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» » Mozart in the Jungle Pilot (2014–2018)

Short summary

Young director Rodrigo De Souza is appointed chief of the New York Symphony Orchestra, which he wants to modernize, as ancient former maestro Thomas is retired by the board. The musicians speculate about the future, while indulging in a wild night-life, also with sexy Juliards dancers. Young Oboeist Hailey, getting by as tutor, is late due to traffic for Rodrigo's blind audition, but plays anyway and seduces him, as he was still around, bumping an assistant.

The show was inspired by Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music, oboist Blair Tindall's 2005 memoir of her professional career in New York playing various high-profile gigs with ensembles including the New York Philharmonic and the orchestras of numerous Broadway shows.

Many of the orchestra scenes feature real musicians from the Chelsea Symphony and the New Westchester Symphony Orchestra. Members of the Chelsea ensemble were hired to play for the series premiere in New York.

During Rodrigo's Introduction a part of Beethoven's 9th is playing. The same theme also plays a major role in Stanley Kubrick's 'A Clockwork Orange', in which Malcolm McDowell (Thomas) stars as protagonist Alex.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Mautaxe
    I was doubtful whether the pilot would be any good however i was pleasantly surprised. The casting was perfect and each character was individual enough to stand out from the others. Hailey played by Lola Kirke was a strong choice for the female lead and her character was refreshing in a world of stereotyped helpless females, who have to get nude every 5 minutes.The modern sexy take on an old theme, is fantastic to see, finally a TV show which doesn't rely on modern day pop or hip hop. Who thought Classical music could be so cool? My only criticism would be that the episode was way too short, make it a 40 minute episode so there is time to explore more. I really hope this series gets picked up, there is a lot of potential.
  • comment
    • Author: Malak
    This a great program that at last imbues us with a little bit of culture and creates some great characters. I loved everyone on screen, with the possible exception of Bernadette Peters, who just didn't seem right. The girl is beautiful, smart and sexy in a nice understated way. The final scene where she plays her oboe was just sublime.

    When one looks at the programs out there, it's so difficult to pick through the endless trash of realities, vampires, zombies, totally unrealistic high tech investigators, big guns and low intelligence that when one stumbles across a nugget like Mozart in the Jungle, you don't ever want it to end.

    When you see the travesty and total dumbing down of some great programs like The Bridge and Those Who Kill, and the complete stupidity of Rake compared to its Australian original, we have to applaud Amazon for going against the current and making this great show and hope they've got the good sense to pick it up for a full season. After all, who would have thought that a show about four theoretical physicists would be a hit
  • comment
    • Author: Fiarynara
    Thus far Amazon's foray into original programming, in my opinion, has been clunkers. Most of them seem like subtle rip offs of more popular shows, but with Mozart in the Jungle, they may not have a huge hit, but certainly an interesting one. Details below.

    Topic 1: Meet Hailey

    Our lead for the show seems to be a girl named Hailey, an oboist, who has moved to New York City for career aspirations. As of now though, she simply tutors this kid named Duncan, a child of a wealthy woman who has a thing for her, and she does other gigs wherever possible. Including a Styx Oedipus musical.

    When it comes to personality though, she seemingly fits your general country girl with big dreams type of persona. However, unlike the usual awestruck girl from some southern town, Hailey does seem like she isn't naïve nor befitting of some holier than thou label. She is open to the world around her, but at the same time cautious. She wants to establish herself without sacrificing moments of fun here and there, something her wild roommate is likely to give her.

    But, it seems her life really began the day she met Cynthia. For with Cynthia comes a connection to the New York Philharmonic symphony, as well as a good taste of the life she can have. More on Cynthia below.

    Topic 2: A New Broom Sweeps Clean

    When the episode begins, a man named Thomas is seemingly on the brink of retiring. It is hard to tell though if he was forced out or whether this is voluntary, either way he hardly seems joyous over the idea. What makes matters worse though is this young charismatic man named Rodrigo is replacing him. Now, upon seeing Rodrigo you would probably easily write him off as quickly as Thomas does, but despite this young man's model looks, full mane, and charm, he is dead serious about his work. It is just he also knows how to enjoy the finer things in life, like going to the hair salon on occasion.

    With his entrance though means the exit of quite a few putting the intriguing Cynthia in danger. You see, Cynthia has been sleeping with Thomas for some time. Be it out of love, business, or for a stable f- buddy, it is slightly hard to say. Either way, this connection is beneficial to her for she gets a warning that with Rodrigo's entrance means the exit of some players.

