Nip/Tuck

It's riveting, it's controversial, it's explicit, and it's steaming up the small screen! Nip/Tuck is certainly not your average cable television show, but its material is presented in such a way that you're hooked after the first couple of episodes. It's real, it's bloody, and it gets under your skin. But personally, I think Nip/Tuck is a real gem - and the acting is totally off the page. Just when you think it can't get any better, Ryan Murphy throws you another delicious twist. I recommend that everyone watch at least one episode. This show offers the opportunity for talents like Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon to shine in truly unique roles. FX definitely scored with this one.

The first episode I caught of this show involved a talking disembodied head and a poignant suicide set to Elton John's "Rocketman". I was hooked! As soon as the DVD set of season one came out, I bought it and watched it within a couple of days. This show is completely immoral, shockingly disturbing, undeniably fascinating. It is like a bad car accident... you know you shouldn't look, but you just can't help. By far it is the best show on TV now. The stories are entertaining, twisted, and smart. The acting is what makes this series great. Dylan Walsh, Julian McMahon, and Joely Richardson give some top-notch, powerful, and gripping performances on this show!!!

I began watching Nip/Tuck by renting the first DVD of season 1 and since then I've been hooked. I'm a fan of other TV dramas like Law & Order and The Sopranos, the latter of which I think is the best drama of all time. I have to say that I never thought another drama could even come close to The Sopranos in terms of writing, direction, and acting. But in my opinion Nip/Tuck is as close as it gets. The first few episodes of season 1 draw you in by the sheer audacity of the subject matter. (I don't want to get into any details because I would hate to spoil it for anyone who hasn't watched and would like to start.) However, in episode 10 of the first season the show takes an unexpected turn and actually reveals a lot of heart. This came as a complete surprise to me because prior to that episode I watched the show as a guilty pleasure. From that episode on, I watched it because it was a powerful and gripping drama. And I must say that I haven't been disappointed with the show since. In my opinion what makes it so great is the fact that it tackles issues that are rarely seen on other dramas. And the way that the issues are presented oftentimes makes you think and form an opinion of your own. I don't think you can say that about many other shows. I haven't caught all episodes of season 2, although I have seen most of them. Luckily, the sophomore season of the show doesn't let up a bit and is as entertaining as the first. I recommend Nip/Tuck to everyone who enjoys superbly written and acted dramas but is sick and tired of the same cops, lawyers, and doctors formats that are prevalent on network television. Lastly, be advised that this is not "The OC" or "Judging Amy". This show deals with disturbing subject matter, and is not afraid to graphically portray any of it.

I just finished watching season 2 reruns on F/X and am at last caught up with the show. I felt compelled to come back to IMDb and add a comment about the second season. In one word, this show is nothing short of amazing. Just when you think that it can't get any stranger or more outlandish, it hits you right between the eyes with subject matter that would make a sailor blush. On Nip/Tuck, truly NOTHING is off limits. Every facet of human behavior, no matter how deep and dark, is covered with such brutal honesty that you don't know whether to look or turn away. However, at least for me, turning away is nearly impossible. This show is an addiction, and I'm afraid that I'll go into withdrawal until season 3 comes out. When season 5 of The Sopranos ended I thought that nothing would be able to fill that void, until I started watching Nip/Tuck. Now I can honestly say that it is the best show on television, an absolute masterpiece in its own right. I may start sounding like a broken record, but I'll say once again...do yourself a big favor and rent Season 1 on DVD. Whether you love, or even hate, the show...I don't think you'll be disappointed.

It's sad to watch one of the best series in television self-destruct, but that's what has happened to NIP / TUCK over the last three seasons. Season One contained some of the finest moments in television history. While not as good, Season Two had many memorable moments. Even Seasons Three and Four had worthwhile performances. However, by Season Six, all of the main characters are so decadent, they've become unpleasant and, worse, boring. Christian, while always dis-likable, at least had some interesting demons. Sean, on the other hand, has become a whiny pedophile. Julia, the weakest of the leads, has now become a caricature, as has Matt. Sad to watch, but thanks for the memories. Also, PLEASE GO BACK TO Miami!!!

After a few years, I've finally finished the entire series of Nip/Tuck and it's a mixed bag. From season 1-2, you won't get one complaint out of me. The characters were complex, the writing superb, and the acting beyond stellar. We shouldn't care for confused, privileged Sean, Christian, and Julia, but somehow, we do. It's the writing and acting that take this far above your standard night time soap and into something far deeper and more meaningful. This is a show that has an awful lot to say and doesn't apologize for any of it.

The show reaches its pinnacle with the introduction and storyline of Ava Moore (a brilliant and sexy Famke Jansen). The Ava storyline, in fact, is so fascinating and unique that it ends up making everything that comes after it feel bland.

After a genuinely wicked season 2 cliffhanger, the show returns for season 3 and gets off to a rocky start with a confusing dream sequence, but after that, the show gets back to normal and is better than ever...until the reveal of the evil Carver. It's so dull and obvious from the get-go that you just have to sigh and hope for something better next season.

Unfortunately, season 4 is when the show really starts to fly off the rails. Season 4 amounts to what is basically a series of (fairly amusing) celebrity cameos. Everyone from Brooke Shields to Catherine Deneuve to Rosie O'Donnell shows up while our three leads suffer a series of dull story lines.

Season 5 has the show move out of Miami and to LA - the plastic surgery capital of the world. This sounds like it could be interesting, but by this point, it seemed like everyone - writers, directors, and actors - had checked out and were just there for the paycheck. Besides a creepy, unexpected turn by Sharon Gless, this entire season is truly unmemorable.

The rest of the series hits a series of depressing lows before it tries to redeem itself by bringing back fan favorite, Ava, for the final two episodes. Sadly, even that feels half-baked.

Basically, bask in the brilliance of season 1&2 (and they really ARE brilliant), give 3 a watch, and then call it a day.