Spoiler: The Philanthropist - "Happiness is the art of living well"

NBC aired the premiere of a new drama tonight and it was exactly what I expected. Without any element of surprise, The Philanthropist is not something I wish to continue to watch. But, before I give up for good, here is a quick synopsis of the show for those who are interested.

Teddy Rist is a billionaire. While in Africa trying to complete a business deal for his company, there is a hurricane and he saves a little boy's life. In a voiceover Teddy says the boy also saved him. (How cliche.) From that moment, Teddy's life is supposedly changed.

As a side note, one that becomes important later, we find out that Teddy is divorced and that his young son died a year ago. I'm sure more details about this will emerge as the season goes on.

Once back in America and back to his usual work, Teddy realizes it is no longer enough for him. He decides he needs to do more and give back more so he returns to Africa bringing medical supplies, food, etcetera. Teddy is under the impression that he will be able to just walk into the country and help people. Also while there he wants to find the little boy who he saved, who he knows is a begger.

Teddy no longer wants to live his sheltered life, but once in Africa things do not happen as easily as he hoped. Some of the people there do not want his money and other see right through him, which lead to them not taking him seriously. All he wants to do is help, which is honest enough, but there money does not necessarily buy him everything he wants or needs. But regardless, he gets done what needs to be done; he breaks down all the barriers in his way. (I guess there would be no show without this, but it looks too easy.)

At one point he is walking through the jungle barefoot and without a phone after getting shot at, and is bitten by a snake. He is then delirious, but sees his son, who leads him to where he was trying to get. They fix him up and he even finds the little boy he was searching for (oh, what a coincidence).

Once back home he tells his coworkers that he will return his focus to the business and leave the philanthropy to others. But, if that were true, then there would be no show.

Did anyone else watch? Did you enjoy it? I think I'm giving up, but I would love to hear what you think makes it special if you liked it, so leave it here.