Cupertino — Season 1

In its first season, Cupertino attempts to dissect the legal labyrinth of Silicon Valley through the eyes of a tenacious lawyer, navigating the shadows of corporate power with a genuine commitment to justice. While Mike Colter’s performance shines amidst the narrative’s muddier waters, the series occasionally struggles to balance its earnest intentions with the pace and depth needed to fully engage its audience.

The atmosphere of Cupertino is a blend of tense courtroom drama and the vibrant chaos of tech culture, creating a unique setting rife with conflict. Scenes are often framed in stark contrast, showcasing the monochromatic world of the law against the flashy, bright aesthetics of innovation. The cinematography effectively captures this duality; for example, wide shots of the crammed tech offices are interspersed with intense close-ups of Colter, emphasizing the stakes of his character’s struggle. The editing rhythm, however, sometimes feels erratic, losing momentum when it should build tension, particularly in pivotal moments where the legal drama reaches its climax.

Colter commands the screen as the scrappy lawyer, bringing a sense of gravitas as well as vulnerability to the role. His scenes alongside Rachel Keller, who plays a sharp-eyed assistant, are particularly compelling — their rapport adds a necessary levity that balances the often-serious subject matter. Still, some supporting characters come off as caricatures of the Silicon Valley elite, undermining the show’s more serious themes. The writing veers into predictable territory, failing to fully flesh out secondary characters, which detracts from the viewer’s investment in the overall narrative.

Considering King’s previous work on The Good Fight, it’s clear that Cupertino aims for a similar blend of biting humor and social commentary, though it doesn’t quite hit the mark. Where The Good Fight thrived on sharp wit and rich character exploration, Cupertino struggles to find its footing, often resorting to simplistic tropes rather than nuanced storytelling. It’s an ambitious endeavor that teeters too often into disjointed territory, rather than creating a cohesive and engaging narrative arc.

What works

• Mike Colter’s compelling lead performance
• Strong visual contrasts between legal and tech environments
• Moments of levity that land well

Where it stumbles

• Pacing issues detract from dramatic tension
• Some characters lack depth and nuance
• Predictable writing in key areas

The Verdict

Cupertino offers an intriguing premise and strong performances but ultimately falters in execution, leaving much of its potential untapped. Fans of legal dramas may find some value, but those seeking depth in character and story might ultimately feel shortchanged.