Featuring warring factions locked in conflict, using politicking tricks of deception, bribery, deadly weapons, and fear to claw their way onto a throne of power, Netflix’s new docuseries, “Tiger King,” is supposed to be about an eccentric monarch obsessed with tigers. Instead, this superbly entertaining and unexpected docuseries, with all its manipulations and evil maneuvers, is more akin to a redneck “Game of Thrones” spin-off set in the world of exotic pets. And it has just as many duplicitous twists and turns in all the tribes’ desperate need to hold onto power.
Joe Exotic (not his real name, but considering the constantly shifting surname, it’s best to just use his nickname) is the current maniacal, larger-than-life, perhaps murderous, ruler of the kingdom. He is the flamboyant owner of G.W. Zoo in Oklahoma, home to hundreds of exotic animals, including an absolute treasure trove of rare tigers. Exotic makes a mint exploiting his tigers for profit, which has put him in the crosshairs of Carole Baskin and her Big Cat Rescue group. Their sole purpose is ridding the world of these for-profit zoos that keep tigers in captivity. But the obvious Joe Exotic versus Carole Baskin war is just the table setting for what is a surprisingly complex buffet of delicious moments that will leave your jaw on the floor in disbelief.
Exotic is all the best and worst parts of the various rulers in Westeros, but instead of regal gowns and pageantry, he’s an openly gay, gun-toting, camo-wearing, mullet-haired loudmouth, with more piercings than you possibly would want to know about, that just loves to watch shit explode with a hunky boy by his side. He rules his minions with a mixture of charm and fear, as he’s never without a clever joke or a gun on his side.
To preserve his kingdom from Baskin’s attempts to shut him down, Exotic—already making a play for play for political power and celebrity status—has to make unholy alliances with some scheming shadowy figures that would make George R.R. Martin blush. This sordid cadre includes a con-artist from Vegas, a shady strip club owner, and another dubious zoo owner from a distant land that operates an alleged sex cult. Oh, and everyone involved is likely inebriated from the cocaine, meth, weed, alcohol, or a combination of all of the above.
And much like the society of Westeros, no one, not even the virtuous characters, are without flaws.
“Tiger King” has its own blonde, ambitious queen with eyes on ruling this veritable King’s Landing—the aforementioned Carole Baskin. And though she represents “good” folk, this Big Cat Rescue founder has her own demons, including an unbelievable past that may or may not include the murder of her husband. Is Baskin’s goal sincere and admirable? Or maybe she’s just yet another spoke in the wheel she aims to break? “Tiger King” makes you question everything.
However, as captivating as it all is, not unlike the finale of HBO’s flagship show, “Tiger King” has its issues too. Throwing too many shocking reveals and surprises at viewers can backfire. Filmmakers Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaiklin often utilize time jumps for maximum value ending each chapter on an engrossing cliffhanger. But the more this technique is abused, the more they compound and more the narrative starts becomes convoluted as it plays too loose with the timeline (you may find yourself lost from time to time).
With the looming existential threat of the FBI lurking in the shadows (reminiscent of the White Walkers), Joe Exotic’s often ridiculous story achieves a level of drama that will leave you incredulous (avoid all spoilers, you won’t see these twists coming). And as the credits roll, with one of Exotic’s music videos (yes, the man is also a country singer), you’ll have to catch your breath and sit in awe of what Netflix was able to accomplish. While true crime generally rules on the streaming service, “Tiger King” is really something else—a series with the goal to entertain its viewers with its win-at-all-costs battle for a kingdom. And in that regard, Netflix has achieved what HBO hasn’t, giving people a satisfying “Game of Thrones” successor that is truly deserving of your time. [B+]
