Rigby (Michael O'Keefe).

Edgar is way too weird. He's what an actor thinks an autistic should be. It's a difficult character to overlook. Tenny and Romijn has some chemistry but the writing needs to be sharper. They never clarified their relationship. Are they best buddies or possible love interests? The love interest never panned out. Although it had some promise, the show never truly gel.