Plot-wise,
the show is a little bit fuzzy and immensely intriguing, unfolding slowly with
each revelatory twist and turn. The basic gist is this: Ellen Parsons
(Rose Byrne), an up-and-coming lawyer, joins the notorious litigator Patty
Hewes (Glenn Close) at her New York City firm. Grim flash-forwards featuring a
blood-splattered Ellen let us know things won’t go well for this fresh-faced
attorney.
The bleak story and uninhibited execution of Damages cements its place on a growing list of programs that push the boundaries of what cable TV can do. In terms of both content and quality, the series rejects the expected. And it does so superbly, with a darkly intelligent script and intense ensemble cast.
The skilled team behind Damages makes it a potent combination of superior acting, writing, and directing. Wringing the drama and characters for everything they’re worth, the cast and crew provide Damages with its audaciousness. These aren’t good-guy lawyers preaching about justice, standing up for the weak and maltreated. Yeah, those speeches happen, but they feel wonderfully duplicitous, especially when they come from Patty’s devious mouth. It’s hard to know what this cold, complicated pro cares about. She shows a touch of tenderness when it comes to her family, but that’s the extent of her humanity. For now.
Even if the mystery of Patty Hewes is never solved, Close’s towering portrayal of the enigmatic lawyer should be more than enough to sustain viewer interest. Her steely line delivery and controlled body language reeks with charisma and hints at the monster that lies behind those icy eyes.
Close
may lead Damages with fearsome
conviction, but she’s not the only reason to watch. All the actors do admirable
work. Even Byrne, whose believability in past roles has been undermined by her
mild cutesiness. Her at-first innocent demeanor works to
her advantage in Damages. Ellen is
smart, but foolish. A plucky attitude isn’t enough to survive Hurricane Patty. Delicate
and wide-eyed, Byrne sells this naiveté well.
And
you can’t forget acting vets Željko Ivanek and Ted Danson,
whose performances intimidate and distress, respectively. Close’s presence may
be titanic, but these stars don’t let it crush them. All around, the players in
Damages deliver.
The efforts of the writers and
directors are equally impressive. Damages is undeniably entertaining. Every
inch of every frame is tense, filled with questions that demand answers. Not only does Damages perplex with its
storytelling, but also with its themes. You never know who the true moral compass
is, if there is any at all. Patty is driven and ambitious to the point of
immorality. Ellen provides a sense of kindness, but the show’s foreboding tone
implies this won’t last forever. Is there anyone we can root for?
The incredible denseness of Damages makes
everything feel like a clue. This captivating style will keep you sticking
around, if only to figure out the show’s riddles, even if you don’t exactly
know what they are.
That’s the beauty of Damages. It surprises by sinking its callous claws in audience members’ brains –- not hearts –- and it doesn’t let go. If you find yourself being chilled by Damages’ mesmerizing blizzard, you won’t be coming in from the cold anytime soon.
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