Walton Goggins has firmly established himself as a master of portraying intricate and multifaceted characters. He brought to life the cunning criminal, Boyd Crowder, in FX’s acclaimed series <em>Justified</em>, and portrayed a skinless Ghoul in Prime Video’s <em>Fallout</em>. Both of these enigmatic performances garnered him Emmy nominations in 2011 and 2024, respectively. Currently, Goggins is captivating audiences in the third season of HBO’s hit series, The White Lotus, where he plays the complex character Rick Hatchett. All these roles share a common thread: they each exhibit a profound dark side.

As the narrative of The White Lotus unfolds, we learn that Rick has ventured to Thailand motivated by a quest for vengeance regarding his father’s untimely death. However, his character predominantly embodies a melancholic and grumpy demeanor, making him seem like a total sad sack. Despite being surrounded by the beauty of an exotic paradise, he grumbles through every interaction. His treatment of his girlfriend, Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), is particularly troubling; she remains inexplicably devoted to him, even as he dismisses her. In a shocking twist in Episode 3, Rick endangers her life by releasing a dangerous snake that ultimately bites her! After witnessing Goggins embody roles like Boyd and the Ghoul, one might assume he is only suited for complex antagonists. However, there exists a standout show in Goggins’ career that showcases his impressive range and demonstrates his capability to portray a genuinely nice character.

Discover the Heartwarming Comedy of ‘The Unicorn’ Featuring Walton Goggins

CBS introduced The Unicorn during its fall 2019 lineup, with Goggins portraying Wade, a devoted single father of two young girls. Following the tragic loss of his beloved wife, Wade is in the challenging process of rebuilding his life. At the series’ outset, a year has passed since Jill’s death, and the family is gradually exhausting the frozen meals provided by well-meaning friends after her funeral. Wade, consumed by grief, has dedicated himself to his landscaping business, allowing his daughters the freedom to navigate the household without proper guidance. Recognizing his struggles, Wade’s loyal friends orchestrate an intervention, gently reminding him that Jill would want him to embrace life and seek fulfillment. They believe it might benefit him to re-enter the dating realm. As a result, Wade is dubbed a ‘unicorn’ — a rare eligible widower rather than a divorced man. This unique status makes him particularly attractive to women, and he finds himself juggling the demands of single parenthood and a budding dating life.

It’s evident why Wade is affectionately labeled a unicorn. He embodies a true catch, exhibiting both empathy and charm, alongside the success of a thriving business. However, the most commendable aspect of Wade is his relationship with his daughters. Once he acknowledges that he must regain control over his life, he dedicates himself to being the father his girls truly deserve. Although he continues to grieve profoundly, he recognizes that his daughters need him to step up and fulfill both parental roles, serving as both mom and dad. The series skillfully portrays Wade’s parenting challenges while also humorously depicting his adventures in the dating world, achieving a delightful equilibrium of humor and heartfelt moments. Wade navigates countless parenting blunders along the way (as every parent does), yet he remains determined to create a fulfilling life for his girls, one that would make Jill proud.

Meet the Talented Ensemble Cast of ‘The Unicorn’ Who Elevates the Series

While Goggins is perfectly cast in his role, The Unicorn shines brightly thanks to its remarkable ensemble cast. Wade’s loyal circle of friends includes his closest companions, Forrest (Rob Corddry) and Ben (Omar Miller), alongside their respective wives, Delia (Michaela Watkins) and Michelle (Maya Lynne Robinson). At first glance, one might think that Wade is the odd man out, but this supportive group unites around Wade and his daughters, demonstrating that it often takes a village to raise children. These talented actors consistently deliver humor and warmth as they rally to support Wade through his grief and the trials of single parenting, while their own relationship complications add rich and funny narratives to the series. In addition to these fantastic friends, The Unicorn features equally skilled actors who Wade encounters on his journey. Betsy Brandt makes a memorable appearance as a friend Wade meets through a support group for widowers (where Wade stands out as the only male member), and Natalie Zea (Goggins’ co-star from Justified) graces Seasons 1 and 2 as a romantic interest for Wade. Each of these performers brings impeccable comedic timing, enhancing the show’s overall humor.

Walton Goggins Shines as a Kind Character in ‘The Unicorn’

Given Goggins’ impressive track record of convincingly portraying antagonists, one might assume he is solely suited for villainous roles. Yet, watching him in The Unicorn proves that he possesses the versatility to take on any character. Wade is a character with a heart of gold, and Goggins beautifully conveys this with a gentle touch and a warm sense of humor. Goggins anchors the series with his authentic performance, as Wade is unafraid to express his emotions openly. His raw talent allows viewers to fully believe in Wade’s character. Moreover, Goggins’ chemistry with his co-stars is palpable, creating an effortless and amusing dynamic that adds to the show’s charm. The delightful banter among friends fosters a fun and lighthearted atmosphere, making it a joy to watch. Additionally, Goggins perfectly captures Wade’s naive approach to dating, making his character relatable to anyone navigating the complexities of romance.

The Unicorn has garnered numerous positive reviews, achieving an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its heartfelt storytelling. Despite the acclaim, the show struggled with low ratings and was ultimately canceled after just two seasons in 2021. Even though The Unicorn couldn’t secure a substantial audience during its original run, witnessing Goggins in a different light, away from his morally ambiguous characters, is a compelling reason to binge-watch this heartwarming series.

Seasons 1-2 of The Unicorn are available for streaming on Prime Video in the U.S.