MASTERS OF SEX Season 2 Review

Article originally published as MASTERS OF SEX Review Season 2 on Seat42F.

Showtime’s MASTERS OF SEX begins its second season this week with “Parallax.” A number of things happen in the first hour back, but mainly it is a reset. Months have passed since the finale, though we see flashbacks to the scene immediately following Masters (Michael Sheen) showing up on Virginia’s (Lizzy Caplan) doorstep. From there, the story begins moving forward again, catching us up with most of the primary cast and beginning their latest plot arcs.

When last we saw him, Masters had been fried from the university because of the scandalous nature of his study. Knowing who this man is and what he is known for, MASTERS OF SEX being based on real events, viewers are not expecting him to give up, and they will not be disappointed. Masters has trouble keeping his mouth shut, which often works against him, but he’s also dedicated and persistent, qualities that serve him well. And while his former employer may not have the stomach to support the exploration of human sexuality, not everyone is so squeamish. It doesn’t take too long for Masters to recruit a new benefactor (Danny Huston, Magic City).

Like many modern protagonists, Masters is not inherently likable. There is not ‘but’ coming here. He may be intelligent and able to eventually meet his career goals, but he lacks in other areas. For instance, he finds it a struggle to be a good father, now that Libby (Caitlin Fitzgerald) has had their baby. It’s odd that someone who works so well on the baby making process can handle the results of their efforts, but Masters is not kid-friendly, as you’ll see in “Parallax.” This begs the question, can he ever be happy with his family, and can they ever be happy with him?

Virginia does get another side of Masters, but even that isn’t his strongest side. Yes, he puts Virginia’s name on the study and certainly wants her to be included in future work. But it’s not like they’re out selling themselves as a package deal. Virginia is still in the employment of Dr. DePaul (Julianne Nicholson), which does not net her enough to support her family. Virginia is definitely adrift in this premiere, finding it hard to take a step back down after the heights she achieved with Masters, working to readjust to a more boring existence, something she’ll never be satisfied with, because he doesn’t show her his loyalty.

The pathos exhibited by Masters and Virginia, both complex, interesting individuals, are engaging on their own, but MASTERS OF SEX really gets humming when the two combine. While most television shows with a co-ed leading duo have sexual tension, and Masters and Virginia do, too, they are different. There is no foregone conclusion that they will end up together, and “Parallax” actually finds them pulling apart. This is done in an authentic way, lacking the usual television tropes that artificially drive a wedge to keep the story going, and it’s far from certain if the writers are done with them as a couple before they even get started, or if there could be a bit more personal stuff between them in the future. They work together well; they may or may not be able to sustain romantic interest.

My favorite recurring players on MASTERS OF SEX, and there are many good ones to choose from, are Barton Scully (Beau Bridges) and his wife, Margaret (Allison Janey). This season premiere continues to cover their problems, Barton seeking a ‘cure’ for his homosexuality and Margaret no longer willing to look the other way, but acting as supportive of Barton as she can be. I was a bit concerned they’d be dropped from the series as Masters and Virginia move away from them, but while neither has been upgraded to main cast member, so their time could be limited, at least MASTERS OF SEX seems likely to see their story through.

In general, while nothing huge really happens until the very end of the hour, “Parallax” is a solid start to a sophomore season, serving its purpose and providing enough hooks to keep the audience returning. There are some very moving moments between players and it continues at the quality level fans expect. Plus, it ends with a very big development that will have fans talking.

MASTERS OF SEX returns July 13^th and airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET.

MASTERS OF SEX "Manhigh" : Season Finale Review

Article first published as MASTERS OF SEX "Manhigh" : Season Finale Review on TheTVKing.

Showtime's excellent Masters of Sex completed its freshman run this week with "Manhigh." Bill Masters (Michael Sheen) prepares to present his findings of the past year of study to the hospital at large. Anticipation among the staff is high, and everyone eagerly packs the auditorium to hear Masters speak. But without Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan) by his side, Masters overreaches and finds himself facing steep consequences.

Masters needs Virginia as much as any great partnership only works with both partners. He's brilliant, but bad at handling people. Virginia is smart, too, but her interpersonal skills are what balances him out so well. Masters would never have gotten as far as he did in his work without her to smooth his rough edges and communicate with their participants, calming anxieties. Now, her absence costs him dearly.

