Nip/Tuck

A mixed-bag hour that, in the parlance of the cosmetic-surgery world, could use a little work. [22 July 2003, p.E1]

The pilot is so packed with nauseating moments meant for shock value that only the most desperate of viewers will get to the second episode in search of something, well, a little less wince-inducing.

Nip/Tuck does not grab you like "The Shield," though, and does not ingratiate you to its quirky tone, like the network's comedy "Lucky." It's more artifice than art, and in everything from the performances to the dramatic contrivances, you can see the strain.

Lack of likable characters may be show’s downfall, though if future hourlongs focus on ethical and personal dilemmas rather than pile them on as occurs in the pilot, Nip/Tuck has some promise.

The show digs into the issues too quickly, and with too much intensity, and the drama suffers. [22 July 2003, p.E1]

Writer-director Murphy seems willing to do anything to startle viewers and introduce outrageous elements into the script, but as he pushes the envelope up, down, backwards and sideways, the characters become less and less believable. It becomes shock for shock's sake and, in addition, extremely overwrought, with lots of screamed accusations and lamentations.