The scuzzy members of the seaside SoCal crime family on TNTsAnimal Kingdomare hideous hyenas.
The lioness who leads these four mangy man-cubs is named Smurf, but shes no cream-puff cartoon.
Played by Ellen Barkin in a wise and lusty turn, Smurf is materfamilias as frayed hustler.
Credit: Eddy Chen/TNT
Maybe eventhatkind of affection.
She complicates their regard with provocative dress, she manipulates them to compete for her grace and gaze.
Watching Smurf ogle her hard-bodied boys as they frolick bare-assed is one of summer TVs most subversive spectacles.
The performances are good enough to enliven the antihero familiarity.
Does J embrace this dehumanizing thrill-ride life?
Does he seek something better?
His choice is also yours.B
