Damages

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Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 156 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 135 out of 156
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 156
  3. Negative: 10 out of 156
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  1. MyReview123
    Sep 28, 2014
    10
    I really liked the show, but one thing about it made no snese.
    Patty Hewes was a bastard to work for.
    Tom and Ellen, worked for her, were treated like dirt, and had other offers from other law firms.
    SO WHY DIDN'T THEY QUIT AND GO TO WORK FOR THEM?
    I know this is only a tv show, fiction, but that part made no sense.
  2. thecritical1
    Oct 31, 2013
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. You can't really judge a show till it's over. This, along with the Sopranos are the finest examples of shows that would have rated very high were it not for the awful finales. But where the writers for the sopranos simply failed to do their job, these writers failed to do it well. Nothing bothers me more than plot holes and unfortunately the finale was riddled with them. The most outrageous of them being Patrick Scully, a man willing to testify in court for immunity in a weak case for attemted murder, doesn't hesitate to put himself in an open and shut case of second degree murder. Keeping in mind the man has never killed more than a dog before, i find it nearly impossible to believe. Also, Ellen not only doesn't turn in the woman who tried to have her killed but she gives up a promising career. Not one part of this finale made a bit of sense. It's like the writers just started smoking crack.… Expand
  3. Nordic
    Jun 26, 2013
    6
    I'm into season 3 but don't know if I want to continue. The constant Six Months Earlier and Six Months Later leaves me too confused, disconnected. Trying to follow the events has become a chore. Too bad because it's a sophisticated crime drama.
  4. drarthurwells
    Dec 21, 2012
    10
    This is an excellent series, though confusing at times with flash forwards as well as flashbacks. Glenn Close is superb as Patty Hewes, the focus of the show. The show focuses on the interplay of Hewes and her young protege Parsons. The personalities of these two and how they interact is at the core of the action focus of the show. Hewes is a cold, logical, realistic, cunning andThis is an excellent series, though confusing at times with flash forwards as well as flashbacks. Glenn Close is superb as Patty Hewes, the focus of the show. The show focuses on the interplay of Hewes and her young protege Parsons. The personalities of these two and how they interact is at the core of the action focus of the show. Hewes is a cold, logical, realistic, cunning and intelligent person whose focus is on achieving power and success at the cost of emotional relationships with others. Parsons admires Hewes and wants to emulate her success, but Parsons is more "normal" meaning emotionally involved with others and love relationships. Parsons tries to have it both ways, combining work success with love of others, but her failure in work is due to her emotion just as Hewes' success is due to her emotionless objectivity. The action is enough to attract the usual viewer, while the psychological aspects of the personalities are an added bonus for the viewer who can appreciate this.… Expand
  5. HankWhite
    Nov 14, 2012
    9
    now that I have watched the first three seasons I can say that this has to be one of the best acted shows out there. I am not a big fan of flashbacks but this show directors and writers have made flashback an art. Koodos to both lead women for carrying this show to the heights.
  6. orbit
    Aug 9, 2012
    10
    Glenn Close at her best. The rest of the cast is equally good, Rose Byrne is perfect for this role. One of the best show ever. Watch it! Watch it! Watch it!
