IMDb user comments for
"Arli$$" (1996)

advertisement

Filter:

Best Chronological Prolific Authors Loved It Hated It Hide Spoilers:

Page 1 of 2:

[1] [2]

Index

16 comments in total

---

7 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
25 Sports Agents Dead In The Road?...a good start!, 8 February 2006
Author: (schuchat@hotmail.com) from Miami, FL.

I borrowed the lawyer's joke to make a point about Arliss, the agent. Devoid of real consistent ethics Arli$$ Michaels is the epitome of the complex character who treads equally on the honorable side and the ethically challenged. Mix in a bit of conscience with a dash of capitalistic greed and that describes Arli$$ and the AMM Management team.

As for the players they are (were) first rate. Robert Wuhl is phenomenal as the namesake character Arliss Michaels. Combining terrific story lines with a real sense of what and how an agent thinks this comedian turned actor hits a bullseye. The show was, after all, his idea and creation. Jim Turner is ideal as the former jock, first round draft pick and first Arli$$ client, playboy burnout Kirby Carlisle. Michael Boatman is superb as Stanley Babson, the erstwhile V.P. of Finance who often attempts to induce some morality and class into the organization. Occasionally Stanley is faced with the perplexing situation of doing what is right or what is best for the client?, AMM?, or Stanley? Finally there is Sandra Oh as Rita Wu, Arli$$' long suffering secretary. Forever loyal Rita is underpaid, under-appreciated, and under-minded by Arli$$ and almost always Kirby. Rita has her dilemma's of conscience as well but she is insightful yet gullible and always longing to meet Mr. Right so she can quit her job which she really loves. Sound confusing? It is because the show displayed all the nuances of good character development and story lines.

Mix this all in with great guest stars from sports and entertainment and you get a rapid, fast paced 1/2 hour show never wanting for a good laugh or a tear. Arliss has been gone since 2002 and is now a regular late night entry onto ESPN Classic's repertoire. The only problem is this show, like many made for cable, does not have points at which commercial breaks are accounted for and language is censored thereby lessening the fun for those of us fans. Yet, for the newcomer, a whole new generation can enjoy the comic timing and plot lines. Some of the athletes are now dated in time but it is easy to follow. A highly recommended show!!!

---

6 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
can't believe there are bad comments on this show!, 4 June 2001
Author: JBoze313 from Evansville, Indiana

I can't believe there are the number of negative comments there are here about Arliss. I love this, and I have been a huge fan since the start. It airs every weeknight now on HBO comedy, and I thank my cable company everyday for picking the channel up. Wuhl (spelling?) is a genius, and his work on the show is brilliant. The chemistry is awesome in the show, even tho one comment said it was horrible. I think the entire cast is hilarious and the shows never fail to entertain. I am usually laughing the entire episode, and that's sometimes rare with some of the crap that is on tv today....this is a great show, and if you haven't seen it, you have to check it out.

---

2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Sporting a Laugh, 7 January 2007
Author: Derek Rushlow from United States

Robert Wuhl created and starred in this HBO TV show about a sports agent who was cutthroat but, at the same time, had the important values everyone seems to have.

Robert Wuhl portrayed Arliss Michaels, who represents several athletes (most of which are real and even made cameo appearances on the show). Sandra Oh played Rita, Arliss's sarcastic secretary who was never afraid to speak her mind and even helped Arliss as well as her co-workers at times. Then there was Jim Turner, who played Kirby, another sports agent who had those important values which made up for his unruly ways of doing business and other activities outside the office (you have to see the show). Finally, there was Michael Boatman, who played Stanley, the agency's financial adviser who was ultimately an arrogant jerk who was somewhat likable and even funny.

The show itself was funny, but sometimes even touching and truthful. It pointed out that even the biggest people in a business like this has the kind of heart a lot of people look for in everyone. That is what made these characters (Arliss, Rita, Kirby, and yes, even Stanley) likable -- they all had hearts.

Robert Wuhl also served as executive producer and even directed some episodes.

I give "Arliss" 3 1/2 stars out of 4.

---

4 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
The best show on television today, 11 September 2002
Author: aerilon

I love this show. It is absolutely brilliant, in my opinion. Despite the opinions of some prior reviewers, the cast has a strong chemistry with one another, and all the characters show both ambition and ruthlessness in the pursuit of their goals, as well as a human side, with real feelings and even a conscience. The actors fit their parts extremely well, so well in fact that I find myself despising Kirby just as much as I despised the idiot jocks I've known who were so hung up on themselves they couldn't see two feet past their nose. And I find that the comedic moments are excellent as well, some of the funniest have been provided by Sandra Oh as Rita Wu. This show, along with Dennis Miller Live, may be one of the two best items among the many that fill up HBO's time slots.

---

3 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
Our favorite American sports agent., 9 June 2001
Author: Brian-272 from Oakwood, Virginia USA

Arliss Michaels can do it all bring the laughter, humor, and serious moments all at the same time make the sports deal of the century. Robert Wuhl is a perfect fit for this character he is really doing a great job, plus this series always receives strong supporting performances from Sandra Oh and Michael Boatman. So give this sports comedy series a watch for the funny Robert Wuhl.

---

2 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-
Extremely funny show., 28 June 2000
Author: Tony Melis (fattony) from Los Angeles, CA

Arliss is one of the best shows around, especially if you are in to sports. The cameos by notable sports figures make this show a hilarious and notable standout! It is a great venue for some very unique and talented actors such as Michael Boatman (Stanley) and Sandra Oh (Rita).

Check it out when you can, you won't be disappointed.

---

3 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
Good fun, 16 July 2000
Author: Filmjack3 from United States

I like this show, but not as much as some others. It has some very funny moments (mainly when Wuhl is at the helm of writer and director) but not enough to make it a reccommendable show. For fans of sports or some other things, this is a comic treat. Others might want to change the channel. B+

---

0 out of 3 people found the following comment useful :-
Can be great, 4 July 2000
Author: UMich from Ann Arbor, MI

I have watched Arli$$ from the beginning, and believe that the quality has deteriorated a great deal. However, when the show deals with serious topics in a serious manner (and still manages to work in some humor) such as recent episodes dealing with domestic violence and steroid use, it is one of the most compelling comedies on television.

---

1 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
just plain funny, 24 September 1999
Author: jimmy-113 (polulach@newave.net.au) from Adelaide, Australia

ive seen Arliss quite a few times now, though i never go out of my way to watch it like i do south park or the simpsons..but still, it is an entertaining look at the world of sports agents and the like..only watch it though if nothing else is on..pretty good!

---

2 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
A Great Show!!, 31 May 2001
Author: CripplerCrossface from Boston, MA

Arliss, is without a doubt, one of the greatest television shows running today. It is a great comedy, and also tackles serious problems, like people taking steroids, and domestic violence. It also has many cameos. Doug Flutie, Ken Griffey, Jr., and many other sports personalities have been on!

I rate this show an A. Ignore the negative feedback and watch this show! You will be completely drawn into it!

---

---

Page 1 of 2:

[1] [2]

Add another comment

---

Related Links

Plot summary	Ratings	Awards
External reviews	Official site	Plot keywords
Main details	Your user comments	Your vote history