“Damages”

After viewing a preview of the first episode of “Damages,” the new FX show, which premieres on July 24 at 10pm, I was extremely impressed and excited. This show is very sophisticated and well written. The opening scene is quite startling, and from that moment on, you know you’re in for something that will hold your attention for as long as it lasts.

Patty Hewes of the powerful “Hewes & Associates” in New York City is played by Glenn Close. She is one of the country’s most hated litigators because she goes after what she wants and usually gets it by whatever means necessary – good or bad. Glenn is a fine actress and she does this part so well. She can be cutthroat and also seemingly sincere and actually sweet at times, but those times she always has a reason behind her actions. She will do absolutely anything it takes to get what she wants and screw the consequences. I loved seeing her smiling at someone and looking so beautiful and serene and yet knowing that something terrible might happen as a result of that one scene.

Patty is working a class action lawsuit against Arthur Frobisher (Ted Danson) who is an extremely wealthy CEO. Patty would like to personally destroy him and also bankrupt him. Frobisher is a cruel man and will do just about anything to win his case. He’s just as ruthless as Patty and even more frightening in a way . . . and yet Patty is pretty frightening.

Young attorney Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne) is picked by Patty to be a first-year Associate at the firm which will drastically change both their lives. She goes in wide-eyed and eager, gradually becoming aware of what is actually doing down. Tom Shayes (Tate Donovan) is Patty’s Senior Associate and shows Ellen the ropes and how things are done. Frobisher’s attorney, Ray Fiske, is played by Zeljko Ivanek whom I have seen many times playing an attorney, district attorney and even a judge. He does his part very well. There are many other characters that will be showing up more as time goes on.

I have been looking forward to this show for quite a while and was not disappointed by what I saw. I see no reason why it won’t be a big hit and very successful. Things are happening all the time, and some are completely unexpected and come with a jolt. This will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I can’t say enough good things about Glenn Close. She is so beautiful and seems to act so effortlessly, it’s a joy to watch her even though you know she’s up to no good. I loved her in “Fatal Attraction” and even wanted her frizzy hair. It is sheer joy watching her act. This show should be a winner!