A six-episode mockumentary on Peacock, “Mr. Throwback,” stars Adam Pally as a sports memorabilia dealer named Danny who, desperate for money, seeks out his old childhood friend-turned-NBA star Steph Curry. The show comes from Pally and David Caspe, the latter of whom created the vastly superior “Happy Endings,” which also starred Pally.
But Curry (whose production company is producing the series) is presumably the ringer whose presence will draw curious audiences. Too bad there’s so little here to recommend. If there’s a reason to watch, it’s Tracy Letts’ performance as Mitch, Danny’s down-and-out father, who gets some funny and meaty moments halfway through the series.
Otherwise, the series is a tremendous slog. Danny carries a legacy of shame rooted in his time as basketball phenom in junior high. He and Curry were coached by Danny’s less-than-supportive dad, who was lying about his son’s age.
Turns out the kid was really 14 and not 12 and everything fell apart when the truth was revealed. Mitch remembers being ripped to shreds: “They were saying things to me that I can’t even say on Peacock. This is Peacock, right? Do I get Peacock?” But at least the guy feels somewhat bad for ruining Danny’s life: “No excuses,” he says.
“Except I was an addict at the time. Alcohol. Narcotics.
Gambling. Pornos.” Now middle-aged, Danny is divorced, professionally unfulfilled and looking for the kind of fast cash that a game-worn jersey from Curry can ge.