    Leading to how Cynthia and Hailey come to meet. After Thomas bows out and Rodrigo is introduced, Cynthia is off to that horrible looking Oedipus musical and she meets Hailey. In what may be considered an oddly kind move, Hailey helps the late Cynthia catch up and the two quickly seem to become friends. Cynthia, being the established one, seems to even take to Hailey as a mentee, especially since they are not direct competition since Hailey plays a wind instrument and Cynthia strings. She even tries to help Hailey get some action that night, leading to the character Alex being introduced. Nothing happens between them, at least for now, but even with Alex not being a hit out of the park, Cynthia continues to bestow gifts onto Hailey. The biggest being an audition for the Philharmonic. Such a thing is naturally a dream for someone like Hailey, but no dream comes easy. Rodrigo has already been through a slew of other Oboe musicians, and gets increasingly bored to the point of sarcasm and even having a make out session with his assistant to pass the time.

    However, the late Hailey decides to play and catches his attention. Leading us to think that, despite being tardy, maybe she may have a chance? But, considering the small bits of the world we are currently introduced to, while she may think she has found the opportunity of a lifetime, what she may have just found herself in is a jungle where, despite her skills, she is more so prey than predator.
  • comment
    • Author: Mr_KiLLaURa
    I love all kinds of music, and I really enjoy classical music. This wonderful series takes us inside the world of that genre and gives it the same kind of scrutiny one would find if they were rock musicians. A symphony orchestra is made up of all kinds of personalities, each with his or her own quirks. There is love and hate and backstabbing and fear. These are people who have devoted their lives to their instruments and know what it takes to get a break, especially in New York City. This Pilot episode introduces to the young oboist who is finding her way. She is pretty and very talented. She is also driven. She is not a comic figure; she is dedicated and excited to be where she is. Malcolm McDowell is there to get in the way, having been kind of drummed out as Maestro, replaced by a flamboyant Spaniard named Roderigo (also the name of a composer of wonderful guitar music). He is a mighty talent but quite wild in appearance and style.
  • comment
    • Author: Kazijora
    I am 73 years old and find myself totally in love with Rodrigo and the orchestra. Knowing this is unrequited love did not prevent me from watching both Season 1 and 2 in two days! The characters in this series are splendid and now there is some infection causing me to watch each episode again. I can't remember when I was more smitten with a series. I think the last time was Rod Serling in 1969. My college friend and I decided to spend a weekend watching this series that had been recommended by her 46 year old son. Obviously this series appeals across generations. I have to admit it was love at first sight. Gael Garcia Bernal and his gorgeous head of curls was appealing instantly, but his engaging, boyish and passionate portrayal of Rodrigo will absolutely keep you hooked. I'm waiting for Season 3!
  • comment
    • Author: Purebinder
    I loved this episode of Mozart in the Jungle. It was a lot of fun to watch.#MozartInTheJungle #AmazonOriginals I heard about it because I am a fan of Constantine Maroulis, who plays Oedipus and was so very entertaining. The idea of a rock musical of Oedipus with music by Styx is hilarious. Having a Greek man, who is known for bringing rock music to Broadway, playing Oedipus is excellent. :) I want to see more of Constantine in future episodes, please! I'm also a big fan of Malcolm McDowell & Brenda Peters. The rest of the cast seem quite suitable for their roles. I don't recall any other shows about classical music, so this will be refreshing.
  • Episode cast overview, first billed only:
    Lola Kirke Lola Kirke - Hailey Rutledge
    Saffron Burrows Saffron Burrows - Cynthia Taylor
    Peter Vack Peter Vack - Alex Merriweather
    Gael García Bernal Gael García Bernal - Rodrigo De Souza
    Bernadette Peters Bernadette Peters - Gloria Windsor
    Malcolm McDowell Malcolm McDowell - Thomas
    Bob Dishy Bob Dishy - Bruno
    Hannah Dunne Hannah Dunne - Lizzie Campbell
    Constantine Maroulis Constantine Maroulis - Oedipus
    Joshua Bell Joshua Bell - Joshua Bell
    Jennifer Kim Jennifer Kim - Sharon
    Griffin Birney Griffin Birney - Duncan
    Matt Braver Matt Braver - Flutist
    Tom Bateman Tom Bateman - Bernard
    John Anderson John Anderson - Man #1
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