Will you watch Showtime's 'United States of Tara'?

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lisadh Mon, Feb 23, 2009 at 05:25 PM EST

I've lived for 14 years with someone with DID and love this show. Yes, it's a little over the top and not very realistic, but I appreciate the fact that they focus on Tara's normal life. Previous cinematic portrayals of DID (i.e., Three Faces of Eve, Sybil, the adaptation of When Rabbit Howls) have all focused on therapy and abuse. They were very heavy, and probably scary and intimidating for people who don't want to believe in, learn about or understand DID. Comedy makes it easier for people to want to watch and learn. Yes, there are problems with the show, but it's a comedy, not a documentary. Overall, I think it's doing a great service to people with DID by bringing the subject into the mainstream media.

p Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 02:35 AM EST

Dear Susa,
I would love to watch that show with kleenex and a bottle of that cocoa butter lotion i love so much. I just hope the rape incest and burning come in a cool combo style. I see a lot of creativity in the works. Maybe branding daddy was here on the inner thigh during the climax?

Bobbie Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at 10:45 AM EST

I am a multiple and I find this show hilarious. I see similarities from my own life with my children and husband. To other multiples objecting to the lack of attention given to the traumatic origins of DID may I remind you one of the main objectives of an alter is to keep the trauma dissociated from our daily lives.

Kim Wed, Feb 11, 2009 at 01:52 AM EST

I live with DID. I have read a bit from other people who have sent in their thoughts on the show. I happen to like the show. If there were to be a show based on the hourly events of a multiple it would be called a documentary, this show is based on a real medical condition but the characters are fictional. I look forward to viewing each week. I love how supportive and unwaving in his support the husband is.Just like in real life each multiple case is different, I believe the show is working up to Tara's reason for being a multiple, they seem to bring it up almost every episode. As I have learned being a multiple is anything but easy, I like the way the show has opened my eyes to how it must be for those close to me. Thank you for making this show, I look forward to more! I know how ugly and stressful my life can be, it's good to laugh sometimes, and I don't think the show is making fun of DID I think it is doing a good job of embracing it,as well as a mono brain can.

Susa Wed, Feb 4, 2009 at 01:57 PM EST

Apparently Showtime doesn't want to know the REAL facts about DID, and what a person who has DID struggles with on an hourly basis.

Imagine a Showtime series called, "The Deformed State of Tara" - a COMEDY about a girl who confronts comedic situations in her every day life revolving around her dealing with her inability to climb stairs, and her comedic experiences with people staring at her scarred and deformed face and arms. (As a child, her parents had physically abused her so intensely, that her repeatedly broken bones resulted in a leg amputation, and the burns the parents inflicted on her arms and face resulted in grotesque scarring making her appear as almost inhuman.)

This scenario is NO DIFFERENT than creating a "COMEDY" about a person who suffers from a disorder caused by repeated, early childhood RAPE AND INCEST. Raping young children is NOT comedic.

Does this life seem like a comedy?
http://www.netmdc.com/~schaeffer/oursurvival.html

Genevieve Sun, Feb 1, 2009 at 10:03 PM EST

I adore this show and cannot wait to keep watching it progress. Lighten up people, it's comedy.

kaitlyn Sat, Jan 31, 2009 at 08:54 PM EST

I LOVE this show. It has every aspect of a good sitcom. the only thing that is appaling is the way people are reacting to the show. haven't you ever laugh ? Do you have a sense of humor? Cuz if you dont then you have no right judging a comedy. The show does a good job of showing the brighter side of the illness. Its hystericall!!!!!!!!

me Chrissy a multiple Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 09:10 PM EST

I/we probably won't watch it but have to say that some here would not be triggered by the show or the characters and there are several in here that do laugh at the things we do because it is not ordinary. What is upsetting for me, Chrissy, is that people don't understand how most multiples become multiples. Most people have seen it through the media hype and hoping this will show that most of us are very functional but have worked extremely hard to work thru past trauma including repeated sexual abuse, incest and well things that most people would never want to learn about others that have lived with it. So if this show helps in validating the reality that there are those of us that do have multiple persons living in one body and that it is very difficult and shameful to let any outsiders know we live with this. It has taken years for me and others to talk about having others and painful at times but we do have some pretty good stories that would be fun to share. We do laugh at us

Laverne Reynolds Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 03:26 PM EST

As Mom to a multiple of 21 (and he DOES suffer with it) I appreciate the show. This is the ONLY format most people will allow themselves to be introduced to DID. There ARE a lot of things I could wish they ahd done differently - like pertray all of the lady's alters (the one the story line is so loosely based on) rather than limiting it to the 4 they liked. But showing the problems (even through humor) and showing it is real and not fake and not something you can control ... this will only help ones like my son. I am SOOO sorry for the ones that this hurts but I really do believe it will help a lot in the long run!!!