  7. LouisLM
    Jul 12, 2012
    10
    Oh my where do I begin! This show is one of the best TV shows ever created. Amazing acting, brilliant writing and the directing and editing is very cinematic. This season was flawless and the pilot was the best hour of television I have seen in years. Let me mention that Glenn Close, the lead of this series is a legend and a phenomenal actress. She really makes the show what it is and isOh my where do I begin! This show is one of the best TV shows ever created. Amazing acting, brilliant writing and the directing and editing is very cinematic. This season was flawless and the pilot was the best hour of television I have seen in years. Let me mention that Glenn Close, the lead of this series is a legend and a phenomenal actress. She really makes the show what it is and is supported by the best cast of actors working today. The show really showed a genre we have never seen on television before, and it is called a legal thriller. We have read Grisham novels and similar books but we have never seen it on tv. You are in for a very satisfying ride!… Expand
  8. criticathome
    Feb 5, 2012
    10
    Given the cast, i expected acting at least. This series is so thin, and depends on so many tricks, it's maddening. Maybe just the frustration has kept me watching. Characters seesaw from naive to hard as nails and so far, the actors have a hard time knitting those extremes into believable characters. I imagine them saying "how am I going to get into this" and then giving up and justGiven the cast, i expected acting at least. This series is so thin, and depends on so many tricks, it's maddening. Maybe just the frustration has kept me watching. Characters seesaw from naive to hard as nails and so far, the actors have a hard time knitting those extremes into believable characters. I imagine them saying "how am I going to get into this" and then giving up and just reading the lines. The plot twists, bizarre as they are, get predictable because they repeat initial plot patterns. Disappointing.… Expand
  9. Sir_Poopo
    Jan 21, 2012
    7
    The best thing about this series is the story-telling method in which a small piece of the future is revealed at the beginning, and the rest of the season is spent doling out details in bits and pieces. Each episode leaves the viewer with a cliff-hanger ending ensuring your addiction. The cast is great; excellent acting values all around. The director's hand is invisible, and the writingThe best thing about this series is the story-telling method in which a small piece of the future is revealed at the beginning, and the rest of the season is spent doling out details in bits and pieces. Each episode leaves the viewer with a cliff-hanger ending ensuring your addiction. The cast is great; excellent acting values all around. The director's hand is invisible, and the writing is good. This show loses a few points for select weak moments at the hands of the lighting, hair, and costume design departments. From time to time interior and exterior lighting angles don't match creating that "something is not quite right but I can't put my finger on it" feeling. Hair and clothing are 95% right on with that occasional "my grandmother helped me with this" choice thrown in just to keep the viewer guessing. Big points lost for Zeljko Ivanek's horrible southern accent.… Expand
  10. cloperrin
    Sep 18, 2011
    10
    This show is genius. Each character equally deep and complex...and the plot just keeps getting better. I have a really hard time enjoying other dramatic tv shows as a result.
  11. MethylONE
    Sep 10, 2011
    10
    This is a great show. I have no idea why it was relegated to whatever network it's on now, but I guess they can go a little further with the sex and language now. Kind of puts it in the HBO or Showtime realm. It is creatively directed and very well acted. Those that write bad reviews clearly just don't get it.
  12. lauramol
    Aug 7, 2011
    9
    Great casting, acting and writing. Damages is smart, suspenseful and never fails to surprise. Television at its finest, has me hooked! Glenn Close and Rose Byrne provide strong leads. Even side characters seem fully developed as the show rarely introduces a new character without purpose. A great legal thriller where no one can be fully trusted.
  13. babaracas38
    Jun 28, 2011
    4
    Wow this show is overrated by dorks who don't get HBO or SHO. This is horribly derivative of The Devil's Advocate (entire scenes, small ones, but entire scenes are ripped off) and The Firm (the book more than the TomThetan abortion). It's still engrossing, but telegraphs deceit, etc way too far in advance. There have been dozens of movies and even a few tv shows that did the "playingWow this show is overrated by dorks who don't get HBO or SHO. This is horribly derivative of The Devil's Advocate (entire scenes, small ones, but entire scenes are ripped off) and The Firm (the book more than the TomThetan abortion). It's still engrossing, but telegraphs deceit, etc way too far in advance. There have been dozens of movies and even a few tv shows that did the "playing from ahead" conceit much better. Also, Glen Close's character is so far out there, it becomes less "love to hate" and more "how the ... is this remotely realistic?" Another crappy wanna be premium channel show from FX. Great job fox!… Expand
  14. Mykl
    Mar 20, 2011
    1
    Except for a couple of the tertiary characters, most of the performances are contrived. Many of the plot elements seem pointlessly oblique. I grew tired of being teased after 2 episodes when nothing seemed to be moving forward.

    Glenn Close's character seems bi-polar and not particularly believable. Ted Danson was ok. Many of the other main characters are just too cute. The graphic    Except for a couple of the tertiary characters, most of the performances are contrived. Many of the plot elements seem pointlessly oblique. I grew tired of being teased after 2 episodes when nothing seemed to be moving forward.

    Glenn Close's character seems bi-polar and not particularly believable. Ted Danson was ok. Many of the other main characters are just too cute.

