A lot has been said about the already hit Netflix series Tiger King. The show that saw a worldwide premiere on Netflix on 20 March 2020 was a 7 episode limited docu-series, to begin with. Joe Exotic AKA Tiger King became an overnight star, never mind controversial, as he put up a show episode after episode that of an outspoken, over the top, a big cat lover who took us on a thrilling journey. Joe Exotic who goes by the name Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage on official records is a 'Gay Cowboy With A Mullet'. If that wasn't enough for you to binge-watch the most controversial and the most enthralling and the most talked-about documentary ever then stop and read no further. The bonus episode review is only for those who were left with wanting for more.
Joe Exotic was sentenced to 22 years in jail by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. This sentence was awarded only in January 2020 so it is but natural that Mr Exotic hasn't had the taste of success he has been craving for. The first 7 episodes that circled around MURDER MAYHEM AND MADNESS ended up getting an astounding response, breaking many records achieved by Netflix earlier. Hence, it wasn't a surprise when the OTT platform announced a bonus episode that will be dropped for the fans.
Well, I for once was equally excited as I was suddenly part of this 'Tiger King cult group' and was waiting to know more about this acentric zookeeper who lived in my living room for three days straight!
Finally, I sat down to watch Episode 8 'The Tiger King And I' only to realise the I in episode 8 is American host Joel McHale. It actually became I, Me, Myself after I was 10 minutes into the episode. The 40 minute 'Aftershow'-as Netflix sold it- was more of a lazy afterthought just to en-cash on the huge momentum that Tiger King had created the world over. The episode itself starts with 'I' stating that Netflix, thanks to the constraints during Coronavirus lockdown, was able to send only an iPhone to shoot the episode. That itself should have been my cue to shut Netflix off. But being a victim of the 'dil maange more syndrome' I played along. The show starts with Joel Interviewing Erik Cowie, then Jeff and Lauren Lowe, then John Reinke, Keci 'Saff' Saffery, Joshua Dial, John Finlay and lastly Rick Kirkham. And then ends.
That's it! That's the BONUS episode. All Netflix could give us as a Bonus episode was host Joel sitting on his bed and face timing with 8 key players from the Tiger King documentary. The host asked all 8 key members about life post-Tiger King and how they are dealing with their celebrity status. If I wanted to know how life is treating them post the humongous reception to this docu-series I would have watched several interviews (available on TV, Print and digital) where the cast has been openly revealing a lot of dirty and shocking details that Netflix chose not to show. Why would I watch 8 men and 1 woman go on and on talking about their lives after becoming Tiger King stars? (ALSO READ : SHOCKING: Tiger King Star Joe Exotic's Niece Claims Him Being Involved In Animal Sex And Netflix Didn't Show His Evil Side)
Considering these are lockdown times across the world, I would have loved to listen to a phone call from the man himself, Joe exotic, from inside the prison he has been locked for 3 months now. I would have loved to listen to his thoughts on his newfound stardom, which he always craved for. I would have loved to know what he thinks about Donald Trump knowing who Joe Exotic AKA Tiger King is. I would have been interested to hear him talk about his stint inside the jail and his experience with the 'big cats' of the prison. A lot has been spoken about how Netflix conveniently did not show a lot of controversial stuff that happened inside the zoo, a little bit of wiping the dust from that buried footage wouldn't have hurt.
The only highpoint for me was the big bright smile on John Finaly's face (Joe's former husband). What's so special? Well, it is only John's structured dental implant that has been in news ever since the bonus episode was dropped. Apart from the 5 minutes screen time John Finlay and his 32 set of new tooth got, the remaining 35 minutes was just a big cavity.
Binge or cringe? It is definitely cringeworthy!
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