Physical

“Physical”’s ambitious exploration of monetized empowerment doesn’t always hit the mark, but the powerhouse performances at its core have found their rhythm.

The series’ biggest flaw is the amount of storylines that are packed into its 10 episodes. ... In the end, “Physical” is a showcase for Byrne that will have you jumping even if things feel a bit unbalanced.

The show devotes too much time to developing peripheral characters of unequal interest, while resorting to the stale tactic of Sheila's narration contradicting what actually comes out of her mouth too often, punctuated by those rare moments of candor when she says what's truly on her mind.

Everyone in the cast does good work with their thinly written characters, who have few redeeming features among them. Not least Byrne, whose commitment makes Sheila credible even in her most vicious or unlikely moments (stealing video equipment from a potential political ally foremost among them). But Physical feels like a wasted opportunity generally.

Byrne’s been handed a lead role but saddled with a rudimentary sketch of a character. Sheila’s pains and compulsions are real and will be relatable to many, but they’re anchored in nothing particular about her. What we see, with unfettered access to Sheila’s inner life, is a person who can’t bear to have a single sincere thought. As a tribute to the ethos of the 1980s, this corrosive irony may in fact be perfectly pitched — but what was unbearable then remains so now.