amezri | nip/tuck review: pilot episode

I recieved a nip/tuck screener in the mail last week and never got a chance to type up this review. So, here it is. At least I got it up before it actually aired.

nip/tuck
90 minute pilot airs Tuesday, July 22 at 10pm EST on FX

Executive Producers: Ryan Murphy, Michael M. Robin, Greer Shephard (all three produced the 1999 WB series, Popular)

Cast: Julian McMahon (Profiler, Charmed), Dylan Walsh ("We Were Soldiers," Everwood), John Hensley (Witchblade), Roma Mafia (Chicago Hope, Profiler, "Holes"), Joely Richardson ("The Patriot")

Guest Cast: I believe Ara Celi (Amapata in the Buffy episode, "Inca Mummy girl") appears, but I can't confirm

Right off the bat, I can tell you this is a dark, twisted drama series. Also, the screener I have is probably a different cut than is going to make it to air, judging by the commericals I've seen in the last couple of days. I'm glad to see Julian McMahon and Roma Mafia back together and it's always great to see John Hensley.

The series is set in Florida, with bright and vivid daytime scenes and seedy, dark night scenes. The two main characters, Christian Troy (Julian McMahon) and Sean McNamara (Dylan Walsh) have their own plastic surgery office. Christian is the unscrupulous, but sexy, sloppy surgeon to Dylan's play-by-rules morality. Obviously, this causes some problems.

The opening scene pretty much sets the tone for the series. We establish very quickly who these characters are - or at least who they pretend to be. As well as the fact that FX doesn't seem to be afraid to air vast amounts of surgery gore and explicit sex. ThoughI suppose here it's usedto illustrate how Sean's life sucks and Dylan's playing up the doctor angle as much as he can.

One of the run-on jokes is the fact that Dr. McNamara can't speak Spanish even though it seems everyone in his household (an half of Florida) can. That becomes a huge problem when the major surgery case profiled in this epsiode claims to only speak Spanish. While Christian talks it over with the client - clearly a criminal of some kind - he translates the Spanish improperly to Sean, tricking his partner and friend into allowing the operation. This case becomes the source of future conflict in the episode.

Various B/C stories develop, which makes for a strongly written show. McNamara's son, Matt, wants an operation performed and his wife, Julia, is fed up with his cold behaviour. Both of these are good character conflicts and helped flesh out the main cast. There's nothing worse than having a bunch of people standing around with nothing to contribute to the story.

This series has the potential to be a great commentary on the social perceptions of beauty and self-worth in American culture. Beautiful girls think they're ugly. People who need surgery to look normal can't afford it. The glitz and glamour of being young, beautiful, and rich contrasted with the moral obligations of being a doctor. I recommend at least one episode, maybe two to get used to the gritty style. Definitely a welcomed summer series.

Cheesiest line: "I hear your marriage jumped the shark." ::collective groan::