Marlene Azoulai Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 06:58 PM EST

I live with DID.
United States of Tara is triggering, in very poor taste, and potentially dangerous.
I/we just spent an entire session with our therapist getting in touch with those, in the system, who were very badly affected by it.
Someone in the system made us watch it, to prove that we could, even though the previews themselves had been triggering.
As the week went by, we grew more and more disoriented, felt out of control and self-harmed.
We spent our session today crying and screaming over how this show had affected us.
I do an enormous amount of work on my self/ves, and have a website of my art and writings that are the result of my/our inner processing.
This show should not be on the air. Under the guise of "helping raise awareness about DID", it is just another sign of how sick our culture has become.

Jenai Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 04:03 AM EST

'dissasociative identity disorder' - the very definition makes it a given that there is only one core identity, but something has happened to cause that identity to disassociate into more than one. But of all the multiples I know, and people with more 'DID' like symptoms, -none- have such one dimensional characteristics. Nor is there this past trauma stuff, unless therapists count. And the majority retain their memories between switching, and can often even share time in 'front' if they are cooperative enough.
I guess my main issue with the show is that it wants people to 'understand DID' and yet it shows the most disorderly of the disorderly, and the most stereotyped and shallow too. There is a ton of humor and hijinks in an orderly multiple system, the difference is one does not have to call it a disorder or offend every multiple. (And it is very hard to say 'We're a multiple' when some go 'oh, you must have a hard time processing trauma then and have DID.')

Bruce Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 11:56 PM EST

(WARNING: For DID folks -- potential triggers below)

So... in this "comedy" will they deal with the horrible childhood abuse that led to their dissociation? Will they delve into the almost inevitable sexual perversion in their family of origin? Will they show the regularly repeating flashbacks and nightmares, and the everyday events that trigger them? Will they show them in supportive therapy to try to cope with all this? Will the show deal with issues of integration, memory lapse, fugue states, and time loss -- and the palpable fear that comes from these. As a former therapist with 1,000s of hours of work with DID, this show will be cheap entertainment shtick unless it broaches these issues, and will do nothing to help people to understand the pain and potential inherent in those with DID.

K Fri, Jan 16, 2009 at 11:28 AM EST

I find it disgusting that a show is made from mental illness. Would they make a show mocking heart disease, diabetes, cancer? I just don't understand why people continue to be entertained by other people's pain & suffering. I won't watch a second of this show. Shame on you Spielberg!

Michelle Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:44 PM EST

LOOOOOOOOOOVE IT!! I cannot wait to learn more about her....and the others.

Meg Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 06:15 PM EST

I watched the preview for this show on Youtube. I think its appalling and adds insult to injury for all those who suffer from this devistating illness. Personallly, I don't own a t.v., everthing on it is crap to begin with, but this show goes beyond the pale. For those of you who suffer from this illness, I suggest you contact the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and find out what kind of action you can take to have this show removed from the air. You might also want to contact the ADL and inquire about filing a class action law siut for emotional damages, they help every other disenfrachised group so why not you to. Its not enough to just frett and wine about the problem, DO something!

netty Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 09:33 PM EST

Again it is another mark up for sensationalizing and distorting Dissociative Identity Disorder. Just chalk this one up to another Hollywood fabrication of psychology for idiots. Yeah it is a dark comedy… great. …. Just talk to the population of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and let them tell you how funny and hilarious this disorder is. Not to mention the amount of these cases in which Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Unipolar Depression with high incidences of suicidal ideation, Dissociation Identity Disorder is a coping mechanism developed in childhood for survival. The mental anguish and suffering that accompanies this disorder are horrific, painful and harmful to sufferers. And how will this further magnify and distort public opinion this already highly misunderstood condition. Most people that suffer from this do not continually act out in the manner that Diablo Cody writes. Obviously, she couldn’t give a damn about how people are perceived with this disorder.

jeffrodull Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 10:33 PM EST

watched it, enjoyed it, wish i had showtime. hopefully it ends up on Hulu at some point and i'll get to see where they take it.

EaseUpEveryone Sat, Dec 13, 2008 at 12:07 AM EST

Kim... Again, not having to deal with the day to day strain of DID, I can say that I am very close to someone involved in a creative capacity on this show and they told me that every care was taken to assure that the creators of the show were in very close contact with DID professionals. As a medical professional myself, I was at first concerned with the depiction of DID, but my friend put me at ease. Apparently, there are more than one doctor who serve as technical advisors on the show and each and every script is given great scrutiny by this team. In addition, the creators are in very close with actual DID patients, and the DID community en masse. So, while I understand your concerns, having seen large chunks of the pilot episode, I would advise you to hold your criticism... Commericals and promos are what they are... often misleading and usually off base. The show is very sympathetic. This is no "Me, Myself & Irene".

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Kim Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 09:16 PM EST

Being a person who has been diagnosed with and lives with MPD/DID I find the whole concept for this show disgusting and disturbing. Obviously, despite what they claim that have NO input from people suffering from the disorder. I despair each time I see this commerical and wish there were something we could do to stop this travesty.

