With the gambling allegations that sprung up around Shohei Ohtani's interpreter early in 2024, this was the perfect year to re-examine the Pete Rose saga. HBO Docs & Bad Robot Productions give it the first-class treatment here, with writer/director Mark Monroe knowing exactly how to frame Rose without "picking a side" on his Hall of Fame or MLB reinstatement quest.
Over the course of its four roughly hour-long installments, Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose covers all the bases (pardon the pun) of Rose's career. From his deep childhood roots in the city of Cincinnati to his heralded playing career (truly one of the all-time greats) to the gambling scandal(s) that ultimately ousted him from MLB, this doc covers it all.
The key factor here: access/interviews with Rose himself. Why? Because Rose is extremely gregarious and the perfect "turn the camera on and let him go" doc subject. He is 100% authentic to himself, and that is perhaps a fading commodity in the age of social media and identity politics. This can make Rose extremely likable, as who doesn't enjoy someone authentic not afraid to speak his/her mind? His stories--especially about his playing days--will often have you laughing out loud!
At the same time, this doc crew knows the real tragedy of Rose: that he is his own worst enemy when it comes to potential reinstatement. Pete is a serial liar who either cannot or will not project any sort of sincerity when it comes to apologizing for his gambling foibles. It is always "steroids/sign-stealing/today's gambling is worse" or "I only beat on the Reds" or the like. This is a guy who will come to casino openings and place the first bet while at the same time meeting with MLB commissioners towards reinstatement. Truly a fascinating contradiction.
The producers of Charlie Hustle know exactly how to handle all of this. Instead of pushing one argument or another too hard, they simply let the cameras roll and capture all of it. That is truly the best way to understand the odd nuances of Pete Rose.
It has been a long time since I've seen a sports doc as engaging as this one. Absolutely recommended (if not close to required) viewing for anyone interested in baseball history or the Rose saga even tangentially. It is fascinating and will hold your interest without fail for all four hours.
