Trust Me (TNT)

common sense media says

Ad agency series sells lightweight drama; some iffy stuff.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this TV drama -- which revolves around the day-to-day pressures faced by people working in the high-stakes world of creative advertising -- includes a fair amount of strong language ("bulls--t," "p---y," etc.) and some strong sexual innuendo (no nudity, but some simulated sex acts). The characters often drink (wine, beer) and occasionally smoke. Brand logos are visible everywhere -- and are purposely worked into storylines by producers. Mature older teens should be able to handle it, but it's not intended for younger viewers.

Positive messages: The series focuses on the friendship between Mason and Conner. Mason often wants to take the ethical high road. The show also portrays the high-stress environment of the advertising industry and features some unethical behavior between professional colleagues. The cast is primarily Caucasian; Gordon Benedict is African American.
Violence: Job stress often leads to arguments. Some characters throw and break things. Occasional black eyes are visible.
Sex: Some strong sexual innuendo, including simulated sex acts (but no nudity is shown). Words like "blows," "p---y," and "gang bang" are sometimes used.
Language: Aduible language includes words like "piss," "bitch," and "a--hole," and "bulls--t." Pictures of rude gestures are also visible.
Consumerism: The show's producers purposely work real products (Rolling Rock, Dove, Pillsbury, etc.) into the advertising agency's storylines; characters also make references to other real-life brands like Starbucks. Electronics with logos like Apple and RGM are also clearly visible. There are also some nondescript/made up brand logos in the offices.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The stressed-out advertisers are often shown drinking (wine, beer, mixed drinks) and occasionally smoking.

More on Trust Me

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the role that advertising plays on television. Did you know that television was originally developed to sell things, rather than to provide entertainment? How do commercials impact the way we watch television? Parents: Check out our tips on how to talk to your kids about media advertising and consumerism. Families can also discuss what it takes to work in the advertising field. Why is working in advertising considered a high-pressure job? What kind of background or talent does someone have to have to be successful in that field?

What's the story?

What's the story?
TRUST ME centers on the highs and lows of the creative partnership between straightlaced advertising art director Mason McGuire (Will & Grace's Eric McCormack) and impulsive copywriter Conner (Tom Cavanagh). When Mason is named creative director for the Rothman, Green & Mohr Advertising Agency, the duo must find a way to keep their creative juices flowing while dealing with the fact Mason's promotion makes him Conner's new boss. Meanwhile, Mason must also work with the high-strung characters in his creative group, including award-winning (but rather abrasive) copywriter Sarah Krajicek-Hunter (Monica Potter) and the rather nontraditional junior creative team of Hector (Geffory Arend) and Tom (Mike Damus). Together they must find a way to work together to satisfy their boss, Tony Mink (Griffin Dunne) -- who wants nothing more than to dazzle their demanding and often-unreasonable clients.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Although Trust Me is set against the backdrop of the high-stakes advertising business, much of the show's focus is on the relationships between the characters, rather than sophisticated plot lines. But some of them don't seem fully developed and appear more like caricatures who are placed in the scene for forced comic relief. Meanwhile, while some of the dialogue is witty, the show's writers seem to be trying to create drama by using some strong (and sometimes profane) language rather building on the story.

Still, despite the series' lack of depth, Cavanagh's brilliant comedic performance makes for some very funny moments. It's not the most thought-provoking of shows, but older teens and adults who are interested in what goes on in the world of advertising may find something lightly entertaining ... if not entirely "trust"worthy.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: TNT
Cast: Eric McCormack, Monica Potter, Tom Cavanagh
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: TNT

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

 
Very good pilot to what i hope is a very good series
I liked it, due to the originality of it. The language was a little much, and i didnt even know you could say some of those words on television, but....these guys did.

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