The Deuce

Overall, The Deuce formulates an intoxicating anthropology, characterized in equal measure by both possibility and sentimentality.

Each narrative strand works to prove a point and tell an intriguing story, and yet for as compelling--and complicated--as the Martino brothers’ lives remain, all of their hustle and bustle pales in comparison to the work done by Maggie Gyllenhaal. ... Gyllenhaal handles every aspect of Eileen with an earned authenticity.

An evolutionary season. ... This is a major work, flaws and all, an examination of porn that's really an exploration of economic disruption. [31 Aug 2018, p.44]

Female characters are now taking center stage, both in the show and in their own lives. Seizing that agency doesn’t come easily, of course, but it’s their struggle for it and even just their awakening to its possibility that it is gratifying to watch. ... The empowerment of these women makes the show’s study of masculinity all the richer, complicating the pimp characters and the work of their performers. ... A highlight of this fall’s dizzying TV lineup.

Simon and Pelecanos seem to have hit their stride with this particular story, expertly balancing character-driven storytelling with a wide-angle view of the social, economic, political, cultural, sexual, and gendered dynamics of the era. As before, authenticity and accuracy reign supreme; as before, the era and area are both drawn so vividly you almost can’t help but conjure up the smell. But the series feels newly relevant and resonant, and that’s the cleverest trick the show pulls.

The Deuce, with its brilliant writing, immersive atmosphere and uncommonly excellent acting, is exploring 1977. The four episodes that HBO sent for review reflect a more personal and interesting storyline for Gyllenhaal's Candy.

Simply on the merits of its frank, thoughtful storytelling and acting, it’s a perfectly fine riff on the wages of sin back in the day.

This new batch of episodes feels lighter--or at least has a lighter touch--than most of season one, though it doesn’t stay in that mode forever. A lot of the writing has the moment-to-moment exactness of a comedy of manners, or a casual conversation between veterans of the same business. (The Wire and Treme also excelled at those sorts of interactions.)

A fascinating, high-class and timely drama, situated during the formative days of modern pornography but -- as filtered through that prism -- with a lot to say about where we are now.

Even as it has softened visually just a little, (though it’s dialogue is a crackling as ever), the show has certainly not lost its edge.

I cannot deny that Franco is a wonderful performer; he always has been...But his presence is not good for The Deuce. It seems to be a betrayal of the show’s characters—or a misunderstanding of its central appeal—to continue to double-bill him in the drama.