Followers of the renowned series Game of Thrones are fervent aficionados, unfailingly engaging in discussions about the plot developments and personages. It’s typical for these conversations to be unreserved and occasionally border on excessive, particularly when discussing the concluding season. HBO’s sequel series, House of the Dragon, experienced this firsthand in its sophomore season, which saw a nemesis character evoke widespread animosity.
The loathing felt by fans in the second season of House of the Dragon was targeted at the villain Ser Criston Cole, and unfortunately extended to actor Fabien Frankel, who portrayed the character. Pressured by vitriolic comments, Frankel had no choice but to make his Instagram comments inaccessible. Cole’s dreadful acts, including the instigation of the deaths of Arryk and Erryk Cargyll and other abhorrent deeds, incited a deluge of animus targeted at Frankel.
However, if your abhorrence of Criston Cole persists even as House of the Dragon approaches its third season, an anticipated plot development might be to your liking. Despite the negative emotions surrounding his character, Frankel has demonstrably proven himself to be a standout actor in another crime-series drama.
The miniseries, helmed by the creator of Mare of Easttown, features Mark Ruffalo in the lead role of FBI agent Tom Brandis. The plot thickens when a group of gangsters consistently become victims of robbery in the outskirts of Philadelphia, propelling Brandis into spearheading a task force whose mission is to apprehend the culprit behind the escalating thefts and surging violence.
Frankel, stepping away from his notorious character, takes on the role of Detective Anthony Grasso who becomes part of the investigating task force. The Grasso character provides a foil to Criston, embodying virtues rather than vices, offering viewers the chance to appreciate Frankel in a role exhibiting benevolence rather than malevolence.
Although Ruffalo is the series’ anchor and primary crowd-puller, Frankel has quickly carved out a niche for himself as a standout character amid a web of less appealing characters. Depending on the unfolding dynamics, audiences may find in Frankel’s Grasso a dependable figure to root for during the series’ unexpected twists and turns.
Grasso’s alluring character profile can be largely attributed to Frankel’s performance, demonstrating a range that varies from beguiling charm to serious detective work. This showcase of his talent reinforces his acting prowess, with viewers developing intense dislike for his role in House of the Dragon on one hand, while finding themselves amused and entranced by his role in this crime drama on the other.
His portrayal of Grasso encapsulates a charming connection with the audience, whether it’s reminiscing about his days as a DJ, delivering a song, or engaging in light-hearted flirtation. The very next moment, he can transform into a focused detective, highlighting his impeccable acting range.
Having only unveiled two of its total seven episodes, the crime series holds the potential to flip the narrative altogether. While it’s plausible Grasso’s character might divert from the audience’s current understanding, this seems unlikely given his established persona.
Grasso, as portrayed by Frankel, is intelligent, compassionate, and meticulous – characteristics starkly contrasting those of Criston Cole. Given this transformation, audiences are encouraged to set aside their distaste for Criston Cole and embrace this nuanced portrayal of Fabien Frankel.
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