With all the hoopala surrounding Breaking Bad‘s series finale and the plethora of new debuts, Masters of Sex flew right under the radar this summer. Nevertheless, I had to give Showtime’s provocative new drama a chance, and I’m glad that I did, because it’s wonderfully executed.
Masters of Sex is a period dramedy depicting the controversial works of Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson, two pioneering researchers of human sexuality. The pilot’s success rests on the casting of its two leads, and both Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan do a superb job with the material. The former’s performance is both nuanced and appropriately awkward, while the latter delivers a turn that singlehandedly managed to make me like her for the first time in her career (I particularly detested her on True Blood).
Dr. Masters and Virginia are joined by a number of colorful characters that include Betty, a charming prostitute who aids them in their studies, and Masters’ colleague Dr. Austin who eventually displays a frightening violent streak. While I’m not dying to watch the show’s second outing, it’s an undeniably well-realized production with some impressive attention to detail (very Mad Men-esque). Showtime obviously knows what its doing, and I have a feeling that this quirky new drama just might be at the forefront at next year’s Emmy awards.
Conclusion
With a unique premise and some first-rate performances, this is a compelling pilot from a promising new show.
Nad Rating
B+
Definitely intrigued by this series, I heard that it really begins to take shape on the third episode so I will be giving it a chance.
I was trying to remember where I previously saw Lizzy Caplan and you are right her character was kind of annoying in True Blood. On the other hand, she fits the role here perfectly and you can really feel the tension that she is trying to portray.
I liked the part where Masters said “Nobody understands sex, and now, nobody will” a bit dramatic but to the point. Anyone else annoyed by his wife calling him “daddy” ?!?!
She really does fit here perfectly.
And the daddy thing was CREEPY. I totally forgot to mention that. I hope it doesn't become a running thing. Good catch though 😛
I will definitely be watching this. I do have a few comments: Masters is THE biggest hypocrite. He is brilliant it seems (which probably makes him believe he's doing everything for a noble cause), but that doesn't take away from him lying to his wife about her being infertile when it is him who is the root of the problem. He claims he wants to help women achieve “pleasure” when he can't even do that to his own wife. Either he is reflecting his insecurities about his low sperm count unto his wife and therefore is indirectly punishing her, or he is soooo totally self unaware that he doesn't realize how he is treating her. Meanwhile, he wants to “experiment” with Johnson? Here's to taking the high road on that one. NOT.
While I don't agree with his methods, I find interest in the end and I am curious as to how they will approach this moving forward.