Five Reasons to Watch ‘Con Man’

Few web series have what “Con Man” has – one, it was created by “Firefly” stars and real-life best buds. Two, it had a highly successful crowdfunding campaign that brought to life and last, but certainly not least, it has heart.

Centered around Wray Nerely (Tudyk), an actor who is bound to sci-fi conventions after appearing on a beloved sci-fi series that was cancelled too soon. Nerely grows increasingly frustrated with the world of sci-fi conventions and desperately wants to break free of this world.

Throughout the laugh-filled freshman season, “Con Man” succeeds on many levels and can be enjoyed by nearly, no pun intended, by everyone. So let’s take a look at the five reasons you should be watching “Con Man.”

It gets it

Although Hollywood has used conventions as marketing platforms, there has yet to be an accurate depiction of the unique setting outside being showed as a place for losers and unsuccessful actors, we’re talking about you “Entourage.”

“Con Man,” does poke fun of the many characters and situations any con-goer is familiar with, however, it does it with a level of respect and grace. Yes, sci-fi conventions are strange places, but they are home to some of the most passionate and loving fans in the world and “Con Man” just gets it.

Plain funny

One prerequisite that is in everyone’s list of starting a new comedy series is “is it funny?” Yes, “Con Man” is hilarious.

Obviously there are jokes that you appreciate more if you’ve been to a sci-fi convention, the bulk of the jokes can be enjoyed by just about anyone. From episode one on it is nonstop and each new character is funnier than the last. If you like laughter, chances are, you’ll like “Con Man.”

The cast

Like most crowdfunding projects, Tudyk and Fillion called in the cavalry to bring their project to life and it is a star-studded one.

Every episode includes multiple stars and the series acts as the closest thing to “Firefly” reunion not named “Serenity” fans will get. Joss Whedon, James Gunn, Nolan North appear throughout the series just to name a few and it’s more than just the star power, everyone has a moment and makes their appearance that much more poignant.

Structure

Being a crowdfunded web series, each episode is 10-15 mins, which on paper may seem a little offsetting considering the talent involved, but the format works in its favor.

Every episode can be enjoyed on its own while setting the stage for future episodes and progressing Nerely’s story. Each episode brings to life stories we’ve all experienced at cons while serving as the connective tissue to a larger story.

Story

Piggybacking off of that last point, the real anchor of “Con Man” is Nerely’s story.

He may be an actor who gets paid to sign pictures of him in a costume; this does not diminish the fact that we’ve all been in a place where we do not see what is right in front of us. This is what makes “Con Man” a universal series that does not just appeal to genre fans and con enthusiasts.