Pam & Tommy is one of the most highly anticipated new shows of 2022. It caught our attention with teaser images showing Lily James and Sebastian Stan transformed into their parts. Prospective fans can take a closer look at the series with the new trailer. However, it should be noted it seems like the trailers aren’t showing us the whole picture.
Trailers are inherently designed to grab our attention, and Pam & Tommy succeeds at that. Still, it makes us wonder what Hulu isn’t showing us. For example, the trailers attempt to grab us with a misguided romance that gets caught up in a scandal involving a sex tape, but that’s the bottom line (if even) of this situation.
In reality, Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s relationship was extremely abusive and toxic, and the press villainized Anderson’s sexuality while heroizing Lee for his. The former isn’t as present in the footage as the latter, but the show will surely examine both with great detail. At least we hope that is true since this limited series is eight episodes long.
In fairness, Pam & Tommy doesn’t claim to be an accurate, biographical retelling of the scandal. The official description merely says it “is based on the incredible true story of the Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee sex tape.” Subsequently, that description means Pam & Tommy must have something to say about the events or the conversations it started.
Hulu’s description does explain the series’ intention to explore “the intersection of privacy, technology and celebrity, tracing the origins of our current Reality TV Era to a stolen tape seen by millions but meant to have an audience of just two.” That sentiment is represented in the trailer and will hopefully be thoughtfully explored on the show.
Meaning, the effects of the released sex tape on Pamela’s life and reputation are vastly different than that of Tommy Lee. Lily James voices that concern through an incredible transformation into the character. This trailer caters far more to Anderson’s life in the aftermath of the scandal than Lee’s, and that’s for the best.
There’s no version of Pam & Tommy in which Tommy Lee and his actions should be romanticized in any serious way that isn’t a commentary on celebrity and sexism. This show has a real opportunity to create meaningful discussions around topics, like the aforementioned ones. It can attempt to change the narrative from how it was in the ’90s.
There is still plenty to discover about this series. However, one thing is sure — Lily James and Sebastian Stan are nearly unrecognizable in their roles. James is more camouflaged than her costar. Nonetheless, this show’s hair and makeup team deserve plenty of accolades for the actors’ transformations.
We may be uncertain about how Pam & Tommy will play out, but we are confident this cast will deliver impressive performances. The series also stars Seth Rogen, Nick Offerman, and Taylor Schilling. The series is directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Robert Siegel.
Take a look at the poster:
Watch the trailer below:
Will you be watching Pam & Tommy? Let us know in the comments below!
Pam & Tommy premieres Wednesday, February 2 on Hulu!