2008 Woodie Awards
And the award goes to: Nip/Tuck
A star-studded guilty pleasure
Paul Bremer
Issue date: 11/20/07 Section: WEB EXTRAS
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I'm beginning to realize that a twisted pleasure is often derived from situations of discomfort or guilt. Take, for instance, dollar movie theaters. I frequented one particular movie house while living in Ohio because the $1.50 admission ticket was conducive to my starving college student financials. I didn't even mind that the films weren't current.
Yet, as with most bargains in life, there was a catch. The pocket money saved was an experience earned. Societal norms were pushed to the limits as it became evident that silence amongst the audience was not a requirement. The screen would often lose focus, sound would randomly cut out, and you would feel an intense urge to shower afterwards. But strangely enough, never did an unsophisticated, dirty trip to the theater have such a luster. It was an unexplainably enjoyable time.
That is precisely how I feel about the FX TV show Nip/Tuck. The plastic surgery soap opera has about as much class as a middle-aged woman in a velour track-suit, but I'm absolutely hooked. The show's frank and illicit depiction of sex and drugs makes the viewer feel so trashy but as though they are in on a fun and naughty little secret.
Nip/Tuck's preoccupation with x-rated antics frequently overshadows the plot's dramatic elements, but those who tune in don't seem to mind much. They are like moths drawn to a flame. They have no business there but are lured in by the heat.
Nip/Tuck has been oddly successful. Currently in its fifth season, the show has been a critical and commercial success for the FX channel. It received the 2005 Golden Globe Award for best television drama, and Entertainment Weekly writer Tim Stack said "this is the Nip/Tuck we've always hoped for," in response to the 0ct. 30 season premiere.
Possibly the most alluring quality of Nip/Tuck is its eclectic line-up of first-rate stars. The doctors' office has seen the likes of Brooke Shields, Joan Rivers and veteran actress Vanessa Redgrave. Possibly the most entertaining of all, however, was Rosie O'Donnell's three-episode stint last year as Dawn Budge, a lottery winning mother from the rough side of Pensacola's finest trailer park. And I have to give honorable mention to an unforgettable scene in which O'Donnell's character forks over the dough for a steamy rug-romp with Dr. Troy.
Apparently casting directors have the same taste in actresses as Ellen Degeneres has in love interests. Ex-Ellen lover Anne Heche guest starred last season as the wife of a mobster entering the witness protection program. She sees Dr. McNamara for a complete surgical makeover, rendering her unrecognizable. This season, McNamara gets another helping of Degeneres' sloppy seconds as blonde beauty Portia Di Rossi enters the ring. She portrays a lesbian who has swooned the doctor's ex- wife Julia. Not quite a stretch for the "versatile" actress, but an interesting turn of events no less.
I'll continue to watch the series as long as it's providing proper incentive. Nothing says quality television quite like serial rapists, neo-nazi's, transsexuals and life-sized blow up dolls. Furthermore, a little bird has informed me that a certain someone will be returning this season. Need a hint? Lets just say Donald Trump may not be tuning in for this one.
Yet, as with most bargains in life, there was a catch. The pocket money saved was an experience earned. Societal norms were pushed to the limits as it became evident that silence amongst the audience was not a requirement. The screen would often lose focus, sound would randomly cut out, and you would feel an intense urge to shower afterwards. But strangely enough, never did an unsophisticated, dirty trip to the theater have such a luster. It was an unexplainably enjoyable time.
That is precisely how I feel about the FX TV show Nip/Tuck. The plastic surgery soap opera has about as much class as a middle-aged woman in a velour track-suit, but I'm absolutely hooked. The show's frank and illicit depiction of sex and drugs makes the viewer feel so trashy but as though they are in on a fun and naughty little secret.
Nip/Tuck's preoccupation with x-rated antics frequently overshadows the plot's dramatic elements, but those who tune in don't seem to mind much. They are like moths drawn to a flame. They have no business there but are lured in by the heat.
Nip/Tuck has been oddly successful. Currently in its fifth season, the show has been a critical and commercial success for the FX channel. It received the 2005 Golden Globe Award for best television drama, and Entertainment Weekly writer Tim Stack said "this is the Nip/Tuck we've always hoped for," in response to the 0ct. 30 season premiere.
Possibly the most alluring quality of Nip/Tuck is its eclectic line-up of first-rate stars. The doctors' office has seen the likes of Brooke Shields, Joan Rivers and veteran actress Vanessa Redgrave. Possibly the most entertaining of all, however, was Rosie O'Donnell's three-episode stint last year as Dawn Budge, a lottery winning mother from the rough side of Pensacola's finest trailer park. And I have to give honorable mention to an unforgettable scene in which O'Donnell's character forks over the dough for a steamy rug-romp with Dr. Troy.
Apparently casting directors have the same taste in actresses as Ellen Degeneres has in love interests. Ex-Ellen lover Anne Heche guest starred last season as the wife of a mobster entering the witness protection program. She sees Dr. McNamara for a complete surgical makeover, rendering her unrecognizable. This season, McNamara gets another helping of Degeneres' sloppy seconds as blonde beauty Portia Di Rossi enters the ring. She portrays a lesbian who has swooned the doctor's ex- wife Julia. Not quite a stretch for the "versatile" actress, but an interesting turn of events no less.
I'll continue to watch the series as long as it's providing proper incentive. Nothing says quality television quite like serial rapists, neo-nazi's, transsexuals and life-sized blow up dolls. Furthermore, a little bird has informed me that a certain someone will be returning this season. Need a hint? Lets just say Donald Trump may not be tuning in for this one.
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