Streaming series review- The Consultant

The Consultant *** 1/2 (out of 5) If you like his creepy side, Christoph Waltz brings more understated malevolence to this part than he sported as Inglorious Basterds' un-favorite Nazi. He waltzes (sorry 'bout that) in to a gaming company whose founding genius has just been killed. He's got paperwork supporting his right to take over the reins, while humbly (or humble braggingly) calling himself a consultant.

Quirky and questionable developments begin and escalate as a couple of subleaders try to learn who he is and how he got that position. Something wicked their way has come, but it's too vague to grasp.

Throughout the eight episodes, snippets of past and present events start to form a pattern suggesting an agenda somewhere between malicious and demonic. But is it worth your four hours?

Cristoph is mesmerizing, and justifies giving it a shot all on his own, delivering as grandly as his fans expect. Gamers may get some kicks from the milieu - including sets and graphics. Those who want their shows to just get to the point will be far less content, as much remains unclear for longer than needed. As is often the case, these eight episodes could have been condensed to a more exciting six without losing anything of import.

Other performances are adequate, if not memorable. But Christoph may be the just about the only actor with the chops to carry this ball this well.