Masters of Sex

I enjoyed the first season and Lizzy Caplan still remains captive while I find myself fast forwarding through much of the second season. On par with the first season in many ways, I now find the characters so deeply preformatted that only when there is an unsuspecting turn do I take the time to really indulge my focus.

Most of my dismay with the second season revolves around the now almost unwatchable Michael Sheen's character and how selfish, self-serving and downright creepy he has become. The fact that Lizzy Caplan's character is still capable of letting him to now increasing levels makes me want to barf.

I don't see how I can continue to consider this entertainment. Best to pass this one by for all the other great drama available.

The show focuses on sex researchers Dr. William "Bill" Masters and Virginia "Gini" Johnson. While much of it is fictionalized, it does have some facts about their lives and the research. The show tries to remain true to the time it takes place. There are some episodes and storylines that are counterproductive to what is at the heart of the show, but it doesn't change how great it truly ends. Additionally, the show stays true to its mission by the fourth (and, sadly, final) season. To the end, it remains to be about the study of sex and the psychology of sex and relationships. Definitely an amazing show!

In 1956, Dr. William Masters (Michael Sheen) meets Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan). He's a fertility specialist at Washington University in St. Louis. Barton Scully (Beau Bridges) is his mentor and Libby (Caitlin FitzGerald) is his wife. He's doing late-night sex research with the help of prostitute Betty DiMello (Annaleigh Ashford). Virginia is an ambitious twice-divorced mom former nightclub singer trying to get ahead. At first, she joins Masters as his secretary. Eventually, she joins him as his partner in groundbreaking sex research.

The subject matter is titillating and intriguing. It's also a history that many think they know but few know every detail. It's perfect for a little bit of fictionalization. Sheen and Caplan are magnificent. The supporting cast is terrific. There is compelling drama for a couple of seasons. I do like the kids in the third season although the new doctors in the fourth are troublesome. It would have been interesting to see how the show switches with conversion therapy. The characters got darker and darker with each season. It's a show with a ticking time clock built into it.

This is the first review I have ever done of a series, or movie, so please bear with me.

I have limited time and rarely add new content to my TV viewing, however, after reading about the series, I decided to take a look at this new one. I am totally intrigued and think it conveys the sexual culture in that time period while fleshing out the personal dynamics of researchers Masters and Johnson. The two leading the cast are Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan. They are riveting to watch.

The tone, the clothes, the music... so well done. I have only seen two episodes, yet I became aware of how far our sexual culture has changed, and despite those changes, both good and bad, we still label people even now who are sexually active or adventurous.

Masters of Sex is unique in the way it begins to grow on you even though you never thought it would. And, it is typified by none other than the lead character, Masters.

Michael Sheen plays the doctor obsessed with physiological interpretations of sex, who would go to almost any length to pursue his longtime dream. He is complemented by the beautiful Lizzy Caplan in the role of Virginia, Masters' street-smart secretary, who is not afraid to stand up to him, or to take matters in her own hand. The two are joined by the rest of the cast, which does an alright job, though it is hard to look past the performances of these two.

Back to Masters, Sheen shows his versatility as an actor again here. William Masters is condescending, arrogant and a cold character. Yet, Sheen plays him with such finesse, with so many layers, that you cannot help but get intrigued by Masters' haughty mannerisms. Sheen is brilliant here, and plays a diametrically opposite character to his Brian Clough from the Damned United, proving his incredible range as an actor. Take a bow, Mr. Sheen.

So, while you are caught up in the conflict whether to like William Masters or to hate him, Lizzy Caplan as Virginia is a welcome distraction. And, she too plays her character with great finesse. I haven't seen Caplan's past performances, but here, she is doing a terrific job.

The story is not too intriguing to begin with, but I believe the premise will grow on the public, especially because of the purely intellectual way Masters treats it. Not too sure how long they can rivet a story around the concept, but for the moment, the actors, well Sheen essentially, is what the show is worth watching for.