Tyrant – “What the World Needs Now” Retrospective. A Leopard Can’t Change Its Spots.

Season 1, Episode 6

Airdate: Tuesday, July 29, 2014, 10:00 pm ET/PT on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

“Are you certain you can do this? Everything that is happening here is ultimately for you, for your brother, your children. I am an old man; I am not long for this world. I only ask you show the President the same respect he is showing us by inviting us here.” – Sheik Rashid

Sheik Rashid is not only a smart man, he is quite shrewd.

Given the events of “What the World Needs Now,” I wonder if Ihab (Alexander Karim) will heed his father’s very telling words. If you are a child of the 60s, you know what the title of this week’s episode of Tyrant refers to. First recorded in 1965, “What the World Needs Now is Love” was written and composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and speaks to what is needed if peace is ever to become a reality in Abbudin, especially for President Jamal Al-Fayeed (Ashraf Barhom). It is most apropos considering what’s been going on in Israel and the Ukraine these past few weeks. How do the writers do that?

When we last saw Bassam Al-Fayeed (Adam Rayner), he was meeting with exiled Sheik Rashid (Mohammed Bakri) in an attempt to gain the sheik’s help in dealing with his son, Ihab. Now, the sheik is demanding a sit-down with Jamal before he will help clear Founders Square of Ihab’s followers. Will Bassam once again be able to convince Jamal to do the right thing? I knew Jamal would balk because of how the sheik announces the possibility of the meeting between the two men—“I demand…” The sheik is a very smart man.

The Reception Line

Amira, Leila, Molly, and Bassam greet Sheik Rashid and his son, Ihab.

Needless to say, Bassam talks sense into Jamal, and a reception line is ready to greet the sheik at the palace. Leila (Moran Atias) is the epitome of an obedient Middle Eastern wife, behaving like the good little soldier she is expected to be. I know that type of behavior is required but I think Leila’s conduct goes beyond that. She knows what side her bread is buttered on so she does what Jamal expects of her no matter how distasteful. While the others in the reception line greet Sheik Rashid formally, Bassam’s wife Molly (Jennifer Finnigan) utters a very un-royal like “Hi” to the sheik. It casts a very immature light on her as a member of the royal family. And did you see the look on General Tariq’s (Raad Rawi) face? If looks could kill…well, you know where I’m going with that.

The Talking Points

Bassam arranges for three specific “talking points” to be discussed during the meeting, making sure Jamal is perfectly prepared ahead of time. On the off chance Sheik Rashid brings up something other than that, Bassam encourages Jamal to respond with “Let me take it under advisement” instead of flying off the handle as one might expect. Taking an ordinary moment and turning it into sweet anticipation is something the Tyrant writers do very well. At that very moment, I knew Jamal would use that statement.

The meeting starts off friendly enough.

As Jamal tries to bring up the agreed-upon talking points, Sheik Rashid wants to discuss only one thing, something that shocks the hell out of the Al-Fayeeds. Needless to say, Bassam holds his breath, as I did, while waiting for Jamal to utter the pre-arranged statement. The interesting part is when Sheik Rashid responds in kind when Bassam asks if the sheik will now keep his promise to clear the square. I knew things wouldn’t go as easily as Bassam planned. Nothing is ever as simple as that. Jamal must now make a decision that will greatly impact both the Al-Fayeeds and the country as a whole. I didn’t think Jamal would go along with Bassam’s suggestion even though it seems to make sense. And, despite Leila and General Tariq voicing heavy opposition, Jamal surprisingly agrees to Sheik Rashid’s request.

General Tariq and the Council

The problem at hand—how to make the people of Abbudin love and respect Jamal in order for him to win the free election—is no easy feat to accomplish but Bassam provides some good tactics. Unfortunately, the Council balks at financing the necessary construction projects, and General Tariq voices his strong objections to the election. It is obvious how much Tariq opposes Jamal’s actions in “What the World Needs Now.” But is it because he hates Bassam for trying to change Jamal or is he afraid of losing his status if Jamal doesn’t win the election? Jamal quickly puts Tariq in his place, and orders the financing to be available when needed, explaining why it is necessary. I am amazed at how much Jamal is counting on the media to help get him elected. This isn’t America, after all.

Jamal the Lover

A leopard can’t change its spots. So it comes as no surprise when Jamal has an assignation with Katerina (Ruth Kearney) and gets what Leila refuses to give him because of her anger—“a presidential explosion.” I guess a man has his needs, especially after having his penis out of commission all this time. But Katerina gives him something more than “a presidential eruption,” as she calls it. She confirms what Bassam told Jamal. “Well, the people don’t know you but if they did, I am sure that they would love you. How could anyone not love you?” Is he really letting his ‘little head’ do the thinking for him? I have to take a minute to comment on how fake Jamal’s erection seems under the covers. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a penis stick straight up in the air like that, no matter how hard it is. OK, I suppose it can happen… Little things like this detract from the authenticity of Tyrant, which is normally at its best.

The Interview

Jamal isn’t too happy with what the sheik says in his portion of the 60 Minutes interview.

During an interview with 60 Minutes, Jamal is very convincing when discussing his support of democracy for Abbudin and how much he respects Sheik Rashim. He evens cracks a few jokes. With the sheik being so sick, I am surprised it is he, and not Ihab, who will run against Jamal in the election. Truth be told, Ihab doesn’t have the amount of admirers the sheik has. But I don’t believe Jamal completely because he is capable of turning on a dime given the right scenario. Everyone else who is interviewed in the Al-Fayeed household—Leila, General Tariq, and Bassam and Jamal’s mother Amira (Alice Krige)—supports Jamal and speaks very highly of him. Everything seems to be going smoothly until the 60 Minutes reporter (Yohan Segev) asks Jamal if he’d like to hear what the sheik said about him in his interview. Since we’re talking 60 Minutes here, Jamal can’t possibly say no, and what he hears sets the gears in motion for a surprising conclusion to “What the World Needs Now.”

The First Step

As Jamal gets ready for the signing of the motion to amend Abbudin’s Constitution to allow free elections, the small amount of security at the palace struck me as odd. With the sheik soon to arrive for this auspicious occasion, I saw only two guards surrounding Jamal. But it’s not Jamal who needs protection, as we see in the last minute of “What the World Needs Now.” Now what?

Overall

“What the World Needs Now” does a good job of advancing the overall story line of Tyrant. Despite the episode being somewhat slow at times, it still has the punch necessary to make viewers want to tune in to the next installment. Although, I have to wonder how much longer Bassam will be able to control Jamal. Jamal has too much of his father’s blood to stay as peaceful as he’s been. And speaking of Bassam, what is his real reason for remaining in Abbudin? Is it truly to help his brother or something more? Sooner, rather than later, the two brothers won’t see eye-to-eye like they do now. What will happen then?

What did you think of “What the World Needs Now?” Leave me a comment below or tweet me @SeasideTV. Do you agree with my assessment of the episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Stay current with Tyrant by visiting its official website.

LIKE the series on Facebook.

Follow Tyrant on TVTag.

Follow Tyrant on Twitter, using hashtag #TyrantFX. You can also follow Jennifer Finnigan (Molly) @jennigan, and Anne Winters (Emma) @AnneWinters_.

Biography of the Author(Read Below)..
Latest Posts (view them )..

Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!