Masters realizes Virginia's importance, as evidenced by his inclusion of Virginia's name on the work product. He doesn't have to, with Virginia now working for Dr. DePaul (Julianne Nicholson) instead of him, but he does it out of appreciation for all that she has done. He isn't arrogant enough to minimize her contribution, and gives her the credit she has earned, even though she's a woman and women didn't get credit as freely at the time this story takes place.

Not that Masters is without assistance. His new helper, Jane (Helene Yorke), believes in him, as do cameraman Lester (Kevin Christy) and Bill's wife, Libby (Caitlin FitzGerald). But none of those three have Bill's ear or his professional respect the way that Virginia does. He likely appreciates them in some small way, but he doesn't consider them on the same level, and thus there is no one to tell him to temper himself.

Which is why the presentation is a disaster. Doctors and board members are shocked to see the inside of a vagina and the body of a woman masturbating, especially with women present in the room. They leave angrily, ignoring the statistics and invalidating Masters' work. In this instance, his data may be solid, but no one is going to pay attention to it because he screws up the initial conversation. He's his own worst enemy. Can he salvage anything from his efforts?

"Manhigh" ends with Bill standing on Virginia's door step in the rain telling Virginia that he needs her. This, more than her name on the work, leaves him bare and vulnerable, admitting something he didn't want to say out loud for the longest time. He swallows his pride and asks her to come back to him. This may be unhealthy, as he's missing the birth of his child, and he shows an obsession towards her with the use of footage of Virginia's body in the presentation. Knowing Bill is married and liking his wife, Virginia may be hesitant to return to the man who has few boundaries. But will she?

Virginia has a choice to make. She can stay in her home and work with Dr. DePaul and / or Masters. Or she can marry Ethan (Nicholas D'Agosto) and move away. This isn't as simple a decision as it may appear. Yes, Virginia loves her work, and with Dr. DePaul sick and Masters fired, both need extra help. But Ethan is really good to her kids, and they matter quite a bit to her, too, so she may want to put their needs ahead of hers.

Let's be honest, although "Manhigh" doesn't reveal Virginia's choice, she has to work with Bill. Otherwise, there's no show. Masters of Sex hinges on the relationship between the two of them, and as much as I enjoy the other characters, the rest are expendable. Thus, somehow, Bill and Virginia will end up working together again.

Besides this central plot, there are a lot of great supporting moments in "Manhigh." I love Barton's (Beau Bridges) struggle with his homosexuality, and his wife, Martha (Allison Janney), asking him not to undergo aversion therapy when she sees how bad it is. They are a couple I can't get enough of. I love Barton standing up for Masters, and Masters doing Barton a favor by saving the elder man's job. I love Lester and Jane's kiss. I love the masturbation conversation between Lester and Masters. I love seeing Libby hold her baby, someone that will surely bring her the joy her husband can't give her.

Masters of Sex is wonderful because of all of this. The two leads are fantastic, but the other players are terrific, too. The stories are well structured, with appropriate story for recurring parts without taking away from the whole, and layered, developed, authentic characters. There's commentary on the time and culture that doesn't feel preachy, and real questions that can't be quickly and easily answered are posed. It's definitely my new favorite Showtime series.

Masters of Sex has been renewed and will return next year to Showtime.

No Hugs From MOM

Article first published as MOM Review on Seat42F.

CBS is definitely in the Chuck Lorre business. Already airing Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, and Mike & Molly, Lorre’s latest creation, or rather co-creation, MOM, premieres tonight. Not as funny as Big Bang, but way funnier than Men, MOM ranks in the middle of the pack for CBS sitcoms. With the fantastic cast, though, it just may make it long enough to grow into something special.

The mom at the center of MOM is Christy (Anna Faris, Scary Movie). Christy really does not like her life, and blames her mother, Bonnie (Allison Janney, The West Wing), for her problems. See, Bonnie was a terrible parent, more concerned with drugs, alcohol, and men than with her child, meaning Christy was not nurtured and had to fend for herself. Sadly, as she became an adult, Christy has turned into Bonnie.

