In the midst of all the new network fare that’s clogging myDVR right now — Moonlight: To watch or to delete? — there’s one drama that’sgot me so addicted, I prefer to watch it live: Damages. The weird thing is,though, I don’t know anyone else who’s got such strong feelings for F/X’stwisted legal drama. In fact, I don’t know anyone who’s watching it at all.
If you’ve been missing out on the series — and its Emmy-worthywork from Željko Ivanek, Ted Danson, and Glenn Close (pictured) — FX is running a 12-episodemarathon this Saturday, October 20, starting at 8 a.m. EDT (as a run-up to theOct. 23 finale). Otherwise, let’s dish our feelings on the show in aspoiler-sensitive arena — after the jump.
That said, if Damages gets renewed for a second season —it’s still on the fence, according to John Landgraf, president of FX — I reallyhope the writers don’t try to simplify its format to improve ratings (an ideathat’s floated in this Los Angeles Times article). I’d be fine if Patty moved onto a different case — though I’d miss Danson — maybe even found another youngattorney to destroy, but Damages‘ greatest strength is in its protracted,sometimes far-fetched, but always riveting story arcs. I’d rather see FX pullthe plug after 13 episodes than turn it into a cookie-cutter, "trial ofthe week" affair. How ’bout you guys?
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I absolutely love this show. It’s smart, the format is original and the acting is impeccable. In fact, I love it so much I almost wish that I had waited until FX ran the marathon so I didn’t have to wait a full week to get the next episodes.
I agree. Damages has been fantastic. Smart and well acted. Can’t wait for the finale this Tuesday.
This show is one of the best I’ve seen. Everything they do is well done – writing, acting, camera work. I’ve been trying to get everyone I know to watch it instead of some of the subpar new network shows on. Hopefully, some will catch on with the marathon.
I’ve not checked it out yet, Michael. I will say that Moonlight DOES get better, although for me it’s really still a guilty pleasure. (And all for those 2-3 minutes of J Doh on my screen. Sigh.) I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on it, though… check it out this weekend, perhaps?
Love this show. Haven’t missed an episode. It is like being at the movies, the acting, etc are that good.
MY FAVORITE NEW DRAMA BAR NONE.
I tivo, itunez AND watch it ‘live.’
the only annoyance is the constant caddillacking of the show.
I never watch it but my mom does. She says it’s fantastic and she’s totally hooked. Makes me wish I’d given it a try.
I love this show. I am sad that I only know one other person who watches it — but we pour over the details of every episode each and every week. I really hope it comes back — although with the characters dropping like flies, I don’t know how they will do it. LOVE IT!!!!
This is a GREAT SHOW!!! i can’t wait for the finale!!
‘Damages’ is television at it’s best!!
I wish the US would follow the UK model and just have one season of a terrific show and let it stand on it’s own..
I too got chills when ‘David’ was actually killed this week in real time.
I am watching this on my DVR – it is wicked good tv – Frobisher is a beast – but I am sure there are more surprises to come….every time I get comfortable with this show it slaps me up side the head. I hope it gets picked up for a second season. Glenn Close is just terrific and the supporting cast is outstanding…my new favorites – Damages and Mad Men.
You are certainly not alone. I haven’t missed an episode and since I don’t get FX in my bedroom, I take over the living room and force my roommates to watch as well, even though they have no idea what’s going on.
Damages is my favorite show right now. But I do always feel like I’m the only one that watches this show. The acting and the storytelling keep me glued to the TV every Tuesday night.
My roommate and I have become obsessed with Damages, though we both think it is indefinably ridiculous. Before each episode, we each pick who name will be repeated the most (Frobisher is almost always the winner- does anyone ever use other people’s names this much?)
I’ve been tivo-ing it each week even though I have nothing else to watch at that time. But I really love watching it at like 11 and being able to fast-forward quickly.
I have no idea what’s going on with Nye! I was hoping he was a good guy. But it’s like all the people we thought were good were actually bad and vice versa. Rose Byrne though is so completely awesome. And I was smitten with David from the first episode on, so it really sucked to see him actually die. And when Ray shot himself! That was crazy!
I don’t know if I want a second season or now. I don’t know if it could live up to the first season. It seems like it was a joining of all the right forces (actors, directors, writers, etc).
Can’t get enough of this show! Although the crazy stalker chick storyline was pointless.
Add my wife and I to the list of Damages devotees. And like Mr. Slezak, it’s the only show we can’t wait to watch, so we watch it live (well, with the 20-minute commercial-skipping TiVo delay, of course).
It’s great stuff, over the top, yeah, but in such a tasty way. I have no idea how they can make it work for a second season, but I’m damn sure hope we get to find out.
Hey Michael I’m still watching as well, and I know so is my sister, but as excited as I am to see the finale this Tuesday, I don’t quite see how they could re-new the show for a 2nd season. I also thought somewhere along the lines we were going to see some inside look at the under-handed tasks Uncle Pete handles for Patty. Guess not. =/ Anyways, I’m looking forward to this season finale so that Nip/Tuck can come back the following week! “What a wicked game you play…” Can we find out who’s singing the cover of that Chris Isaak tune on ALL their commercials for Nip/Tuck?? PLEASE Sleazak?
I watch it, but I admit I don’t love it. I was kinda just watching bc there was nothing else on at that time and to see what happens. Last week episode was a little anti-climactic though. David’s not going to rise from the dead and come back to be with Ellen, so it’s a little depressing. I guess I’m just too much of a romantic for a gritty drama
I love this show, can’t wait for the finale
FX shows kick serious ass.
I’m still watching! It’s really my favorite show right now, and pretty much the only one I’m all caught up on. I love the way the pieces are starting to fit together. I just hope the finale won’t be a bit of a letdown, like the otherwise stellar first season of Murder One.
Well, I’m still watching the show for sure. Every week gets more and more exciting. Ted Danson is brilliant in the show and they should throw an Emmy his way. Great show, although it would be hard to have more seasons, seeing how things are unfolding so far.
Well, I’m still watching the show for sure. Every week gets more and more exciting. Ted Danson is brilliant in the show and they should throw an Emmy his way. Great show, although it would be hard to have more seasons, seeing how things are unfolding so far.
Still watching but behind by 3 episodes and since I’m behind, I’ve been spoiled by TV Guide, etc. Well, that will teach me!
i’m with you slezak i absolutely love this show… the acting, writing and directing is just so good…. though there a lot of dramatic liberties taken, I throughly enjoy it all
Damages started off a little wobbly for me, but because I adore Glenn Close I stuck with it, and it’s paid off. This show is just absolutely brilliant. I will be devastated if it is canceled for season 2. Isn’t FX known for taking risks on high quality shows? TAKE A RISK FOR THIS ONE! I can’t wait for the season finale and I’ll be hoping it isn’t the series finale.
I don’t think obsessed is a big enough way to say how much I love Damages. Everything about it makes me obsess even more. I love how smart and aware Ellen has become over the season. In the beginning she was clueless now she knows just how to manipulte Patty Hewes into doing what she wants. Thats quite a feat.
I loved the pilot, then got bored and figured I’d just watch the finale to see how it all turns out. It’s the destination for me, not the journey.
Sorry, I don’t watch Damages, but please don’t give up on Moonlight. The first show wasn’t that great, but the second was much better and the third was really good. It’s a guilty pleasure, sure, but what’s wrong with that?
I love this show. One of my co-workers watches it as well. Depending on what happens in the finale, maybe the second season will involve Patty defending Ellen in her murder trial.