Watch Codes of Conduct

Codes of Conduct is a drama television series created by Steve McQueen, the Oscar-winning director of 12 Years a Slave. The show was produced by HBO and premiered in 2016. It consists of six one-hour episodes that follow the life of a young, aspiring writer named Beverly Snow.

Beverly Snow is a black, Brooklyn-born man who grew up in difficult circumstances. He is a gifted writer with a sharp mind and an eye for detail. In the first episode, we see Beverly as a college student who meets a wealthy, sophisticated woman named Serena Sutherland. Serena is immediately drawn to Beverly's intelligence and charm, and she invites him to a lavish party in Manhattan.

At the party, Beverly meets a wealthy businessman named Scott Sherman. Scott is impressed by Beverly's wit and decides to hire him as an intern at his company. Beverly soon realizes that Scott's business dealings are not entirely ethical, and he finds himself drawn into a world of power, money, and corruption.

Throughout the series, we see Beverly struggle to balance his desire for success with his morals and values. He becomes entangled in a web of deceit as he tries to navigate the world of the ultra-rich and powerful. Along the way, he forms relationships with several powerful women who each have their own motivations and hidden agendas. These relationships lead him down unexpected paths and into dangerous situations.

One of the central themes of the show is race and class in America. Beverly is acutely aware of his position as a black man in a world dominated by wealthy white people. He confronts racism and prejudice on a daily basis, both overt and subtle. His experiences show how hard it is for someone from his background to succeed in a world that is often hostile to people of color.

Another important theme is the moral grey zone that Beverly finds himself in. He wants to succeed and make a name for himself, but he is also appalled by the corruption and greed that he sees around him. The show invites the viewer to question what they would do in Beverly's position and whether they would be able to resist the allure of money and power.

The show features a talented ensemble cast, including rising star Devon Terrell as Beverly Snow. The supporting cast includes Paul Dano as Scott Sherman, a man with a dark secret; Rebecca Hall as Serena Sutherland, a woman with a complicated past; and Gong Li as Xiaoliang Li, a powerful, enigmatic woman with ties to the Chinese government.

The show's visual style is striking and cinematic. The camera lingers on details and creates a sense of tension and unease. The soundtrack features haunting, atmospheric music that adds to the show's sense of mood and atmosphere.

Codes of Conduct received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its ambitious storytelling and strong performances, while others criticized its slow pace and lack of focus. Despite the mixed reception, the show remains an interesting and thought-provoking exploration of race, class, and morality in America. It is a show that asks difficult questions and challenges the viewer to examine their own values and beliefs.