SYNOPSIS
The first half of this season of Nip/Tuck ended with a cliffhanger. Sean McNamara was stabbed multiple times by his former would-be theatrical agent (Sharon Gless).
In this eight (8)episode second half, we see that he has survived the attack and, after a couple of episodes in a wheelchair, is back at work.
His partner, Christian Troy (Julian McMahon), has his own personal problem. Diagnosed with breast cancer, he turns to his lesbian anesthesiologist Liz (Roma Maffia) for emotional support, but that “support” soon develops into something extraordinary.
The series continues to explore the dysfunctional lives of ace plastic surgeons McNamara and Troy, as they deal with even more dysfunctional patients (e.g. vampires) and a couple of crazy fellow physicians.
CRITIQUE
Nip/Tuck remains a trashy soap opera that deals with many delicate, very personal areas that have remained untouched by most other television series, cable or otherwise.
Unfortunately, with one possible exception, the regular characters on this series have become rather unlikable. It’s difficult to care about them any longer. Rhe one that we do like (i.e. Liz), is a supporting player, but series is not really about her.
McNamara and Troy remain the central focus of the series, as they should be, but now the once sympathetic partner (McNamara) has becomes as hedonistic as his colleague. Both men have let their little head take control of their big head with disastrous results.
The acting on the series is still okay, but the writers seem to have run out of fresh ideas. Do all the patients have to be total whackos, like the vampires or gal who walks into the McNamara/Troy reception room and uses an electric knife to cut off her breasts?
The new doctors who come to work for the firm are even worse. A couple of seasons back, the guys had a serial disfigurer working for them. This season, they not only have a surgeon who enjoys sex with inanimate objects, but also a new anesthesiologist who uses gas to kill her lovers.
Whatever happened to background checks?
Nip/Tuck was once a fine show with good imaginative writing and well-rounded characters. Now, it almost appears to be a parody of itself.
This second volume consists of the final 8 episodes of the Fifth Season on 3 discs.
Disc 1:
5x14 - Ronnie Chase
5x16 - Gene Shelly
5x17 - Roxy St. James
Disc 2:
5x18 - Ricky Wells
5x19 - Manny Skerritt
5x20 - Budi Sabri
Disc 3:
5x21 - Allegra Calderello
5x22 - Giselle Blaylock & Legend Chandler
THE VIDEO
The widescreen picture is broadcast sharp. There are no noticeable flaws.
THE AUDIO
The Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound is excellent.
THE EXTRAS
The only special feature is the Nip/Tuck: The Science of Beauty featurette.
FINAL THOUGHT
This series seems to have run its course. The repetitive stories and the characters are no longer very interesting.
Additional Links:
Nip/Tuck - The Complete First Season DVD Review
Nip/Tuck - The Complete Second Season DVD Review
Nip/Tuck - Season Five, Part One
