TAG24's Take: Pam & Tommy dealt a whole lotta sex, scandal, and rock n' roll

Pam & Tommy has come to an end – but did the series leave a lasting impression on viewers?

The biographical drama, Pam & Tommy, has come to an end – but did the series leave lasting impression on viewers?
The biographical drama, Pam & Tommy, has come to an end – but did the series leave lasting impression on viewers?  © Collage: IMAGO/ZUMA Press & ZUMA Press & ZUMA Press

The provocative Hulu show's wild ride ended with this week's finale. While many were satisfied with the neat little bow, the highly-anticipated miniseries only narrowly outgrew the skepticism it was initially met with.

Not only did the series not receive a proper blessing from Pamela Anderson herself, but the casting down to the storyline was all given the side-eye from fans.

But the eight-episode limited series shockingly exceeded everyone's expectations, while also reigniting the controversy and mystery surrounding Anderson and her ex-husband Tommy Lee's stolen sex tape.

Ariana Grande reacts to Golden Globes nod alongside Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande Ariana Grande reacts to Golden Globes nod alongside Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez

While the infamous exes have gone their separate ways, their short-lived, spicy romance was aptly portrayed by Lily James and Sebastian Stan.

Add in Seth Rogen's vivid portrayal of the dubious carpenter Rand Gauthier who apparently steals and releases the sex tape – unfortunately, to this day, not many believe that story.

Hulu's Pam & Tommy isn't just about Anderson and Lee's raunchy sex life and the humble beginnings of the porn industry.

The series also tackles love, grief, scandal, questionable '90s attire, and the highs and lows of fame.

Lily James (l.) and Sebastian Stan (r.) star as Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee in the streaming series, Pam & Tommy.
Lily James (l.) and Sebastian Stan (r.) star as Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee in the streaming series, Pam & Tommy.  © IMAGO/Picturelux
Nick Offerman (l.) and Seth Rogen (r.) play the men responsible for unleashing the stolen sex tape, Uncle Miltie and Rand Gauthier, in the provocative Hulu series.
Nick Offerman (l.) and Seth Rogen (r.) play the men responsible for unleashing the stolen sex tape, Uncle Miltie and Rand Gauthier, in the provocative Hulu series.  © IMAGO/Picturelux

Pam & Tommy is a must-see miniseries

Lily James shines as Pamela Anderson in the Hulu series based on the latter's stolen sex tape with her ex-husband, Tommy Lee.
Lily James shines as Pamela Anderson in the Hulu series based on the latter's stolen sex tape with her ex-husband, Tommy Lee.  © IMAGO/Picturelux

From James, Stan, and Rogen's spot-on acting to the retro nostalgia of beepers, stereos, and Hi8 cassette tapes, if anyone who hasn't seen the series yet – tsk tsk – decides to give it a go, they won't be disappointed.

Yes, like most bios about celebrities, some things aren't exactly true.

Because neither Anderson nor Lee gave their permission for the series to be made, producers drew from other sources – including obtaining the rights to the 2014 Rolling Stone article, Pam and Tommy: The Untold Story of the World’s Most Infamous Sex Tape.

Kendall Jenner gets naughty in Calvin Klein holiday shoot
Kendall Jenner Kendall Jenner gets naughty in Calvin Klein holiday shoot

The show should be taken with a grain of salt, as it is a loose-telling of what transpired in real-life.

Nevertheless, from start to finish, James, Stan, and Rogen immerse themselves in their characters to where viewers may forget that this is just a fictional show.

The true star of the series is the Cinderella alum who carries the show by perfectly imitating the Baywatch star's beauty, mannerisms, and all-around IT-Girl persona.

Yet we'd be remiss if we didn't give the Marvel alum his flowers as the eccentric and misunderstood drummer who, at his core, is a strangely likable guy – at least that's how he's portrayed in the show.

Rogen's time as the misguided former employee of Anderson and Lee who was honestly wronged by the rocker is a gripping – though he spends majority of the series pissing everyone off.

Plus, there are others that will leave an unforgettable impression on viewers, like The Orange is the New Black's Taylor Schilling, who plays Gauthier's ex-wife and, honestly his only true friend, Erica, and Nick Offerman's role as the greedy Uncle Miltie.

Now, did the show need to spend nearly three episodes flashing "Tommy's" penis or "Pamela's" clearly fake boobs?

Probably not, but watching Stan speak to his manhood before engaging in wild sex with his costars was somewhat hysterical, but also very creepy.

While there hasn't been a confirmation if there will be a season two for this risqué love tale, Pam & Tommy is still streaming on Hulu – don't miss it!

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/ZUMA Press & ZUMA Press & ZUMA Press

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