CS Weekly Archive > DVD > 2/22/08

Compelling Evidence

by scott castle

Damages: The Complete First Season

Jeremy Doner, Mark Fish, Davey Holmes, Glenn Kessler, Todd A. Kessler, Willie Reale, Adam Stein, Aaron Zelman, and Daniel Zelman

Created by Sopranos alumnus Todd A. Kessler, along with brother Glenn Kessler and Fool’s Gold scribe Daniel Zelman, Damages continues the FX’s network’s agenda of exploring the anti-hero while expanding the limits of non-sequential storytelling.  The 13-episode debut season unfolds across two parallel timelines—one in which newly minted lawyer Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne) apprentices herself to cutthroat legal legend Patty Hurst (Glenn Close), and another six months later, after the aforementioned association has left Ellen as the suspect in her fiancé David Connor’s (Noah Bean) murder.  The successful execution of the dual-timeline structure, which is briefly joined by a third in the latter part of the season, is a triumph of plotting matched only by the realization of complicated and damaged characters that populate Patty’s class action suit against corporate malfeasant Arthur Frobisher (Ted Danson).  The writers’ skill for presenting one side of a character and then completely altering the viewer’s perception of them across the season is a trick not to be missed.  Commentary from the creators, a featurette on the show’s development, information on class action lawsuits, and a wealth of deleted material round out the excellent case.

Damages: The Complete First Season

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Not rated; 581 min.

$49.95

Buy it now

Scott Castle is one thesis shy of a master’s degree in film.  He’s written two short films, four television scripts, and a handful of short stories. He lives in Los Angeles.

Damages: The Complete First Season courtesy Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

From the Trenches
Working screenwriters discuss in their own words a particular aspect of screenwriting, from the mechanics of writing to the personal and professional impact that writing has had on their lives. > VIEW ARCHIVE

The Big Picture

Features that cover all aspects of screenwriting, from our "Seven Best" lists to analysis of old favorites and new classics. > VIEW ARCHIVE

Weekend Read
Film, book, web site and technology reviews from a writer’s perspective. How can these items help a writer on his or her journey, or make that journey more enjoyable? > VIEW ARCHIVE

DVD Review of the Day
DVD reviews from a writer’s point of view. What aspects of this script and features of this DVD illuminate the writing, development, and storytelling process? > VIEW ARCHIVE