review: DAMAGES (FIRST SEASON)

Sony  //  Buy from Amazon.com Set in New York's world of high stakes corporate litigation, Damages follows the lives of Patty Hewes (Close), one of the nation's most powerful and morally questionable litigators, and her bright, ambitious protégée, Ellen Parsons (Byrne), as they become embroiled in a class action lawsuit targeting Arthur Frobisher (Danson), one of the country's wealthiest CEOs. As Patty battles Frobisher and his attorney, Ellen witnesses just what it takes to win at all costs, as it quickly becomes clear that lives, as well as fortunes, may be at stake. It's tough to convey just how addictive, or just plain fantastic, "Damages" is, but it's truly unlike 99.9% of all other shows on tv today. Slipping under the radar on the FX cable channel, and getting nowhere near the accolades it should've, the show is revered by those who happend to watch 1 or 2 episodes (and found themselves hooked, as I was) and ripe for discovery by the many who haven't yet bore witness to the unfathomable (and sinfully entertaining) Glenn Close. Ostensibly about a law school grad who goes to work for a big shot lawyer who's involved in a class action lawsuit, it'll only take an episode or two before you realize that there's all kinds of evilness going on here, and that Glenn Close is not to be f'd with - this woman can throw down like nothing you could have imagined, and watching the carnage is like a car wreck: you can't help but stare... Ingeniously scripted, wonderfully acted, and with each episode shot with cinema-like cinematography, "Damages" is highly recommended - hold tight, seasons 2 & 3 have been ordered! Video Each episode is presented in its original 16x9 aspect ratio and each with a phenomenal transfer. Slick, shiny and gorgeous. Audio The Dolby 5.1 surround mix is equal to the visuals - strong, crisp and immersive, this is a cinema-quality tv show soundmix. Extras audio commentary on 2 episodes w/ cast & crew deleted scenes making-of featurette "Insight from the Creators of Damages" featurette interactive guide to class action lawsuits trailers Closing Thoughts Hard-hitting, addictive tv show + surprisingly strong collection of extras = easy recommendation for those looking for something new & ambitious on their tv