As the “Pilot” begins, Christy is sleeping with her married boss, Gabriel (Nathan Corddry, Harry’s Law), working as a waitress, battling with Baxter (Matt Jones, Breaking Bad) over child support for their son, Roscoe (Blake Garrett Rosenthal, New Girl), and wishing her teenage daughter, Violet (Sadie Calvano, Melissa & Joey), would stop having sex. Unfortunately, given Christy’s track record, she has little ground to stand one with that last one.

But now, Christy is trying to set herself on the right course. She’s been sober for about six months, finally starting to pay attention to her children and job. For her house in order and break the cycle with Violet, though, she’s going to have to reluctantly accept the help of Bonnie, who is also off of alcohol, though not completely free from drugs.

The beginning of the episode, in which Christy cries to her customers, is pathetic and not at all funny. It’s not a promising way to start a “Pilot,” and viewers will be forgiven if they flip the station in the first few minutes. Stick with it, though, and you may be pleasantly surprised by the end of the half hour. MOM doesn’t tell Christy’s story in the first couple of minutes. It allows itself a full half hour to slowly unfold the plot, giving you one piece of the picture at a time. Later, you will realize the parallels and it all makes much more sense.

MOM bills itself as a comedy, but the reason I ended up liking it is because it packs an emotional wallop. There is something extremely sad about Christy and her situation. She is amusing when she flips out and gets frustrated, but some of this is to distract herself so she doesn’t break down sobbing. The crying scene at the beginning may have seemed inauthentic, but one quickly begins to admire Christy for not tearing up more often.

Christy is a strong woman. She’s made some mistakes, but she’s ready to turn things around, and putting forth the effort to do so. In the “Pilot,” we see her make sacrifices for her kids, but also struggle to connect with them. Perhaps these are common parts of being a mother, but they are extra hard for Christy because of where she is starting from, already having fallen so far.

Now, one may wonder if that’s the recipe for a good series, since once Christy is able to make headway, there will be less tension for her to combat. The answer, however, lies in the brilliant casting of Faris and Janney. Both superb actresses, the chemistry they exude immediately is entertaining and ripe for development, not only heart-wrenching, but extremely funny. Their rivalry and lack of understanding of one another could be rich fodder for years to come.

Toss in Corddry, who is always excellent, Jones, who takes the comedic element he provides in AMC’s dark drama and extends it, and French Stewart (3^rd Rock From the Sun) as the jerk Chef Rudy, and there is the makings of not only a strong mother-daughter relationship, which will be the show’s spine, but enough nice filler to provide enjoyable subplots and side trips.

MOM is not my favorite new sitcom of the fall, but it definitely has promise. I’m ready to find out where it goes. MOM premieres tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

Mr. Sunshine ends with "Ben and Vivian"

     ABC's Mr. Sunshine ended its freshman run last night with "Ben and Vivian," which I feel is probably its best episode yet. Things really flowed well, and chemistry was improved by the addition of a great guest star. While a decision about renewal has not yet been handed down, things aren't looking that great for the series. That's too bad, because like many new sitcoms, I think Mr. Sunshine just needs a little time to really work out the best road map for itself. Obviously, the cast is terrific, and the setting is fun and unique. If any new bubble show this year could use a second chance, I vote for this one.

     One change I would like to make, should Mr. Sunshine get a second season, is to make Lizzy Caplan (Party Down, True Blood) a series regular. Caplan guest stars this week as Vivian, Crystal's (Allison Janney) new assistant. She falls into bed with Ben (Matthew Perry) the night before she begins work, and once they realize they now inhabit the same office, begin a friends with benefits relationship. Ben falls for her, but she rejects his need of something more.
     Ben's growth through season one has focused on his ability to get in touch with emotions and forge a real relationship. When we meet him, Ben is in a similar benefits deal with Alice (Andrea Anders), but she breaks it off. I guess it's appropriate that, at the end of the season, his place in the pairing is reversed. The fact that he passes up Vivian's offer to continue the sex and forget about his plea for a real coupling shows that Ben is making progress. That is why, more than anything, the series should be renewed.

     I have to mention quickly that Andrea Anders is a constant delight. It's the little things, like the recurring bit where she opens Ben's door and catches the ball he has thrown, that set her apart. Everything she does just lights up the screen, and after numerous good sitcoms she's been involved in (Better Off Ted, The Class), it's time she is featured on a genuine hit.

