I want it to be clear that I like the premise of this show and the actors, especially Parker Young and Kelli Goss. The importance of showing the devastation of war on countries, the people and, in this case, also the young American families that are destroyed through no fault of their own, cannot be overstated. We tend to forget the actual individuals involved. I was really looking forward to learning about the Afghani translator and what happened to him and his family, but he is portrayed clownishly rather than seriously with heart and a twist of humor.
I understand some of the writers are Afghani so it should be possible to portray the serious subject of someone who risked his life to translate for the American troops, at great peril to himself and his family, and let us get to know him and his story. I don't believe you have to be from the same, exact ethnic background to play the part, for example, in the Goldie Hawn movie Protocol (1989), not one Arab actor played any of the key middle-eastern characters in the movie, yet they did an excellent job. I have some Arab in my background and I was most impressed because isn't that what acting is? Playing someone you are not.
I really enjoyed Adhir Kalyan in Rules of Engagement (2009-2013) so I know he can act, but he seems out of his element here and unable to find his power. Please give him the material and the direction to do so.
I understand some of the writers are Afghani so it should be possible to portray the serious subject of someone who risked his life to translate for the American troops, at great peril to himself and his family, and let us get to know him and his story. I don't believe you have to be from the same, exact ethnic background to play the part, for example, in the Goldie Hawn movie Protocol (1989), not one Arab actor played any of the key middle-eastern characters in the movie, yet they did an excellent job. I have some Arab in my background and I was most impressed because isn't that what acting is? Playing someone you are not.
I really enjoyed Adhir Kalyan in Rules of Engagement (2009-2013) so I know he can act, but he seems out of his element here and unable to find his power. Please give him the material and the direction to do so.