EaseUpEveryone Fri, Dec 5, 2008 at 01:18 PM EST

Those concerned with the show's treatment of DID need not be concerned. A close friend works on the show and this person told me that the show is taking pains to work very closely with the DID community in addition to some top professionals in the field. Spielberg knows his name can be met with harsh criticism... he's no dummy... he'll do everything in his power to make sure this show holds up to scrutiny. And it's funny, but not at the expense of DID. I, for one, am looking forward to subsequent episodes (I only saw parts of the pilot... looks amazing... Diablo has eschewed her Diablo-ness for the most part...) And Toni C is, as always, awe inspiring.

JustARandomCommenter Wed, Dec 3, 2008 at 10:20 PM EST

I'll be watching- my wife has DID (notice I did NOT say my wife SUFFERS from it...) and we understand the best way to create visibility and dialogue about something is through sensitivity and a little humor. I have high hopes for it- DID has been in the closet way too long.

Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 10:41 PM EST

Doesn't anyone understand the serious nature of dissociative identity disorder?! The fact that Spielberg supports this is disgusting.

clarisse Sun, Oct 26, 2008 at 06:56 PM EST

this 'treatment' is based upon someone with dissociative identity disorder. . which arises from severe childhood abuse. ... edgy enough? come on. .. are you all so self absorbed and dying for entertainment that you dont care what the premis is. .. where's the humor in this....

Tolliver Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 11:31 AM EST

The voice over guy is Bill St. James. He's not only the voice of Showtime, he does movie trailers, commercials, radio and the voice over for most of the promos for the past two Olympics broadcasts.

Todd Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 09:38 AM EST

Hey Amy, who IS your dad? I'm a commercial producer and know who almost all the voice guys are... but I've never known who he was, other than the "Voice of Showtime" for many years.

Nick Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 01:11 PM EST

When does this start??

http://thelittlestwinslow.wordpress.com/

Amy Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 04:47 PM EST

No joke - the voiceover is my father. Who complains all the time that he's not the "hot" voiceover guy anymore, so you probably made his day.

osterbill Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 04:25 PM EST

If the show is as well produced as this promo piece, I'll be hooked!

Em Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 08:53 PM EST

My apologies, EW, but I really don't understand the love everyone has for Diablo Cody. I won't be watching.

Jessica S Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 06:15 PM EST

Love Diablo! Love Toni! Heck, I even kinda dig John Corbett:)

I'll definitely check out the pilot and take it from there.

Raven_Moon Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 05:53 PM EST

I'm curious. I'll probably check out the pilot.

Emoney Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 01:28 PM EST

Didn't love Juno, really. Don't particularly like Diablo Cody (partly out of Minnesota defensiveness -- nothing wrong with us, Diablo!). But, because I love Toni Collette no matter what she's in, I'm willing to give this a chance. She'll always be Muriel to me...

Megan Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 01:06 PM EST

Eh. I'm not really impressed. I adore Toni Collette, but this preview just didn't do it for me. I think I would have liked it better had we not heard from the actors/diablo cody. I want to judge it for itself.

Moxie Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 11:48 AM EST

I'll give ANYTHING attached to Diablo Cody a look-see. And to top it off...I love Toni!

Dennis N. Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 11:34 AM EST

I am a-fear'd of all the metaphorical winking that her scripts could be riddled with. Isn't this quippy and clever? Don't you love how snappy I am? Although I still have faith, mind you.

Jackie Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 11:28 AM EST

i would watch this even if diablo didn't write it. granted, it might not be as funny or polarizing, but hello! this looks AWESOME.

Catherine Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 11:12 AM EST

Matt: Don't be sorry, you're absolutely right. Anything that has Diablo Cody's name on it gets a fail in my book; I don't read her column either. "Honest to blog"? Please.

Matt Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 09:38 AM EST

Yeah, well, that guy who used to do all the movie trailer / promo voice-overs died earlier this year. So this guy seems to have taken over all his business.
As for this show, it's an interesting premise. But I dunno. Diablo Cody's an amazingly overrated (sorry, EW) writer, all about the cliches and look-how-cool-this-sounds quotes and conversations. (I think her Oscar for Juno is going to look pretty embarrassing down the road, when people look at it without all the hype.) But it looks partly toned-down, and partly the right premise for her style, so yeah, I hope it does well. Boy, with Dexter, Californication, the L Word, The Tudors, Weeds - Showtime's certainly the place for interesting TV. (Dexter is hands-down the best show on TV in my book.)

NineDaves Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 09:37 AM EST

the show looks interesting, yes, but it won't get me to order showtime. does she dress up in a different outfit everytime she has a different personality? or is that just something the show has done to let the audience know which personality we're getting?

Martha Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 09:29 AM EST

Interesting idea - I hope they can keep it edgy, and not swing into Banal Sitcom-Land where, you know, wackiness ensues. Dennis, you obviously weren't introduced to Toni Collette through "Muriel's Wedding." She does a pretty mean US accent, huh? And the "edgy" cinematography just got on my nerves. Diablo may BE her tattoo, but is Toni Collette her cardigan? I don't think so.

Dennis N. Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 08:43 AM EST

I like the premise, and it appears to be well-acted. Random obso's from the trailer:
-Toni Collette's Australian? How did this information pass me by?
-LOVE the 'edgy' cinematography. Diablo Cody IS the pinup girl arm tat. John Corbett IS wild hand gestures. That is ALL you need to know about these people.