     My argument for more Caplan doesn't stem just from her interaction with Ben. Her best bits are as she befriends Roman (Nate Torrence). Rejected once more by his mother, Crystal, Roman turns to Vivian to fill his needs. She does, enjoying her time spent with him. In fact, the only reason she even agrees to do anything with Ben outside of sex is so she can be close to Roman. While I did not sense a romantic attachment between the two, Caplan returning could lead to some fun jealousy stuff for Roman's crazy girlfriend, Heather (Portia Doubleday), a definite argument for bringing her back.

     Roman, like Ben, has grown. He is introduced as a bumbling idiot who just wants love and affection from his mother. Crystal continuously lets him down, and it comes to a head in the final episode. Crystal once more chooses another man over giving Roman attention, but instead of taking it, Roman snaps back. With Vivian and Ben in his corner, (and Heather, though we don't see her here) Roman has built up enough self-esteem to standup to her, declaring he is tired of hearing her say she's going to be a good mother; she needs to start acting like one.

     This could be a real turning point for Crystal, who has resisted growth, even though she frequently talks about it. I love Janney, and her character is a kooky fun mess. However, I do believe there are real emotions underneath her facade, and yet no one is willing to dig deep enough to get to them. Roman has the ability to be the first. Renew the show so we can see more of this great pairing!

     The one character I'm not crazy about is Alonzo (James Lesure). Generally, his purpose in being on the series seems to be to keep Alice and Ben apart until Ben can grow into a mature man worthy of Alice. I actually could see Ben and Alice not ending up together, but I expect the series will want to toy with the idea of the two as a couple again before they drop it.

     This week, Alonzo is actually given a story that has nothing to do with Alice. Dave the Mascot (David Pressman) tests Alonzo's legendary kindness and patience by taking over his office. He keeps pushing Alonzo's buttons, and when Dave loses Alonzo's zen garden rake down his costume, Alonzo snaps. Is the zen garden the only thing that keeps Alonzo sane? More can be explored about why he is the way he is, and what it takes to set him off. I want to see some dark secret come out. I'm not arguing to get rid of Alonzo, but give him more to do, and more depth.

 

     I won't say this is currently the best sitcom on television, or even in the top five. And I know that a fabulous cast does not guarantee a great series (I'm looking at you, Private Practice!). But there are plenty of flashes of greatness in season one of Mr. Sunshine, and I think a second season could potentially be much improved. Please give them the chance, ABC!

Article first published as TV Review: Mr. Sunshine - "Ben and Vivian" on Blogcritics.

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Click here for an alphabetical list of all of Jerome's Current Season Reviews.

Mr. Sunshine is no "Hostile Workplace"

     It seems that not too many people are watching ABC's Mr. Sunshine. I find that very disappointing, because it's a kooky, fun show that deserves a little love. It has a humor not unlike the too-soon canceled Better Off Ted, but with a central character who doesn't try so hard to please. In fact, when he can get away with it, he doesn't try at all. Plus, its supporting cast boasts huge talent. While the series is still searching for its footing, each episode has had me laughing, and it deserves more time to figure things out.

     This week, Ben (Matthew Perry) can't get the air conditioning fixed in the arena because the entire staff hates him. With good reason. He can't even remember any of their names! So Roman (Nate Torrence) makes Ben flashcards of everyone and suggests a clever trick to help with the memorization, a rare stroke of good sense from the demented boss's son. Ben takes Roman's idea and plays it a little too mean, writing insults on each card that he can use to remember their names. It works, and he is soon friends with everyone... until Roman accidentally scatters the cards all over the arena floor.

     Is it realistic that Ben can get everyone to like him so quickly after being despised for so long? Of course not. And Roman dropping the cards in a public place is easy to see coming from a mile away. But Ben's delight in his delusion, and the realization that Roman is his only friend at work, are glimmers of something great brewing beneath the surface. I want to see more of Ben finding out things about himself, and genuinely trying to improve. I want to see more of Roman being useful and integral to the plot, rather than just a dumb stooge.

