In a rare triumph for the Clippers over their crosstown rivals, the Lakers, “Clipped” emerges as the superior of two recent drama series chronicling the saga of Los Angeles’ NBA teams, offering a compelling narrative centered on the spectacular downfall of owner Donald Sterling. With Ed O’Neill portraying Sterling, the series boasts an ensemble cast that adeptly navigates a story teeming with outlandish characters and intricate plotlines.
The title “Clipped” carries multiple connotations, alluding to audio clips capturing Sterling’s racist remarks about Black attendees at Clippers games, which played a pivotal role in his downfall. The series deftly explores four distinct yet interwoven narratives over six episodes, shedding light on the multifaceted facets of the scandal.
At the heart of the story is Sterling himself, portrayed with imperious flair by Ed O’Neill, whose disdainful treatment of his predominantly Black players underscores his arrogant demeanor. The series delves into Sterling’s contentious relationships with two key women in his life: his long-tolerant wife, Shelly (Jacki Weaver), and his ambitious assistant, V. Stiviano (Cleopatra Coleman), whose clandestine recordings of Sterling expose his reprehensible behavior to the world.
Laurence Fishburne delivers a standout performance as Doc Rivers, the Clippers’ coach tasked with navigating the turbulent waters of Sterling’s regime. Rivers grapples with the moral dilemma of working for a racist owner while striving to maintain team cohesion amid the scandalous revelations.
While “Clipped” offers less basketball-centric content compared to HBO’s “Winning Time,” which explores the heyday of the 1980s Lakers, its narrative richness derives from the eccentricity of its characters, particularly Sterling. The series poignantly captures Stiviano’s calculated ambition and Rivers’ internal conflict, providing insight into the complexities of their respective roles in the saga.
Adapted from the ESPN podcast “The Sterling Affairs” and executive produced by Gina Welch, “Clipped” arrives a decade after the scandal broke, offering a timely reflection on a pivotal moment in NBA history. The series masterfully explores the challenges facing the league and the transformative impact of Sterling’s ousting under the leadership of new commissioner Adam Silver in 2014.
Hulu’s “Clipped” stands as a testament to the network’s prowess in delivering gripping true stories in a limited-series format. While the Clippers may still seek an NBA championship, “Clipped” emerges as a resounding triumph, transforming Sterling’s scandal into a compelling narrative of resilience and redemption.
