HBO's 'War' Dramatizes Billionaire Divorce, Lacks Perspective

HBO's new legal drama, 'War,' centers on the acrimonious divorce of tech billionaire Morgan Henderson (Dominic West) and his actress wife, Carla Duval (Sienna Miller). Created by George Kay, the series, which premiered Oct. 1 on HBO, is set within the high-stakes environment of elite London law firms.

The show's initial thesis statement, as articulated by Henderson, suggests a cynical view of wealth and power: "For people like me, the word trust loses all meaning. There are no lengths to which people won't go, there's nothing they won't do to debase themselves, to humiliate themselves, and you, if they think they can get a slice."

The divorce is initiated after Carla discovers evidence of Morgan's infidelity. She uses a young woman, Flora (Rose Williams), to set a honeytrap, capturing a selfie of Morgan with the sleeping woman. This evidence is then forwarded to her lawyers, setting the divorce proceedings in motion. The series explores the gradual estrangement between the couple, framed by their demanding international careers.

'War' juxtaposes two opposing law firms: the venerable, old-school Cathcarts & Sons, representing Henderson, and the modern, upstart Taylor & Byrne, representing Duval. The stark contrast in their office spaces underscores their differing approaches to legal practice. The rivalry between the firms adds another layer of conflict, as they are incentivized to prolong the divorce proceedings.

While the series features persuasive acting and intricate plotting, it suffers from sparse character development and a lack of insight into the immense sums of money at stake. The series introduces several compelling characters among the attorneys, including married partners Nick Taylor (James McArdle) and Serena Byrne (Phoebe Fox), who are expecting their first child, and the cruel, sardonic St. John Smallwood (Pip Torrens). However, even these characters feel underdeveloped.

Many of the supporting characters are reduced to cyphers or archetypes. Archie Renaux plays Johnny Warren, a junior lawyer described as a working-class straight Tom Ripley, but the character's conciseness highlights its limitations. Other talented actors are underutilized in roles that primarily serve expository functions.

The show's narrative struggles to identify a clear protagonist, making it difficult for viewers to know where to focus as the case progresses from mediation to courtroom spectacle. Several thematic ideas are introduced but not fully explored, such as the nihilism of the super-rich youth whose actions are a consequence of their parents' behavior.

While the series touches on themes of extreme wealth, gender roles, and the impact of social media, it ultimately offers little new perspective. The resolution of the divorce proceedings is described as anticlimactic, leaving the audience with a sense of dissatisfaction. Despite its polished presentation and strong performances, 'War's first outing is criticized for being shallow and failing to deliver a cohesive or insightful statement.