    The graphic violence and drug use don't do anything to drive the story forward and in my opinion are a cop-out for the writers. I get that Patty (the main character) is slimy-- you don't have to murder a dog to make me believe that.    … Expand
  15. LonelyBoy1105
    Dec 14, 2010
    9
    Mesmerizing and simply perfect. The two leads Glenn Close and young Rose Byrne are the reason this show is so great. The non-linear narrative and the plot twists are cherry on the top. The best part, and the real reason why this show is so good is the reality this show is presented. Its scandalous and "trashy", thrilling and exiting all in the same time without using the "scandalous CWMesmerizing and simply perfect. The two leads Glenn Close and young Rose Byrne are the reason this show is so great. The non-linear narrative and the plot twists are cherry on the top. The best part, and the real reason why this show is so good is the reality this show is presented. Its scandalous and "trashy", thrilling and exiting all in the same time without using the "scandalous CW factor" (young sexy actors, sex and drugs, hot places and luxury) with only the strong acting ability of the cast. The show is not for everyone because its narrative is sometimes confusing and pointless if you don't pay attention, but that's not the reason this show isn't one of the best...… Expand
  16. amanr
    Jan 8, 2009
    9
    As the show advanced it became more interesting.
  17. MisterTelevision
    Sep 21, 2008
    2
    As Aeschylus would have said, "this blows." Bad writing, terrible casting, occasionally competent acting, really really really bad Southern accents. How this many good people can make something this bad is a mystery.
  18. LesD.
    Sep 2, 2008
    9
    Another great show!cant wait for season 2 payback's a bitch!!
  19. BebeB.
    Aug 9, 2008
    10
    good writing, excellent acting. I think Ted Danson is great and Glen Close riveting to watch.
  20. BarbaraM.
    Jun 12, 2008
    3
    Except for Ted Danson having the time of his life, and Glenn Close chewing up the scenery, all the other actors are clumsy, hammy and poorly cast, and in way over their heads.
  21. OliJ.
    Apr 8, 2008
    3
    Overblown.
  22. HowardR.
    Dec 29, 2007
    10
    Season 2 of "Damages" is a no brainier. Great writing ...music and cast. We need more of this in todays TV! We have a crew that meets at our home for the show with discussion afterwards....once you enter the room, no cellphones or mindless chatter...focused on the plot. Please make the second season happen..pay the writers what they deserve!!!!
  23. MartinS.
    Nov 28, 2007
    9
    It's almost too good for television.
  24. ChrisR.
    Nov 21, 2007
    10
    I did not watch tv until I saw the previews for this show-I have not stopped watching it.
  25. BetsyK.
    Oct 31, 2007
    10
    This had me from beginning to end. Glenn Close and all the others put on the best TV suspense I have seen for a long time. Please FX, go another season. The word is just getting out.
  26. EllenB.
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    Highly intelligent, fascinating characters and writing. Hope very much that it will be back next season. Love that nothing is ever as it seems!
  27. IsadoraP.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    This is the best series drama I have seen in years. Glenn Close and Ted Danson both deserve awards for their performances. I love shows that really get your brain going and make you think. Each and every time I thought I had it figured out, the ending always blew my theory out the window! I hope there is a second season!
  28. SandraJ.
    Oct 25, 2007
    10
    Love the show. Can't wait to watch it each week. I even watched the last episode twice to catch some nuances I missed the first time around. I hope FX picks it up for another season. The casting is excellent. Would love to see Ellen in action next season as she unravels more of the mystery.
  29. IreneM.
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    Hands down - best show on TV as we speak. Writing & acting - awesome. A bit challenging to watch all the complexities. Top Notch. Second Season - Yes!!! And that's from somebody who couldn't stand GC for the longest time. Her role in 'Shield' turned it all around for me. Am a big fan now.
  30. RisaD.
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    Excellent show. They left an opening for continuation (will Ellen catch Patti, did Frobisher really sustain a fatal wound, etc) Hmmm, I wonder.
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best TV Season of 2007
29
#29 Most Discussed TV Season of 2007
9
#9 Most Shared TV Season of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Nancy Franklin
    70
    The plot is difficult to follow - shot sequences, at least in the first two episodes, often pair sex and death (an FX trademark, practically; it’s the network that looks our animal selves in the eye), whether or not their pairing helps the story--but you’re strung along deftly enough so that you do want to know how it’s all going to play out.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    80
    Who's a villain and who's a hero here? Can you tell the pawns from the players? All excellent questions as we become absorbed in FX's latest thrill ride.
    Read full review
  3. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Nancy DeWolf Smith
    80
    Despite its fantastic nature, the story is an onion with a thousand layers, each one a satisfying mystery of its own.
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