Let’s be honest: Ryan Murphy’s latest venture, All’s Fair, a legal drama centered on an all-female law firm navigating messy divorces, is facing a barrage of scathing reviews. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite the criticism, director Anthony Hemingway believes the show could eventually find its footing—much like The Wire did years ago. Bold claim? Absolutely. But Hemingway isn’t backing down.
In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hemingway didn’t sugarcoat his stance. ‘You’re not going to please everybody,’ he admitted. ‘Some people will criticize, while others will love it.’ Fair point, though the current reviews suggest the scales are tipping heavily toward the former. Hemingway argues that the show ‘holds a mirror up to its audience,’ aiming for relatability. Yet, after watching the first three episodes, I’d argue that calling any character ‘relatable’ is a stretch—unless you’re a high-powered divorce attorney with a penchant for drama.
And this is the part most people miss: Hemingway draws a parallel to The Wire, a show initially dismissed but later celebrated. ‘It took time for The Wire to find its moment,’ he said. ‘I’m not comparing All’s Fair to it—that would be absurd—but it’s an example of how perceptions can shift.’ He insists the show needs time to ‘get into gear’ and believes it offers something ‘refreshing and creatively fulfilling.’ Whether that’s wishful thinking or a genuine prediction remains to be seen.
Hemingway also points out that labeling All’s Fair as a ‘legal drama’ sets unfair expectations. ‘There’s a lot of wish fulfillment here,’ he explained. ‘It’s meant to be an escape, a fantasy.’ But let’s be real—the show isn’t exactly laugh-out-loud funny, despite its attempts at humor. Even with a star-studded cast including Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, and Naomi Watts, the dialogue feels stilted, like it was written by someone trying too hard to sound human.
Here’s the real kicker: Hemingway admits the show will evolve. ‘It will get more human,’ he promised. Wait—shouldn’t it have started human? Still, he defends the show’s ethos, emphasizing Ryan Murphy’s vision of ‘fulfilling fantasies and bringing light to the world.’ Noble? Sure. Achieved? Debatable.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Kim Kardashian. Hemingway showers her with praise, calling her ‘open’ and ‘dedicated,’ but let’s not pretend she’s a natural actress. Her performance as Allura Grant is, frankly, cringe-worthy. Hemingway’s compliments about her work ethic and motherhood are nice, but they don’t change the fact that her acting falls flat. Is it fair to cast non-actors in leading roles? Or is it a recipe for disaster?
As All’s Fair continues to stream on Hulu, the question remains: will it find its moment, or will it fade into the sea of forgotten shows? Hemingway’s optimism is admirable, but only time will tell. What do you think? Is All’s Fair worth the hype, or is it a missed opportunity? Let’s debate in the comments!
