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Episode Recap: "Damien Sands"
After weeks of dark-themed episodes, it was a pleasant diversion to watch this "Nip/Tuck special event," as the promos announced. If any show can make fun of itself via a copycat reality-show version, it's this one. I loved that it started and ended like a regular episode, but that the entire, approximately 40-minute middle portion was the reality-show replica called "Plastic Fantastic." And yes, I thought it was fantastic. Fantastically hilarious, that is. Did you notice that there was no sight of Matt and Kimber? Their "Debbie Downer" storyline was obviously unwelcome this week. But back to "Plastic Fantastic." It was no surprise at all that Christian was the one to be enthusiastic about doing the reality version of their lives and not Sean. Christian hates being in Sean's shadow and apparently has never heard of Dr. 90210.
Before I point out the highlights of this episode, let me first say that I am glad the fictitious network that was considering picking up "Plastic Fantastic" decided against it due to poor focus-group test results. I enjoyed watching this parody because it was a welcome change, but like the test-takers, I wouldn't want to watch on a weekly basis. When the reality show first began, I was kind of bored since it felt like watching an introductory infomercial about Nip/Tuck on DVD that was focused on getting new viewers to the show. But as soon as Christian added the needed conflict that a good reality show must have, I started getting into it.
Now, on to the countdown... I mean, the highlights:
• It was expertly written and directed by Nip/Tuck veterans Hank Chilton and Charles Haid, respectively. They obviously did their homework, since "Plastic Fantastic" looked and sounded like a real reality show, and they showed just how real — or rather unreal — reality shows really are. Really.
• Speaking of the writing, how timely/ironic for the script to include a line in reference to reality shows being cheap to produce (Christian to Sean): "No overpriced writers."
• It was pretty funny watching Christian and Sean argue about who started their signature opener: "Tell me what you don't like about yourself." While I'm mentioning openers, how awesome was the "Plastic Fantastic" show open?
• The acting VIPs, at least when it came to the regulars, were definitely Roma Maffia's Liz and Joely Richardson's Julia. I felt that they did the very best when it came to pouring on the schmaltz. Several of their scenes were like watching an average episode of Surreal Life.
• Didn't you all assume Christian lied about Liz and Olivia kissing just to create conflict? I did, especially after Liz said to Julia about Olivia: "We're friends, Julia. You might not have gotten the handbook yet, but two lesbians can be just friends."
• I was happy they included Nurse Linda in the reality show and that she admitted the only reason she came to L.A. with them was the big bucks they paid her.
• For sure, the best guest star was the fabulous Leslie Grossman as Fiona's junior publicist, Bliss Berger. I know Leslie was on What I Like About You for years, but what I really liked about her was her portrayal of Mary Cherry on Popular. Brilliant. I knew she'd kick ass as the appropriately named Bliss, the reality-show junkie whose most recent favorite show was Hey Paula, the show "where they spend every episode convincing us that Paula Abdul's just tired."
• The cameo by Tiffany "New York" Pollard as herself — the perfect person to give Christian tips on how to do a reality show, as suggested by Bliss. Bliss was also the genius who came up with the hidden cameras, which is what made "Plastic Fantastic" more fun to watch. Best Bliss line: "Three lesbians fighting over their turf is ratings gold!" Another doozie, after she told Christian and Sean that Fiona was unavailable: "Sean Penn just got back from Iraq — she's got damage control." One more (after she gave them the focus-group results and quoted one of the test-takers): "This show jumped the shark five minutes into the pilot."
• Back to Ms. New York, did you notice that FX aired a promo for I Love New York 2 right after her scene? But that show is on VH1. I can't imagine that cross promotion happening on network TV.
• As for their patients, it was nice to see daytime staple Ian Buchanan back in primetime as Damien Sands, male prostitute (say that like Dan Aykroyd used to on SNL). How interesting for closet hooker Christian to refer to male escorts as "far down on the list" of society's professions. Great escort-to-escort exchange from veteran Damien to newby Christian: "Will I be seeing you on the playing field?"
