Our Take on The Fixers — Gritty Crime-Comedy with Uneven Pacing
Netflix's 'The Fixers' promises a fresh take on the crime genre, pairing an aging gangster with a privileged political scion. Does this odd couple manage to clean up their act, or just make a bigger mess?
About The Fixers
- Platform: Netflix
- Release Date:
- IMDb Rating: 6/10
- Genres: Action & Adventure, Comedy, Crime
A washed-up gangster reluctantly teams up with an arrogant political heir to become "fixers", cleaning up dangerous secrets for both sides of the law.
WatchThisFlix Review
By WatchThisFlix Editorial Team
## The Setup
“The Fixers” drops us into a grimy, morally ambiguous world where secrets are currency and reputations are fragile. At its core, it’s a buddy-cop setup, but instead of badges, our protagonists wield a mix of street smarts, political influence, and a surprising knack for improvisation. We meet Frank 'The Shiv' Moretti, a man whose glory days as a mob enforcer are decidedly behind him. He’s got the weary eyes and the slow gait of someone who’s seen too much, done too much, and now just wants to fade into obscurity – perhaps manage a struggling pizzeria. Life, however, has other plans, primarily in the form of Leo Maxwell, the preposterously arrogant, silver-spoon-fed son of a prominent politician. Leo, despite his family's impeccable public image, has a knack for finding himself in compromising positions, usually involving high stakes and low morals. When a particularly disastrous incident threatens to unravel his father's career and, by extension, Leo's cushy future, he finds himself in desperate need of someone who knows how to make problems disappear. Enter Frank, reluctantly dragged back into the murky underworld he thought he’d escaped. Their unlikely partnership forms the backbone of the series: two men from vastly different worlds, forced to collaborate to 'fix' dangerous situations for clients on both sides of the law. They’re called upon to retrieve incriminating evidence, silence inconvenient witnesses (non-lethally, usually), or simply clean up the spectacular messes left by the city’s elite. It’s a premise ripe for both dark humor and genuine tension, exploring themes of legacy, redemption, and the ever-present allure of power and corruption.
## What Works
The most compelling aspect of “The Fixers” is undoubtedly the dynamic between Frank and Leo. John Slattery, as Frank Moretti, delivers a masterclass in understated weariness. He’s not a caricature of an old gangster; he’s a man burdened by his past, carrying the weight of every bad decision in his slumped shoulders and world-weary gaze. His performance is nuanced, often communicating more with a sigh or a side-eye than with dialogue. You genuinely feel his exasperation with Leo, his longing for a simpler life, and the flicker of his old, dangerous self when pushed too far. Conversely, Ben Barnes as Leo Maxwell is perfectly cast as the infuriatingly charming, utterly clueless heir. Barnes leans into Leo's arrogance without making him entirely unlikable, injecting just enough vulnerability to make his eventual, begrudging respect for Frank feel earned. Their banter is sharp, often hilarious, and forms the comedic core of the show. One standout scene involves Frank trying to teach Leo how to properly 'dispose' of a highly incriminating, albeit non-lethal, object – a scene that manages to be both darkly funny and surprisingly character-revealing. The series also excels in its world-building. The city feels lived-in, a tapestry of glittering skyscrapers and forgotten back alleys, each with its own set of rules and dangers. The cinematography often uses a muted, almost desaturated palette for the grittier scenes, contrasting sharply with the opulent, brightly lit interiors of the political elite, effectively highlighting the two worlds our fixers straddle. The supporting cast, though sometimes underdeveloped, provides solid performances, particularly the enigmatic fixer network that occasionally aids (or hinders) Frank and Leo. The moments where Frank's old-school methods clash with Leo's modern, tech-savvy approach are consistently entertaining, showcasing genuine character growth as they learn from each other.
## What Doesn't
While the central pairing is strong, “The Fixers” suffers from a noticeable inconsistency in its pacing and narrative ambition. The pilot episode sets a high bar, establishing the characters and premise with precision and wit. However, subsequent episodes often fall into a predictable rhythm: new problem arises, Frank and Leo bicker, they eventually 'fix' it, rinse and repeat. This episodic structure, while fine for a procedural, sometimes prevents deeper character development or overarching plot progression. The series struggles to maintain its initial narrative momentum, particularly in the middle third of the season. Some of the 'fixes' feel a bit too convenient, lacking the genuine tension or cleverness that the premise promises. There are moments where the plot relies too heavily on contrivance rather than organic storytelling. For instance, a subplot involving a rival fixer agency feels underdeveloped, introduced only to provide a few action sequences before fading into the background. Similarly, the emotional stakes, particularly for Leo, rarely feel as high as they should. Despite the constant threats to his family's reputation, his character often defaults to his arrogant persona, making it difficult to fully invest in his journey. The humor, while often effective, occasionally veers into broad slapstick that feels out of place with the show’s otherwise grounded, gritty tone. The series also introduces intriguing supporting characters, like Frank’s estranged daughter, only to give them insufficient screen time or resolution, leaving several narrative threads dangling by the season’s end. This lack of follow-through can be frustrating, especially when the show hints at deeper emotional stakes for Frank.
## Who Is This For?
This series is tailor-made for viewers who appreciate character-driven crime comedies with a dark edge. If you enjoy the odd-couple dynamic of shows like 'Lethal Weapon' but with a more cynical, less action-heavy bent, you’ll find a lot to like here. Fans of shows that explore the underbelly of power and privilege, akin to a lighter 'Succession' or a less violent 'Ozark', will appreciate the thematic explorations. It’s perfect for those who enjoy sharp dialogue, dry wit, and watching seasoned actors play off each other with palpable chemistry. Watch it if you’re in the mood for something that offers both laughs and genuine tension, but don't mind a slower burn and a more episodic structure. It's a great choice for a relaxed evening, perhaps with a glass of something strong, ready to immerse yourself in a world where moral lines are constantly blurred. Expect smart banter, a compelling central duo, and a healthy dose of cynical charm.
## Final Verdict
“The Fixers” is a promising, if occasionally uneven, foray into the world of crime-comedy. Its greatest strength lies in the stellar performances and electric chemistry between John Slattery and Ben Barnes, who elevate the material far beyond its sometimes-predictable plotting. While it struggles with pacing and fully developing its secondary characters, the core concept and its execution of the central relationship make it a worthwhile watch for anyone craving a smart, character-focused caper. It’s not a groundbreaking masterpiece, but it’s an entertaining ride that offers enough laughs and intrigue to keep you coming back for more. Give it a shot – you might just find yourself rooting for these unlikely heroes.
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