     And any more Jorge Garcia you want to me toss my way, I am all for, too. It was his second appearance, but this story also introduced us to a number of Ben's co-workers, many of whom look mighty familiar. There is definitely the potential for a large ensemble comedy down the road, or at least wonderful guest actors popping in and out at will.

      The B story is pure comic genius as Crystal (Allison Janney) makes a number of references about things Alonzo (James Lesure) and her boyfriend must certainly have in common. Alice (Andrea Anders) finds Crystal racist as the boss goes on about brothers, funny handshakes, run down houses, and broken bottles littering the yard. Even Alonzo, who keeps his cool for most of the episode, starts to get upset. Crystal's growing afro, caused by the broken air conditioning, was a stroke of genius, adding to the illusion, and providing physical comedy unto itself.

     But Crystal's new guy is white. And he is Alonzo's fraternity brother, so everything Crystal says is completely harmless and true. The one comment that doesn't fit, as Alice points out, is because Crystal thinks Alice is old, a delightful insult, made so by Anders's reaction. The entire plot is crafted so elegantly, guided by brilliant comic performers. It is impossible to see the punchline coming, but incredibly effective when it lands. Crystal is doofy and ignorant, but she isn't mean spirited. This may have been my favorite bit in the series so far.

     Please don't count out Mr. Sunshine. New episodes air Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Article first published as TV Review: Mr. Sunshine - "Hostile Workplace" on Blogcritics.

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Mr. Sunshine Lets in a Ray

     While we all miss Cougar Town for the next ten weeks (ten!), Monica's Chandler is borrowing her time slot with ABC's Mr. Sunshine. (Note: if you are a sitcom buff, or Wikipedia frequenter, this show has nothing at all to do with the short-lived spring 1986 series of the same name starring Jeffrey Tambor.) This isn't Matthew Perry's first show since Friends; I very much enjoyed his slightly more dramatic turn in the under appreciated Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip. With Ben in Mr. Sunshine, which Perry writes as well as acts, he has struck a balance between the two roles, creating yet another memorable guy.

     Ben is the manager of an arena that hosts a variety of entertainment, including a circus in "Pilot." He isn't very personable. Even the woman he's been sleeping with, Alice (the wonderful Andrea Anders, who ironically also starred in Friends spin-off Joey), will tell him that. But we didn't see the totally self-involved Ben much. Certainly not enough to hate him. As the series begins, he's realizing he needs to be a different person, and it's time to make that happen. This show is about his journey, and that journey began the same time the series did.

     If a man finding compassion within himself doesn't sound like a funny sitcom, keep in mind that besides Alice, Ben is surrounded by his cluelessly racist boss Crystal (Allison Janney, The West Wing), her incredibly dumb son Roman (Nate Torrence, also Studio 60), possibly homicidal assistant Heather (Portia Doubleday), and eternal optimist Alonzo (James Lesure, Las Vegas), with whom Alice is moving in. Heather is actually a recurring character, as is the janitor "Bobert"(Jorge Garcia, Lost), but both deserve to be upgraded to regular at the earliest convenience, if not sooner.

     Other reviews I have seen of this show label it as a slow burner, saying future episodes pick up and are much funnier than the pilot. If so, I'm as optimistic as Alonzo about the show's prospects, because I loved the first episode. Sure, some of the characters like Heather and Roman seemed a bit one-note, but it was only a 22-minute first episode. They will grow over time. Anders and Perry are pros, already exhibiting well-defined, nuanced characters, and Janney is always awesome. Her insistence that an Asian kid hand her a trophy at her charity benefit had me dying laughing. Not to mention her song. And the photo op.

     The writing and jokes could be less funny, and I'd still tune in to see the talent. I'm glad that's not the case, though, because others need to tune in if Mr. Sunshine is to retain the decently strong ratings it began with. I certainly don't want it to replace Cougar Town forever (unlikely, as Cougar Town has already been renewed for next year), but I consider The Middle completely expendable. So, too, are the reruns of Modern Family if ABC commits to a longer, original sitcom programming block, as NBC is doing on Thursdays. I know I want to see more. I'm excited after just one episode!

     If you miss Matthew Perry as much as I did, please watch Mr. Sunshine, Wednesday nights at 9:30 p.m. on ABC.

Article first published as TV Review: Mr. Sunshine Lets in a Ray on Blogcritics.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.