• Best dialogue between Sean and Christian (after Christian accused Sean of being obsessed with the cameras): "I wouldn't be surprised if I turned on the TV next year and found you on Celebrity Fit Club." Sean: "I am not fat! I'm in terrific shape!"
• Best line from Christian to Liz: "Despite your flaws — and you have many, trust me — you're still a very cute little cupcake."
• Good thing Olivia and Julia made that agreement: No more Olivia kissing Liz and no more Julia sleeping with Christian.
• It was about time we got to see a softer side of Eden, not that I can believe that she even has a softer side. But at least they gave AnnaLynne McCord a different emotion to play with rather than raving beeyotch. We all knew she wouldn't last six weeks in rehab when she wasn't supposed to be there in the first place. I bet a lot of you were pleased when she declared: "They attacked me in rehab!" Eden's new punishment: She has to go to public school. Oh, the injustice.
One lowlight:
• That tender moment/quick makeout session between Sean and Eden towards the end. Yes, it's inevitable that Sean is going to sleep with her soon, but I hope he gets it out of his system, so to speak, and then moves on... to someone who's not half his age. Best line of Eden's: "Pretty much everybody wants me to go to hell." Not hell, Eden. Just off this show.
Let me know if you enjoyed "Plastic Fantastic" like I did and if you agree that having it be a "one-time only" occurrence was a smart decision. "Hearts 'N Scalpels"? Now that (in small doses) I can visit more often. "Plastic Fantastic"? Not so much.
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Dec 5, 2007 3:02 AM
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The "Plastic Fantastic" had me rolling. I loved it I couldnt stop laughing during the entire thing. The other part that me in stiches was Nurse Linda and her reasonings for being out in LA "These people are just crazy".
I also thought that Christian made up the story about Liz and Olivia. But I had no idea that it was the truth.
I just like to add....that I aboutly do not like New York.
As to Eden, I think she did that to herself. I do not want Sean to sleep with that beeyotch. I almost threw up when he kissed her. But when it does happens I will make sure Ill cover my eyes .....I don't want to be grossed out again.
It was good too see Ian Buchanan....I loved him on General Hospital.
Finally, it was a smart decision to make "Plastic Fantastic" a one time deal. Just like they did with Hearts and Scalpels.
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Dec 5, 2007 4:57 AM
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Did anyone else get the impression that when Leslie Grossman was reading the comments people made it was referencing how Nip/Tuck was first received when it came on? I really do love NEW YORK and I was glad she made a cameo but I was expecting a little more. I thought she'd end up being a client of theirs considering nothing about her is real anyway. What's a little more cosmetic surgery? And I was really hoping Sean wouldn't end up screwing around with Eden the first time she reveals a nicer side. At least wait to see if its all a ploy just to get in your pants again! That guy caved way too easily to a girl who was an evil B just a few hours earlier.
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Dec 5, 2007 8:57 AM
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Yes, this episode was better than the past few. Why? No Matt and Kimber. And also because it had lots of the Christian/Sean dynamic and their enormous egos. That's what makes the show work!
Great to see more of Liz - another great character who gets too little screen time. I don't like Julia - I never have. Keep Olivia and send Julia back to NY.
It IS inevitable that Sean will sleep with Eden, especially now that she has been "humanized a bit. Let's get it over with and move on to a truly interesting plotline.1
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Dec 5, 2007 9:11 AM
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Funny, my co-worker and I had the same reaction--boring! Plastic Fantastic is great IF you have insomnia, as it is the perfect drug to lull you to na-na land. The question I have is, why did you deviate from a working format? I have one word to describe what I saw, chessey. This episode was a HUGE dissapointment.Granted there were a few crumbs that allude to potential tense storylines but not enough so that I wanted more. For the first time ever I could not wait until the episode ended, as I want the show to do what it does best, give us the viewers/fans a reason to stop everything on Tuesday night and watch Nip/Tuck. I want the show to always make me think, "how far will they go? how hot is the fire?" This week, nope did not do that whatsover. I hope next week will give me the fix I need. Show me Christian in some depraved sex act or Kimber ripping up the carpet looking for money to buy drugs but DO NOT give me anymore Plastic Fantastic!
