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(More customer reviews)One of the biggest treats of the 2007 television season was "Damages," a wicked and wonderful legal thriller from FX. Headlined by Glenn Close, I expected to enjoy this show--but I wasn't prepared for the level of sophistication, complexity, and intelligence it offered up from its first twisty, and twisted, moments. Made for adults, this drama demands attention and may not be for the casual viewer. With its intricate plotting and structure, the story is told from different time periods interwoven throughout each episode. Essentially, snippets of the story are presented in each time frame, so the audience is left to speculate about the full truth in any given instance. However, as the season progresses, the pieces start to connect in unexpected ways that can both surprise and frustrate. I'd compare the narrative flow of "Damages" to that of a fine novel--telling you just enough so that you are tantalized to stick around for the next chapter.
The plot of "Damages" is a knotty web that is difficult to describe briefly. Ostensibly, the show revolves around a naive young lawyer played by Rose Byrne. The opening scenes show a bedraggled and bloodied Byrne stumbling down the streets of New York--apparently the victim (or perhaps the perpetrator) of an act of violence. Cut to six months earlier and a proper introduction is made. Byrne is seduced and recruited by a major law firm run by Glenn Close. Close seems to have a hidden agenda, but Byrne is quickly overcome by the trappings of success and acceptance. The firm is handling an enormous class action lawsuit against one of the town's most prominent businessmen, played by Ted Danson, and Byrne ends up squarely in the midst of much legal intrigue. What follows includes lying, blackmail, corruption, and even murder--no one in this story remains an innocent.
While I actually think the plot is the real star of "Damages" (I don't think I've ever said that about a TV show before)--it certainly doesn't hurt that the cast is uniformly excellent. Don't be surprised if you see Close front and center come awards time. Her thinly veiled menace and cutting remarks make for classic villainy, but Close pulls it off in a way that you can't help but love! Byrne and all the key supporting players are solid and believable. I particularly liked Zeljko Ivanek and Peter Facinelli, but the real revelation to me was Ted Danson. Honestly, I've followed Danson since he was a bit player in "Body Heat" and I think this is by far his best role. Mixing equal parts charm and bile, this is a great actor in a beautifully written role.
Again, I don't recommend "Damages" to everyone--I only wish I could! If, however, you love sophisticated drama--give this a shot. The DVD format is the perfect way to watch this show at your own pace and enjoy all its subtleties, surprises, and delights. But, be reminded, if you sit down to watch this show--WATCH IT! Otherwise, you might not appreciate how intricately put together "Damages" really is. KGHarris, 12/07.
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Hot new legal thriller on FX! Set in New York's world of high stakes litigation, Damages follows the lives of Patty Hewes, the nation's most revered and most reviled litigator, and her bright, ambitious protégée Ellen Parsons as they become embroiled in a class action lawsuit targeting Arthur Frobisher, one of the country's wealthiest CEOs. As Patty battles Frobisher and his attorney, Ellen learns what it takes to win at all costs, and that lives, not just fortunes, are at stake.
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