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Dec 5, 2007 10:19 AM
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I did enjoy the Plastic Fantastic episode, but I would only enjoy it once.
I think it is hilarious that Christian is so jealous of Sean now. I'm glad he's getting a taste of his own medicine.
I did realize there was no Matt and Kimber, but as soon as I saw the previews last week I had a feeling they wouldn't be on the reality show.
I am glad that Eden has finally shown a softer side, but I cringed when Sean kissed her. I was so hoping he wouldn't go there. I hate to see men dating girls young enough to be their daughter.
I loved seeing New York on there, but I admit I had already seen her scenes on her reality show I Love New York 2.
All in all great episode looking forward to getting things back to normal next week.
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Dec 5, 2007 12:18 PM
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Enjoyed the show. It was great fun. Like others, RE: Eden I can only HOPE that they have learned their lesson from season-long antagonists (The Carver and that dreadful Michelle/James story from last year): They get boring awfully fast. If this tart sticks around too much longer, I'll be signing myself out as a viewer.
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Dec 5, 2007 2:19 PM
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I loved the episode and I also loved seeing a more human version of Eden. Not sure if I like what Sean and her are inevitably going to do, but whatever!
I have one word to describe what I saw, chessey
I'm not sure what "chessey" means? If you are basing your thoughts on one word - you might want to make sure you spell it correctly!
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Dec 5, 2007 2:44 PM
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Worst. Episode. Ever. I had such high hopes when this show moved to LA, but all we've had so far is a dueling Marilyn's, an icky pedophile storyline with Eden, a hot tub full of feces, and a lesbian dalliance. After last night I looked at my room mate and said, "I guess we can take this show off TiVo because it has now officially jumped the shark."
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Dec 5, 2007 3:07 PM
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jumped the shark
Hate to disagree but I will. This season has been a totally refreshing new approach for Nip/Tuck and I for one love every minute of it!
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Dec 5, 2007 4:01 PM
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Loving this season, I think moving to LA was a fantastic choice - it's been a breath of fresh air for the show. "Plastic Fantastic" was great - the opener was exactly like "Dr. 90210"! (Uh...not that I watch it or anything, hehe)Still, I too am glad it wasn't picked up. The X-Files did a similar thing, a reality episode where Mulder and Scully were featured on "Cops." It's a fun format to visit, but you wouldn't wanna live there. Anyone with eyes could see the Sean/Eden kiss coming from 10 miles away, but I definitely hope Sean gets some of that self-control he's always needed so badly and kicks her to the curb. Trouble. And what about that ending?? I think he knows Eden wasn't lying about Christian and Julia, it's only a matter of time until that comes back to bite everyone in the ass.
Anyone else think Sean should wear those glasses all the time? He looks damn good in them.
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Dec 5, 2007 4:45 PM
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Did anyone else not put it past Eden to have abused herself in order to get out of rehab?
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Dec 5, 2007 6:03 PM
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Eden is one of the more interesting story lines going right now, I think. I love her being sweet. Go for it, Christian.. and it is far from being a pedophile.. She is a young, but grown woman who needs some real love! With a Mom like hers, who wouldn't be a bit mixed up!
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Dec 6, 2007 2:21 AM
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I'm surprise no one mentioned this. Leslie Grossman actually reprised the character she played a patient on Nip/Tuck a few years ago. She was a woman who had lost a lot of weight and needed to have the waddle (skin from her under-upper arms) removed before she met, in person, a man with whom she fell in love over the internet. I love that they'd bring back the same character and not just have her play someone else...
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Dec 6, 2007 9:57 AM
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One of the worst!
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Dec 6, 2007 10:53 AM
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